The proper use of backlighting in photography can transform an ordinary landscape or object into a unique and stunning scene. It adds a new dimension that often is more effective in a photo than when viewed live in the field – the contrast becoming more prominent and the detail sharper when the light appears to be generated from the inside. It can also be difficult if the light is too direct, causing flare or blown highlights, hiding the detail and blocking the hoped for translucence. There were many good examples submitted by ACC members but the following three were voted the most successful.

The first and highest vote getter is by Nicole Robinson, a late afternoon shot taken on December 27 after a coating of ice transformed an ordinary barbed wire fence into a glistening electric scene. The darker areas in front of and behind the fence are the key to the image’s success. The soft focus of the background certainly accentuates the effect, an aperture setting of f/5.6 the proper choice.

Nicole Robinson – Ice on Wire

Voted the member’s second choice is this strongly backlighted scene captured at Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia by George Kosinski. Only 1 vote separated this image from Nicole’s. Without the strong backlighting, this would probably be categorized as an ordinary snapshot but what a difference the lighting did make. The pony’s mane becomes very prominent and the lighted grasses create an almost dreamlike setting, much more effective than a sharp, clear image would have been. The glow is certainly indicative of a late afternoon, with the world at peace with itself. The scene almost exceeded the dynamic range of the sensor but sufficient detail remains in both the highlights and darker areas to be effective. A true artist at work.

George Kosinski – Late Afternoon in Grayson

Voted the third favorite is this glowing milkweed detail submitted by Betty Rembert. Betty has chosen this prolific plant as a subject for study throughout the fall, taking many shots as the transformations took place with approaching winter. Here all the delicacy of the feathery filament like hairs is captured in a soft light, accentuated by the dark and simple background as the pod forces the seed into the wind. Is there a better way to capture nature’s beauty than with a camera? It’s true, it’s natural and the possibilites are never ending.

Betty Rembert – Bursting Milkweed