Portraits are one of photography’s biggest challenges, because they involve so many different considerations. Of course, one of these is the lighting you’re working with: we all know that a stunning image has so much to do with the lighting used, but it’s important to get to grips with working consciously and deliberately with specific types of light. This is perhaps particularly true when it comes to portraits, precisely because you need to be able to free yourself up to interact successfully with the subject, helping to guide them in terms of posing and expression.
Backlighting is one of the most beautiful and striking manifestations of light, providing you as the photographer with many different opportunities to create artistic and creative images. It’s not without its challenges, of course, and these will depend on the precise effects that you’re seeking to achieve.
Over the next few pages you’ll discover how to create dramatic portraits using backlight as your key inspiration – from working in the studio to going out on location, and from working with natural light to using flash. As well as the all-important shooting techniques, you’ll also discover how some judicious editing can make a big difference to your final results.
WORK WITH THE SUN
Master this essential skill for great backlit portraits
This story is from the October 01, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 01, 2020 edition of Photography week.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS
James Paterson reveals how he captures stunningly colourful sunsets by using this secret weapon
ABSTRACT PORTRAITS
Mike Harris shows you how to use slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to capture a series of motion-blur portraits
BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES
A final hit of inspiraton: Ocean Photographer of the Year reveals stunning winning photos
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN
James Abbott reveals the secrets to capturing amazing images during the most eye-catching season of the year
CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER
The Selphy QX20 is ideal for quickly printing your smartphone snaps on the go
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot