How to Make a Waving Hand Shadow

Instructions

1. Open the whole hand: Stretch all five digits long so nothing is curled into the palm.
2. Separate the fingers a little: Leave a small gap between each finger so the silhouette looks lively instead of like a mitten.
3. Let the thumb swing out naturally: Keep it open from the palm, but not so far that it looks rigid.
4. Turn the palm toward the light: Start with a clean palmar view first, then test the other angles once the shape is steady.
5. Add the wave with the wrist: A gentle side-to-side wrist motion sells the gesture more clearly than wiggling each finger.

Make it read clearly

• Keep the fingertips long and soft rather than locked stiff.
• If two fingers merge in the shadow, spread them a touch more.
• A slow hello wave usually reads better than a fast shake.