Photographers looking to enhance their skills can benefit greatly from mastering backlit photography techniques. In a recent instructional video, Cleveland-based photographer and meteorologist Alex Cooke highlights practical methods to utilize backlighting effectively. This approach not only adds depth and color to images but also helps avoid the challenges associated with bright light behind subjects.
One of the primary techniques presented is the off-axis backlit setup, referred to as the edge line look by Castein. In this method, the light source remains behind and slightly to the side of the subject. This positioning allows photographers to maintain a backlit effect while shifting the angle to a less bright area of the sky. By doing so, the intense blinding hotspot around the sun is minimized, resulting in a more manageable background that is easier to expose correctly. Photographers can opt for manual settings or switch to aperture priority mode, yielding consistent results without grappling with extreme contrast.
Another effective technique shared by Castein involves direct sunlight exposure. When the sun is close to the frame and too bright for a single exposure, he recommends taking two separate frames in manual mode. One should be exposed for the sky, while the other focuses on the ground or subject area. By keeping the camera steady and only altering the shutter speed or ISO, photographers can later use software such as Adobe Lightroom to merge the images. This process preserves the highlight color in the sky and maintains usable details in the subject, avoiding the washed-out appearance often seen in backlit shots.
The video showcases how small exposure adjustments between these frames can create a more adaptable final image once they are combined.
Castein also challenges traditional photography rules when dealing with intense light. In scenarios where even bracketing does not yield satisfactory results, he proposes intentionally allowing highlights to blow out. This technique is particularly useful in midday photography, where the vibrant blue of the sky may clash with skin tones or clothing. By permitting certain areas to clip, the resulting image features a cleaner background and a more contemporary aesthetic, moving away from the overly contrasted look often associated with attempts to overpower bright sunlight.
The footage presents comparisons between images with blown highlights and those adhering to conventional exposure rules. Interestingly, the blown highlight versions often convey a calmer, more intentional feel than their “safe” counterparts. This concept also extends to nighttime photography, where city lights and street lamps create high-contrast environments. Castein advises underexposing by half to one stop to retain the colors of bright signs and lamps, preventing them from becoming flat white blobs. This simple adjustment pulls highlights into a more manageable range for post-processing, allowing for nuanced adjustments in Adobe Lightroom without compromising the file’s integrity.
The video includes numerous examples from outdoor portraits and street scenes, demonstrating how this approach can enhance skin tones amid chaotic neon and mixed lighting. Castein also provides insight into editing techniques, illustrating how exposure and contrast adjustments affect the histogram during post-processing.
For those keen to improve their photography, the video offers a wealth of practical advice and techniques from Castein. By applying these strategies, photographers can create visually stunning images that leverage the beauty of backlighting.
