Photography Tips - Backlighting - an Introduction

What's meant by Backlighting? Backlighting simply means having the light coming towards the camera from behind whatever it is you're photographing. It's also called shooting against the light. Yes I know we were all told to put the light behind us but doing the opposite can yield some super cool photos.
So why is this? Some images like portraits work best in shade and when you shoot into the light the side facing you will be in shade and there'll be a lovely rim light around them. Translucent things like wine bottles and ice always look their best when the light is coming through them from behind.
When you backlight a photo bear in mind that your camera can become confused because sometimes the background will be much brighter than the foreground. Left to it's own devices it'll make the picture darker than you want it because a camera things the world is mid grey (check out our exposure films) and your portrait might become a silhouette. So you might need to overexpose the shot to compensate.
Check out the video and I'll show you how to expose when backlighting. Or come see us at www.photographycourses.biz for many more free photography tutorials, courses, DVDs and workshops.
👍 Trustpilot: uk.trustpilot.com/review/phot...
👌 Google Reviews: g.page/mikebrownephotography?gm
💡Webinars: www.photographycourses.biz/we...
🎓Online Courses: www.photographycourses.biz/co...
🌄 Workshops: www.photographycourses.biz/wo...
🥰 Site Reviews: www.photographycourses.biz/te...
📸 Images: www.clickasnap.com/mike-browne
🎬 Videos & Articles: www.photographycourses.biz/vi...
📝 Contact: www.photographycourses.biz/co...

[@hamstersniffer]

There's never been a better photography teacher than the great Mike Browne! Even explained a lens hood in 2 seconds.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey thanks hamstersniffer - MIKE :-)

[@Sketchmee5]

Still watching in 2019! Love every second of this tutorial video.

[@Obeijin]

2021

[@yudontsay]

wow, for the first time, i ACTUALLY understand how to use the AE-L button properly! Thank you for explaining this :D

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries yudontsay :-)

[@MohammedRiad]

this man is great. he is a teacher. others just blow you ears with lots of talking. Mike explains plus he demonstrates. it is guaranteed that you understand 100/100.

[@def8732]

Bought a camera and never understood how to use it and none of my pictures were coming out how I wanted them to. Left it alone for a long time! Then I tell myself I can’t let this be a waste of money and I gotta figure this out, I KZbind videos and stumbled across Mike Browne, can’t remember what video it was at that time but the way he explains anything, it all just made perfect sense. Thanks Mike!

[@MikeBrowne]

Brilliant - did you know I've got a photography course too? www.photographycourses.biz/courses/photography-masterclass

[@ChrisAnthonyPinnock]

4 years later and still helping learning photographers :) Another great video Mike !

[@temimayor7660]

Amazing photographer. You make learning very easy. Your step by step approach is quite understanding. Thanks a bunch.

[@MikeBrowne]

Happy to help Muyiwa Mayor Please help me make more videos like this one by sharing it with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.

[@oldschoolwarrior]

I’ve only watched a couple of your videos so far but each one has taught me something valuable. So much so that, though I rarely consider buying courses, I would consider yours.

[@mickeymouse5222]

I had my camera for over two years and never knew was the Ael buttom was for..didnt even think was important..you mentioned it in this video , i took notes and practiced,..it makes life so easy.Thank you..I dont know what I would do without people like you in youtube.... now I have to watch your others videos.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you mickey mouse - delighted to help. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc.

[@quangchen]

cool thank

[@dieselc68]

Mike Browne as said by mickey mouse. you explained it very well. i just need it to stop raining so i can go out and try it! thank you.

[@janp3743]

You could try reading?

[@jonathanm9436]

Thanks very much indeed. Yours is the best demo I've found on backlighting in over a week of searching - clear, easy, brief, comprehensive and friendly. You're a natural communicator.

[@paulalex32]

Thanks for another great video!! I have been shooting since I was 11 years old (won't tell you how long ago that was, but it involved film and a Canon AE-1 Programme) and I never ever thought of this. Amazing how we can go so many years and still learn something new. Love your videos, the way you explain things so clearly, and the humour. Thanks again!

[@rmcdaniel423]

"...it makes me look EXTRA decorative." I damn near spit my wine out. LOL

[@barrygiddey9139]

Fantastic video thanks very much it's always a treat seeing you at work-Keep it up Mike!

[@FaroukMejdoub]

i like how you go into details to explain things and setting up the shot !! really enjoyed the video !

[@williampericelli9482]

Would have liked to have seen your last 2 shots.

[@kellis3boyz]

Great video and explanation👍👍

[@florinsi]

Thank you Mike ! Backlit you look like the saint of photography ... :)

[@MikeBrowne]

ha ha ha ha - but thanks...... MIKE :-)

[@BlingBlingTheBSOFTHEISS]

I love back lighting it’s so pretty. That spot you’re in is gorgeous. I love to use this technique and adding a flash to get rid of any shadows and avoid the over exposure.

[@atrisharma1184]

Watched a ton of videos on this subject today and this is by far the best explained. Thank you.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Jungli 999 Please help me make more videos like this by clicking the like button and sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook etc. - MIKE

[@jameshoneymanjr.3242]

Hey Mike; first of all you just look like you have forgotten more about photography than I already know lol. useful knowledge, straight to the point, quick video, easy on the ears, your a great teacher Mike, thank you thank you thank you.

[@Rickyleestjohn]

I am so happy to have found your videos on metering and back lighting and how to use the gray card for correct exposure. Until now I have not seen any video tutorials on that. You area really great teacher, thank you.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you +Rick Saint John :) - MELISSA ( for MIke )

[@angelotardugno6400]

I've just got my first DSLR and been looking at all sort of videos and tutorial on youtube; can definitely tell that your tips and videos are by far the best! Well done and keep up the good work :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Angelo Tardugno I’m delighted they are helping. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums etc.

[@chrisestonia4218]

Love the speed at which you explain. Straight to the the point

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Chris. Life's too short to mess about... MIKE :-)

[@justitotanedo1164]

Love all you videos. Been binge watching all your videos very easy to understand. Amazing teacher from sunny California

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Justito Tanedo Please share them around and help me make more ... Mike :-)

[@757flyerphil]

Found you by accident last week. Best accident ever. Working my way through and I'd like to repeat what someone further down as put. Best video/tutorials on KZbin. Thanks Mike. Much appreciated.

[@connieabbott6146]

you are an awsome instructor! thank you. I have learned so much. I watch your videos mutiple times. love your accent!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you for the kind words :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@FrancisVidal]

I like your technique of using the AE-L for locking exposure. I set mine to hold--I find this easier than holding the AE-L/AF-L button while recomposing the shot. Another useful tip!

[@TheMcA80]

Possibly the best photography tutorials that you can find online.

[@readerko]

I wish to be your student. There are many hundreds videos on youtube with best lenses and expensive FF cameras, but nobody is explaining so good like you.It`s just amazing how good and simple you explain everything.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Martin Peter I'm happy to have helped with the free vids. Please help me make more by sharing them around. There's also more in depth training available on my site at www.photographycourses.biz/courses - MIKE

[@amitkrupal1234]

Man 1st the focal length video, my favorite one and now this back light one. Its like I am asking GOD to educate me on photography & he is directing me to your videos. Awesome explanation by Mike Sir.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thant's very kind of you Amit Krupal - MIKE

[@v012viper]

Very informative; walking to the subject and filling frame and manually dialing in exposure... I never thought to try that. Thanks for sharing.

[@pedrosousa7254]

I thought exactly the same. This was a great tip.

[@srinath11257]

You are one of the best teachers i have seen!!! Thanks for the video!

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Seven - I don't remember what time of day we shot this and to be honest it won't help you to know because the sun's in a different place at the same time depending on time of year and where you are. It's more important for you to learn how to look at and recognise what light is doing. As you learn this you'll start to know where to find the kind of light you want for a film / photo. Or be able to create it. Practice looking at light first. Search our channel for understanding light

[@GiveUTremors]

Mighty Thanks Mike for this enlightening tutorial. That small AE-L button on the back of my Nikon D5500 used to bug me a lot and I couldn't get to know its function. You have explained the backlighting so lucidly that all one needs to do is go practice with your words ringing in mind. Thanks again Sir.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you GiveUTremors - Melissa pp Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Photos I take during filming are always included in the video. In this video there are a couple of extras as examples of where the technique will also work very well.

