Photography Tips - Backlight: shooting into the light (P1)

Shooting against the light or 'Backlighting' as it's also called is probably the opposite of what you've been told about lighting. When I was learning everyone said to keep the light behind me - probably over my left shoulder. But some of the most interesting photos with the most dramatic lighting are taken against the light. I know it sounds nuts but you shoot against the light whenever you take a photo of a sunset!

So why does shooting against the light look good? With light coming towards the camera it creates shadows on the camera side of whatever you're photographing. If it's a person their face will be in their own shadow so the light will be even. If you're photographing something with texture, the shadows coming towards the camera will make the textures stand out. And in both cases there will be what's called a rim light around your subject.

Mike Browne

[prakashtailor]

Hi Mike. I have watched so many of your videos and they are absolutely essential in view. I have been doing photography for 6 years but I am still picking up tips from your video. Keep it up

[GenaChiasson]

Thank you so much for this information! Will think of this the next time I photograph subjects in the sunlight!

[arto.nal]

Hey Mike you are the real photographer, keep on doin so good, it seems you dont hide any secrets you know, longer you keep on sharing your photography secrets more popular you will get, greetings from greece

[cyrilstheone]

Love the way you explain everything and make it simple and clear.

[GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

I just tried this tip today and I photographed the best image that I have ever captured in my life!!

Thank you for sharing your knowledge, and I ill be purchasing your 7 Building Blocks soon!

[MikeBrowne]

Pleasure. I use both. No reason - they do the same job. It just depends on how I feel like doing it.

[Grrr]

Mike Browne ! you are really a wonderful photographer and a teacher, you explains things so nicely and in detail.

[MikeBrowne]

Thank you. Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[MikeBrowne]

Thank you PATRICK. I've been pointing my camera at hundreds of sunsets for years and it's never done mine any harm :-)

[MikeBrowne]

Thank you prakashtailor. Please help us spread the word and grow the community by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing our videos and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[drawgraphicchannel]

Thank you so much for this tuts. May God bless you.

[edgarbarlis]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge in photography...

[MikeBrowne]

Hi. It can be tricky because the camera can be fooled because it won't know where to expose for unless you tell it. Have a look at our 'exposure' playlist which will explain all.

[alannorthdevonuk]

Somehow I missed this video, an absolute gem. Thank you.

[MikeBrowne]

I use evaluative and adjust exposure as necessary to make the image as light or dark as I want it.

[MikeBrowne]

Hmm - good question. I don't know the answer to this for certain because I don't often use bridge cameras, but I don't think so. If you're worries about it I suggest you check with a camera repairer or manufacturer. Sorry not to be more help. - Mike

[butmay]

This video is absolutely amazing. It has made my day!!!!

[yujinlandscapephotography.]

I like, interesting this tutorial tips. Thank! Mike.

[DeanWall]

Yep, Its my go to beach walk, Winter or Summer. The inn is a bonus.

[tocgirl]

Hi Mike ;) i've watched a few of your video's & i just want to say thank you for taking the time to make them and throwing them up ;) i'm new to photography and i've learnt so much by watching your youtubes, playing around making mistakes, learning from them ;) and i occasionally get a great photo ;) lol I live in Switzerland and i hope one day i get to join you on a workshop in Swiss when im a bit better and not so butter fingers