National Geographic Masters of Photography

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rim or frame for a subject. Nature photographers often use backlighting on
days when the sun is harsh, and fashion photographers also use it frequently,
for example, lighting a model from behind to show the softness of her hair.
Backlighting and silhouette sometimes lend an intimate, spiritual feel to
subjects and can show details that you might otherwise not notice.


If you’re making a silhouette, look for a moment when the subject comes
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and light. For example, shoot right into the sun to get a deep, deep red, and
let your subject turn to silhouette completely. If the subject is a recognizable
shape, you can often underexpose the frame to get richer color. Try working
on either side of the correct exposure to play with colors.


Other Lighting Considerations
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should be that the viewer doesn’t realize that it’s been used in an image.
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scene if necessary.


Open shade exists where there is shade apart from the sun. It’s even and
beautiful—very much like studio light. Usually, if you can move people into
a doorway or beside a window, you’ll get open shade and a much lovelier
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behind your subjects.


Finally, whenever you’re photographing an event or you’re in a staged
setting, remember that a lighting engineer has usually been there before
you. Your job is to capture the light that the engineer has carefully designed
and created.

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