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.
Getting the Set Up Right
While many questions will come to mind as you begin planning, there should be one main question that overrides all others. Ask yourself where your subject is focusing. As you consider this question, you'll be able to appropriately use flash. If the focus is outside of the frame, you'll need flash. If the focus of your subject is within the frame, there will be no 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.
Unexpected Backlighting
Backlighting can occur when you least expect it to. If you are shooting a special event and find that during your group photo, the lighting changes every minute as the sun is setting, you may soon find yourself in a backlighting environment. By utilizing your flash, you'll be able to rescue the day, but you may be pleasantly surprised by the results you have with natural backlighting!
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.
Getting the Set Up Right
While many questions will come to mind as you begin planning, there should be one main question that overrides all others. Ask yourself where your subject is focusing. As you consider this question, you'll be able to appropriately use flash. If the focus is outside of the frame, you'll need flash. If the focus of your subject is within the frame, there will be no 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.
Unexpected Backlighting
Backlighting can occur when you least expect it to. If you are shooting a special event and find that during your group photo, the lighting changes every minute as the sun is setting, you may soon find yourself in a backlighting environment. By utilizing your flash, you'll be able to rescue the day, but you may be pleasantly surprised by the results you have with natural backlighting!
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