In simple terms, back lighting can be explained as when the light source is in front of you, lighting the back of your subject.
Typically, to get the best light on the subject we follow Front lit photo scenario where light source is behind the camera.
In Backlit images the scenario is changed, and the light source is behind the subject.
This is what shooting into Light is to create Backlit images. It’s a bit tricky and challenging in terms of controlling exposure and controlling focus.
Take a look at the following front lit image Stripes on a Walk where the photographer positioned the camera so the light source (i.e sun) is behind the camera. The subject is beautifully lit and the camera captures the light being reflected from the subject. It looks absolutely amazing, crisp and clear.
Now, take a look at following backlit image where the photographer positioned the camera so as the light source (i.e sun) is behind the subject instead of the camera as in the front lit image.
As you can see in backlit image, the light is more dramatic, highlighting the outline of the subject.
Controlling Exposure
When shooting into the light one can control the exposure to get three flavours of images
- Backlit image – Subject is decently exposed with all the details. May or may not require to under expose.
- Silhouette image – When background the has more light and the image is exposed according to background the subject is very dark, emphasizing shape of the subject. One way is to Meter according to background or under exposing.
- Rim Lighting image – When the background is relatively dark and the outline of the subject is highlighted due to light bending at the fur. A bit of under exposing will be needed.
Controlling Focus
Mostly when you shoot into the light, the camera auto focus system struggles due to lack of contrast (not able to find edges). Mostly all focusing mechanisms works best when there is contrast. So one might need to switch to manual focus.
Though, back lighting can be tried at any time of the day, but shooting into the midday sun means the light is coming from a high angle which will not create the effect we are after. Shooting earlier, or later, in the day when the sun is close to the horizon is the optimal time. This time of day is also known as the golden hour and will create beautiful light with low contrast levels perfect for back lighting.
