While backlighting is sometimes overlooked in photography outside of the portrait setting, it is nonetheless an important skill that can enhance many of your creative photographic endeavors. While it can be used in a variety of different ways, it is an excellent way to showcase your subject. With options such as hair lighting, transparency of fabrics, or classic silhouettes, you can produce some rather stunning results in several types of photographs.
Since backlighting is simply placing lighting behind your subject, do not make the mistake that this task is simple. With some careful planning prior to shooting, you can avoid most common backlighting mistakes. A few seconds of preparation can make a lasting impression and definitely is worth your consideration.
Setting Up Your Backlighting
Although several questions will inevitably surface during the planning process, you'll want to keep one question at the forefront of your mind. That question is whether or not the focus of your subject is within or outside of the frame. If the focus is within, you'll have no need for flash. However, if you find the focus of your subject to be outside of the frame of your image, you'll more than likely need to use flash.
Once you've decided about the flash, you can begin to think about composition and exposure. For composition, the rule of thirds will work well, but exposure will depend mostly on the type of lighting available. The brighter the light, the shorter your exposure time will be. This means that the harsher or brighter your light, the faster your shutter speed should be.
Unplanned Occurrences
Sometimes, backlighting can happen when you least expect it. Perhaps you're shooting people at an outdoor wedding, reception event, or birthday party. If your angle in relation to the subject and the sun's current position constantly changes with every minute, you might find yourself with backlighting before you know it. When this happens, have your flash ready. You'll know when it's time to use the flash by paying attention to shadows on the ground. If a person's shadow moves towards you, it's time to use your flash, but make sure that you have it set so you can enable your flash seamlessly. Then, you're ready to take advantage of the natural backlighting and may be pleasantly surprised by your results!
Since backlighting is simply placing lighting behind your subject, do not make the mistake that this task is simple. With some careful planning prior to shooting, you can avoid most common backlighting mistakes. A few seconds of preparation can make a lasting impression and definitely is worth your consideration.
Setting Up Your Backlighting
Although several questions will inevitably surface during the planning process, you'll want to keep one question at the forefront of your mind. That question is whether or not the focus of your subject is within or outside of the frame. If the focus is within, you'll have no need for flash. However, if you find the focus of your subject to be outside of the frame of your image, you'll more than likely need to use flash.
Once you've decided about the flash, you can begin to think about composition and exposure. For composition, the rule of thirds will work well, but exposure will depend mostly on the type of lighting available. The brighter the light, the shorter your exposure time will be. This means that the harsher or brighter your light, the faster your shutter speed should be.
Unplanned Occurrences
Sometimes, backlighting can happen when you least expect it. Perhaps you're shooting people at an outdoor wedding, reception event, or birthday party. If your angle in relation to the subject and the sun's current position constantly changes with every minute, you might find yourself with backlighting before you know it. When this happens, have your flash ready. You'll know when it's time to use the flash by paying attention to shadows on the ground. If a person's shadow moves towards you, it's time to use your flash, but make sure that you have it set so you can enable your flash seamlessly. Then, you're ready to take advantage of the natural backlighting and may be pleasantly surprised by your results!