[@alanplummer]

Mike, your explanation of this topic and every subject discuss is spot on!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Alan 🙏🏻

[@JustinRamseyphotography]

I hate to admit it but I never used the AE button unless I had it setup to rear autofocus, but I certainly will now. Great explanation!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Justin Ramsey Go for it ..

[@samlaw1501]

love all your vids! great work.

[@brandishwar]

One of my favorite and (so far) best pictures is that of my cat Alice when she was still a juvenile while sitting in the window. She's all black, and the maroon curtains were parted and she was sitting in the part with the sun coming in the window behind her. The backlight made her black fur very black when the camera compensated for the light, which allowed the copper hue in her eyes to stand out as well.

[@btedd]

Good explanation with examples. Thanks.

[@mikequinn2141]

Excellent video Mike, really beneficial for a novice like me. Thanks.

[@MikeBrowne]

My pleasure Mike. Please share any of my vids you find usefull around - it helps us make more of them.... Best wishes MIKE :-)

[@jfermins]

Mike, great videos. I have really learned a lot from them. Specially liked the one about focal length. Excellent work, got a new subscriber here!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Jaime. Please hare any vids you particularly like around, it helps me make more of them. Best wishes... MIKE :-)

[@raminhashemi1946]

Amazing!!! After all this time, I learnt the correct use of AEL :)

[@luketeather3016]

You are fantastic sir, very clear and understandable video. Thank you

[@ImConzz]

i want you to know that i love you. "over expose the shot when back-lighting to compensate for camera confusion"

[@MikeBrowne]

Cool - MIKE :-)

[@moraleskennethvil]

Million dollar tips as always! Thanks!

[@ashutoshrookie]

Very nicely explained, quick, accurate and fast....

[@Litharis123]

Hi Mike, I want to thank you very very much, you'r videos are just awesome! Probably best tutorials ever..

[@ProveAllThings1Th-5-21]

So much to understand. I'm impressed with photographers!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks. TBH it's a bit of knowledge and a lot of practise...

[@oldpensrugbytv9957]

Just the video I was looking for! Thank you for explaining all the options in plain English, I cannot tell you how long I looked for the answer to my blacked out subjects lol

[@MikeBrowne]

Good to hear you found what you were looking for.

[@davidetiep]

Very clear explanation! well done!

[@sarahhahearnn]

This was very helpful! I've been really wanting to get into backlit photos and haven't quite found the right video to explain it, but this was great! Never knew the trick about the AEL button. Thanks very much!

[@ferdinandtugano]

I'm learning a lot from your tutorials. Thank you, master! new subscribere here.

[@JOHNDEEBANK]

I really needed to know how that worked. Thnx so much Mate. Now I will enjoy my camera so much more. Im a hands on guy, reading the manual is not the same. You are lucky your mate has such a beautiful subject. Thnx again. John/Canada.

[@David5.Pumpk1ns]

Mr. Browne, that was succinct and informative. Love your videos. Thanks.

[@stevepuddlejumperpilot6062]

you are a natural as a teacher. I aspire to take a few decent pics.........you have a great presentation. Thank you!!! Your video helped a lot.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you steve williams... MIKE

[@ezio-falco]

I like your style, Mike, and your videos are full of useful tips (e.g. using a dark background for better rim light). Thanks for sharing. Ezio

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Ezio Falco Please help me grow the channel and make more free vids by sharing them here, on Facebook, forums etc :-)

[@paulbest1408]

very useful tips .. everybody else just says " fill flash" , but these tips are pro level

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks paul best :-)

[@elr2141979]

Well that depends if you want to expose the background as well as the foreground but see he's only exposing for the subject and not the background. This is a great technique but it depends on what you going for in terms of look

[@MikeBrowne]

In this case elr2141979 I have accurate exposure for both subject and background because both are in shade facing me. Therefore the exposure is the same for both.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you for taking the time to say so. Please help us spread the word about our films by 'liking' 'G+ing', sharing them and linking to us on photo forums, Facebook etc

