NZPhotographer Issue 43, May 2021

HARD LIGHT AND BACKLIGHT SHADOWPLAY
Left: Backlighting from the sun creates a rim of light around the subject, separating her from the background and casting a long shadow.
Middle: Strong sunlight on the white wall has a similar effect to a backlight.
Right: Backlighting using a window with natural light bouncing in to fill shadows.
Model: Anita van der Mespel.
You can even experiment with creating flare and sunburst effects when using backlighting. Simply position
your subject so that the sun is slightly peeking out from behind them. A higher f-stop in this situation will create a
sunburst effect (variable depending on the number of aperture blades in your lens) whereas a lower f-stop will
create more of a hazy effect. Modern lenses are fastidiously manufactured and coated in order to specifically
avoid lens flare but you can increase the chances of getting one by removing your lens hood and playing
around with the angle you’re shooting at. There are also tools like the OMNI filter system by Lensbaby designed
specifically to generate lens effects or the Black Pro-Mist filters by Tiffen which create a hazy look. Another way
to get lens flare is to use a vintage lens with an adapter as these don’t have the anti-reflective coatings of
modern lenses.
You can also photograph a subject backlit indoors by positioning them in front of a bright window. Instead
of using a reflector to light your backlit subject, you could use a flash. I’ll be talking all things flash in a later
article but, for now, try experimenting with the pop-up flash on your camera if you have one. If it’s not bright
enough, move closer to your subject. If the light is too hard or bright, try diffusing it with a piece of baking paper
attached with a rubber band. You can also get some subtle colour effects by using colour gels on your flash
(and now you have an excuse to buy those chocolates that are wrapped in coloured cellophane).
CREATIVE LIGHTING – MANIPULATING LIGHT
Strong, direct sunlight (hard light) can be used to great creative effect and you can try this indoors or out. You
will have seen how bright sun shining directly in through a window casts patterns on the room inside. Any item
with a pattern, provided that pattern is thick enough to block light, can be used for creative lighting. You can
buy what is called a ‘gobo’ (short for go-between) for some studio lights and projectors to make light patterns,
but I encourage you to have fun experimenting with your own finds or creations. For example, horizontal blinds
create that classic film-noir look but, if you don’t have these, you can create it by taping up strips of cardboard
or similar to your window. The sharpest results are achieved by moving your gobo close to the subject (or vice
versa) which is why those film-noir images have the subject right up against the window blinds, peering through
them. I have had success creating patterns with a tennis racket, fishnet tights, cardboard strips and cutouts…
but my favorite is lace. Have a look to see what you have around the house that might create an interesting
pattern. Hint: it needs to be large enough to create a pattern to cover your subject as it’s best to avoid being
able to see the edges.
26 May 2021 NZPhotographer