Backlit photography can transform ordinary scenes into striking images filled with depth and color. In a recent video, photographer Castein outlines three effective techniques for harnessing backlighting, enabling photographers to create stunning visuals with people, architecture, and landscapes. This guide is essential for anyone looking to improve their photographic skills without struggling with exposure challenges.
One of the first methods Castein demonstrates is the off-axis backlit setup, often referred to as the edge line look. This technique involves positioning the light source behind the subject but slightly to the side, rather than directly in the frame. By adjusting the angle towards a darker section of the sky, photographers can maintain a backlit effect while avoiding harsh highlights around the sun. This approach preserves the glowing rim of light, enhances mood and color, and results in a more manageable background for exposure. Photographers can either operate in manual mode or utilize aperture priority settings to achieve reliable results without the complications of extreme contrast.
In the video, Castein progresses to a direct sun setup, where the sun is almost within the frame. Here, he advises against complex camera adjustments. Instead, he recommends taking two separate shots in manual mode—one exposed for the sky and the other for the subject. This method allows photographers to maintain consistent settings, adjusting only shutter speed or ISO. By merging these two images using software like Adobe Lightroom, photographers can retain highlight colors in the sky while keeping important details in the subject area. This technique effectively avoids the washed-out appearance that often plagues backlit shots.
The most insightful part of the video comes when Castein discusses scenarios where traditional bracketing may not suffice due to excessive brightness. He suggests breaking a common rule by intentionally allowing highlights to blow out. This technique is particularly useful during midday shoots, where the blue sky might clash with skin tones or clothing. By permitting certain areas to clip, photographers can create cleaner, simpler backgrounds that lend a more modern feel to their images, contrasting with the overly harsh look that can occur when attempting to overpower the sun.
Castein also explores techniques relevant to night photography, where city lights and street lamps create high-contrast situations. He recommends underexposing images by half to one stop to preserve the color of bright signs and lamps, preventing them from appearing as flat white blobs. This minor adjustment not only enhances the overall image but also allows for more flexibility during post-processing. Photographers can manipulate the tone curve in Adobe Lightroom without compromising the integrity of the file.
The video showcases various examples, including outdoor portraits and street scenes, demonstrating how these techniques help skin tones blend harmoniously within colorful, chaotic environments. Castein takes viewers through sample files, illustrating how exposure and contrast adjustments impact the histogram during editing.
For those interested in mastering backlit photography, Castein’s practical advice offers valuable insights that can elevate everyday shoots. The full video is available for viewers seeking a comprehensive breakdown of these techniques.
Alex Cooke, a photographer and meteorologist based in Cleveland, also engages with the content, sharing his passion for music and animals alongside his photographic journey.