[@herminigildojakosalem8664]

Thank you for all your videos. I "weaned" on them when I was just a real babe in photography. Sadly, I think and feel that I really do not have the natural talent for it and I am not any much better at it now. I understand all the principles and the technical facts ( Thank you, again) but it is composition where I suck. I've gotten many of your videos down to a CD for my son whom I think will do a better job at this hobby. He is showing some promise at it. Again, thank you, sir and God bless.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you. Composition is what i struggled with most when I was learning too. So keep practising and trying different angles, framing and positioning. Set aside 4 hours minimum per week to go practise and make sure you always do it. Study other images, ask yourself how they put their image together and why that works, then go try it for yourself... And most of all have fun - MIKE

[@jameshoneymanjr.3242]

Hey Mike; first of all you just look like you have forgotten more about photography than I already know lol. useful knowledge, straight to the point, quick video, easy on the ears, your a great teacher Mike, thank you thank you thank you. t

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey thanks James - MIKE

[@BPDHANA]

Wow... finally! I cracked the secret code of backlighting style in robert richardson's cinematography. Thx to your tutorial video, sir. it's very helpful and informative 😎

[@MikeBrowne]

B.P. DHANA wow glad you got it :P - Melissa pp Mike

[@joanadesousa9745]

Thank you for showing, not just telling, how to use AE-L button.

[@MikeBrowne]

You're welcome Joana de Sousa. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, Flickr etc. - MIKE :-)

[@ImprovisedSurvival]

Excellent! Thanks from Chicago

[@learntoclick7102]

Excellent information thank you - you have a very easy to watch presentation style.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you

[@elsaortiz3429]

How amazing you explained these concepts. Keep up the good work. Thanks

[@MikeBrowne]

My pleasure Elsa Ortiz - please help me make more free videos by sharing them on photo forums, Facebook etc... Thanks in advance :-)

[@dreydt9820]

Short, efficient and very good explained, thanks for this tutorial

[@MikeBrowne]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MikeBrowne]

Basically yes. You can combine backlighting with flash or a reflector if you like - there's no right or wrong they just give you slightly different looks. Go have a play and try it yourself and then you'll see what i mean.

[@oldschoolwarrior]

Yours are the most informative videos I’ve come across. They contain practical, helpful advice. So much so I’m considering looking into your courses.

[@MikeBrowne]

that's really cool! which course are you interested in? maybe i can guide you - Melissa pp Mike

[@oldschoolwarrior]

Mike Browne I’m not sure if the beginner’s one is for me. I’m somewhere between beginner and intermediate so I’m not sure how to determine whether or not I need that one. I’m also considering the wedding one because I’ve already been asked whether I would take wedding pictures for a friend (they’re aware I’m not a professional but they’re ok with that).

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi oldschoolwarrior. Sorry for the delay replying. I've not even had an evening off this week. If you're confident controlling your camera then the next step is the 7 Blocks. But if you're not, please be aware there are no camera controls or similar techniques. 7 Blocks is for people who've mastered their camera and need to connect their technical skills with their creativity. The beginners course has everything anyone needs for camera skills. Hope this helps... MIKE :-)

[@PaulMiguelPhotography]

Excellent video, really enjoyed it. Brilliantly presented!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Paul Miguel Photography . Please share it around and help me make more like it... MIKE :-)

[@Sammy1970]

Really well explained, thanks!👍🏽📸👍🏽

[@sizaradam]

great video Mike Browne thank you sir for the efforts

[@MikeBrowne]

:-)

[@darrenpowell8332]

Thanks Mike, i now how the exposure lock works, hopefully my photos will improve now :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Have fun with it Darren Powell

[@marcello68]

very good tips with simple fast explaining ,keep up the good work thx

[@andrewcroxall1416]

I enjoy the way you explain your joy for photography

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks. Glad you enjoy it!... MIKE 🙏😊

[@ennnceee]

Good on you mate. I like the way and language you use to explain things.

[@benzykaram]

Came for the tip, stayed for Natasha.

[@maestrohun]

Science of photography and beauty of nature.

