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Backlighting

Friday, May 11, 2018 | By: Tracy Allard

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This week's theme for my personal photography project was indeed a true challenge; backlighting. Backlighting is when the main source of light in an image is behind the subject, so the camera faces the light. This can be tricky for a number of reasons; it can be difficult to achieve focus as the camera is a bit "blinded by the light" (as well as the photographer!) because cameras focus on points of contrast and backlit images are typically low contrast by nature and you have to embrace the sun flare and consider it in the overall composition of your image. 

I elected to not use a flash fill for these images to really force myself to work with the backlight because that's part of what this project is all about; getting me out of my comfort zone, trying new techniques and improving on those that I regularly use. So I headed out with my favorite model to work on some backlit images at both sunrise and sunset. 

 

Sunrise

I liked how the Queen Anne's Lace was as tall as Ginger and I used the tree to filter the sun a bit.

Yellow dog in the golden light of sunrise

I love the blankets of Evening Primrose found growing wild in north Texas.


Sunset

I like how I caught the sun rays at the top of the image and lighting her head.

I love her profile; no hiding that underbite!

Yes, that is pollen all over her face!


One of my favorite backlit images of all time...

There's just something magical about this image; their shadows on the ground and the flies in the air. It all came together in this image.  This week's prompt has reminded me to consider incorporating more backlit images in future pet and family portrait sessions because you can often come away with something beautiful and truly unique. 

Check out the other photographers participating in this week's theme starting with Pet Love Photography serving Greater Cincinnati, the San Francisco Bay Area and destinations nationwide and continue clicking on the bottom of blog post to enjoy an around the world tour of incredibly talented pet photographers. 

Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,500 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism.  Penny Whistle specializes in both natural light and studio photography providing child, engagement (couples), family and pet portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography in her studio located in old town Carrollton as well as out on location in Coppell and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas. 

 

Let's talk about your family portraits!

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