How to Capture Backlit Portraits: 5 Tips

Lighting  •  Photography Tips  •  Portrait Photography

Backlighting a subject is one of those lighting techniques in which you have the light source placed behind the subject. For new photographers, this may sound counterintuitive. A common question that arises is, “Wouldn’t the subject be underexposed when it is backlit?”. While a simple answer could be “yes”, there are many ways you can creatively use the backlighting technique to take striking images. In today’s video, we have a professional portrait photographer, Julia Trotti, who shares 5 awesome tips to help you take amazing backlit photos:

For the purpose of this video, Trotti backlights her subjects by using the sun as the light source. But if you love working with studio lights, the idea is still the same.

While it may sound like you need to have the sun right behind the subject, Trotti clearly explains how that is not the case. Moreover, it is highly recommended that you avoid having the sun, the subject, and the camera in a straight line. Instead, by making a certain angle you can get some creative effects on your image like Trotti shows in the video.

In any photo, it’s the brightest object that our eyes run to at first. So, if you decide to include the sun in your frame, it’s better that you diffuse it. You can either use the objects in your frame like trees or buildings to do so or use the subject itself to block out the sun. However, in the latter case, you will have to change your composition.

One common mistake that many new photographers make is to have very bright and dark areas in the foreground or the background. This makes the image appear unbalanced and distracting. Be sure to avoid this mistake by either changing the composition or by trying out a different focal length.

Backlit portrait captured by Sonnie Hiles

Another very interesting tip that Trotti shares is regarding the use or disuse of your lens hood. If you’re aiming for an image with crisp contrast, go ahead and leave the lens hood on. Alternatively, you can give a dreamy and soft look to your image by removing the lens hood. The lens flare and the washed-out look will give an airy look to your image.

Backlit portrait photography is not definitely something that one can nail on their first try. It’ll take a good number of tries before you get satisfactory results. But once you do, you’ll realize how this technique can elevate your photos. So, be sure to try out Trott’s tips and take your photos to the next level.