Contre-jour photography offers a dramatic and challenging way to add depth and impact to your images. This style, which involves backlighting your subject, demands an understanding of lighting, exposure, and post-processing. It’s a versatile technique that works across subjects like landscapes, portraits, and nature.
Coming to you from Peter Evans, this comprehensive video explains contre-jour in its truest sense: shooting “against the light.” Evans emphasizes that the technique isn’t limited to capturing the sun as a backlight. It applies to any strong light source positioned behind your subject. He uses examples ranging from birds and plants to portraits, dispelling the myth that contre-jour is synonymous with silhouettes.
Evans stresses the importance of shielding your lens from direct light to avoid flare and ghosting, which can degrade image quality. He demonstrates techniques like using lens hoods, positioning your subject to block the light, or even improvising with your hand or a piece of card. If you’re working with a compact camera or a smartphone, the same principles apply. This proactive approach ensures your shots maintain contrast and clarity, even in challenging lighting.
Exposure poses its own set of challenges. Evans explains why shooting raw is essential, allowing you to retain maximum detail for adjustments in post-processing. He advises checking the histogram to assess overexposure, particularly in high-contrast scenes. For beginners, bracketing shots can help capture a range of exposures, making it easier to select the best result. Evans also addresses the nuances of exposing highlights versus shadows, encouraging a flexible approach based on the specifics of the scene. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Evans.
