Photographer Kelvin Wright invites us to explore the captivating technique of backlit photography. By positioning the primary light source behind your subject, you can create dramatic contrasts, intriguing silhouettes, and a sense of depth that transforms ordinary scenes into extraordinary visuals.
Tips for capturing stunning backlit images:
- Position your subject thoughtfully:
- Place your subject between the camera and the light source, such as the sun or a bright window.
- Adjust your angle to control the amount of light entering the lens.
- Adjust your exposure:
- Backlit scenes can trick your camera's meter. Manually adjust the exposure to prevent your subject from appearing too dark.
- Slight overexposure can help bring out details in the shadows.
- Use a lens hood:
- Minimise unwanted lens flare unless you're aiming for a creative effect.
- Experiment with silhouettes:
- Let your subject appear as a dark shape against a bright background for a striking visual impact.
- Shoot during golden hours:
- Sunrise and sunset provide soft, warm light that's ideal for backlighting.
- Mind your focus:
- Backlighting can confuse autofocus systems. Switch to manual focus to ensure sharpness.
Backlit photography offers a unique way to play with light and shadow, adding depth and emotion to your images. Explore this technique and see how it can bring a new dimension to your work.
