Against The Light - (including Ten Images)

[William W]

In this thread here: LINK, Antonio Correia wrote -

" . . .there’s something I really enjoy although it’s not always possible: photographing against the light.
It often produces striking and finely contoured images, which I particularly like but, as we know, the opportunity isn’t always there."

Antonio's images in that conversation piqued my interest, and his comment (above) got me thinking all the more . . . . "yes, I like composing against the light too: and really like using only Available Light".

I think years of Studio-work and using Flash Fill for "jobs", has made me an "Anti-Flasher".

Below are some of mine made basically "Against The Light", not all are technically backlit, those side-lit however were done for Chiaroscuro. All images use only Available Light.

My endeavour in posting these samples is to stimulate conversation, discussion, other examples on this topic, basically wherever the conversation goes: making the point I am not seeking a critique, yet I don't mind, if that's what happens.





















WW
All Images © AJ Group Pty Ltd Aust 1996~2024 WMW 1965~1996 and 2024~2025

[billtils]

An interesting and varied set William. My contribution to the comments, which reflect my taste and are generally subjective:

1: I like it - nothing to add to that
2: Only just qualifies as "against the light" and would be a much stronger image if you crop out the people and signs at the left
3: My favourite - composition, subject, and exposure are excellent
4: Yes, it is "against the light" but the weakest of the set
5: Not an original take, but kudos on the exposure - nicely done
6: I like how the lighting accentuates the figure, and I would disagree with the average camera club judge who would criticise the hand and foot - they create an almost abstract image
7: No comment
8: I've seen more interesting shots of "the coat hanger" and it looks more like "with the light" than against it.
9: Ok
10: Different and challenging but I appreciate both of these elements - another almost abstract composition.

[AntonioCorreia]

No time to comment now...
Later I will be happy to

[whited3]

Thanks Bill.

There's something about #1 I really like. Its a bit painterly and does not look at first glance like a photo. I'm not sure it fits the theme as I'd expect the window frame to be dark.

#3 & 10 have great shadow and contrast, and both I think tell a story if you want to delve in to the scenes.

I see the technical aspects of the other images but they don't have the impact of those above.

[mugge]

My take.

1: I like it
2: Crop annoying object left corner bottom and people left
3: As against the light it works
4: Do not like
5: I like it
6: I really like this image. I thought of removing the skirt right hand corner but nah! leave it
7: Really do not like
8: Do not like
9: Ok
10: Do not like composition

Cheers Ole