On Light 3

The next type of light we will look at is back-lighting.

Back-light is basically any light that is coming directly towards you, with the subject in between. It may surround the edges of the subject, or filter through it, but either way, back-lighting adds a level of strength to light that is often in contrast to the lack-lustre or contrast-less direct light striking the subject on the other or facing side.

The light beams are a result of back lighting. The strong light needs to be diffused by the subject,s edge, creating the contrasting effect.

The light beams are a result of back lighting. The strong light needs to be diffused by the subject,s edge, creating the contrasting effect.

This is doubly effected light, diffused by the internal environment, then lighting the window from behind.

This is doubly effected light, diffused by the internal environment, then lighting the window from behind.

Very late afternoon back light has given this image brilliance, in stark contract to the darkness around it.

Very late afternoon back light has given this image brilliance, in stark contract to the darkness around it.

The natural filter of back-lighting renders, makes details powerful, without washing out the natural colour of the subject.

The natural filter of back-lighting renders, makes details powerful, without washing out the natural colour of the subject.

The silhouette created here by the back-lit glass adds strength and mystery to the image.

The silhouette created here by the back-lit glass adds strength and mystery to the image.

Often a cause for some photographic trouble shooting, back-lighting is an ideal fix for otherwise ordinary or flat lighting situations.