[@MikeBrowne]

Dave that's Awesome! It's that kind of thinking that makes great photographers - not expensive cameras.

[@bootybandy]

Another great practical tip. Thanks.

[@lebaymalang393]

Always Great Mike, thank u, ur tutorial improve my photography a lot.

[@deepeshvarma88]

Thanks Mike ! Great stuff !! I am a newbie out here and do not have a DSLR. Anyway your videos are inspiring and helps me to get more out of the little PS I have. Thanks again !!

[@djd3vi0us]

great! I enjoy watching your vids, very informative and to the point

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Frank A

[@AugustRae85]

Thanks for the tip.

[@MikeBrowne]

It's not the metering which causes the effect - it's the direction of the light. To achieve the exposure spot metering would work provided you make sure to spot meter from mid grey.

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes it would - provided you put the spot onto an area that equates to mid grey, If you put it on something darker or lighter it won't be accurate. - Mike

[@andressonmunizstephens5581]

I just want to say that day by day I enjoy your videos and I learn a lot. They are very helpful and easy to understand. Well Done!! Do you give any classes around London?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Andresson Muniz Stephens - no sorry i don't do workshops around London. maybe one day....

[@thesamurai4852]

Another great video man. Thanks. May I ask what camera are you using?

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries. Also don't forget you can boost contrast in post production or by changing the picture controls in your cameras menu. Sorry - don't ask me where they are - you'll have to have a look in your camera's handbook.

[@macgonzaga6062]

Your videos are great and really helpfull! I'm subscribing!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Mac Gonzaga Please help me make more by sharing them on forums etc and wherever you can...

[@Guitarmfig]

Really enjoy your lessons Mike, thank you

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Mario

[@xgreenjacket]

I like your videos there are a lot of helpful tips. In this one I think it would benefit to explain that AEL only works with automatic or partially automatic modes some people when making the transition from the manual modes don't understand the simplicity that THEY are fully in control of the exposure and that they take a reading and then ignore the lightmetre that would also benefit from a whole lesson for it to sink in for people even though you covered it briefly I feel, at least I know it is something that confused me for quite some time

[@josephnevin]

jon carley agreed.. I was using the aperture and shutter priority modes with spot metering and I always had trouble getting the right exposure. Tried manual mode and in harsh lighting conditions the pics turned out over exposed even when the exposure meter read zero. So I started ignoring the light meter and underexposed two third to a full stop and the results were way better. The histogram was bang on with no leaning toward the highlights and shadows.

[@dfpv1969]

Subscribed! Thanks for your tutorial.

[@gohan2091]

Oh, i know where the controls are :) My D7100 just came back from repair so I will go out and practice more with backlighting. I used the wrong word in my previous post, I don't mean to say contrast, I mean to say I find a little bit of fill flash helps separate my subject from the background so they popout a little bit. Love your videos, will continue to watch.

[@wanneske1969]

Great pics and great model !

[@mynameisdrpat]

this is like a program on national geo about photography. i can watch it all day long.

[@rehamchadi2713]

You are the best so far im watching.im tired from jumping in youtube from course to course with deferent tutuor .

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Hafiaki. If you like my tutorials you might find them easier to navigate on my website where they are all categorized. Everything that's on KZbin is also on my site... Link below - MIKE :-) www.photographycourses.biz/videos

[@DjalmaRibeiro]

You are an awsome presenter Mike!

[@b1Gk0ng]

Good stuff Mike. very simple. me understand better. thanx

[@bdangol6966]

Love your videos

[@GeraldThomasphotojunkie]

Awesome tips! Thanks!

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes you can but you have to make sure you spot meter from something that has a mid grey tone or the exposure will be wrong. Negative value TTL or fill-in flash will work but personally i don't like the light from flash so don't use it unless there's no alternative.

[@MikeBrowne]

I'm sorry I can't because it depends on so many things. How do you want the image to look? What depth of field do you want? How much field of view do you need? How much light you have? And many more things. The only way to find the settings is first to understand what they all do and how they affect the image, choose how you want it to look and use settings to achieve that. If you're just starting out use full auto until you have learn't more about it. Our videos will help.