Back and Rim Lighting. How to use it in rildlife photography

Note the beautiful light hi-lighting the wings

Wildlife photography is a challenging yet rewarding genre of photography. It requires a combination of technical skill and creativity to capture stunning images of animals in their natural habitat. One of the most effective techniques in wildlife photography is rim lighting or back lighting, which can add depth and drama to your images.

Rim lighting or back lighting is a photographic technique that involves placing the subject in front of a light source, such as the sun or a spotlight, so that the light illuminates the edges of the subject. This creates a halo or rim of light around the subject, separating it from the background and creating a sense of depth and three-dimensionality.

Rim lighting and back lighting are often used interchangeably, but they are not exactly the same. Rim lighting refers specifically to the lighting effect on the edges of the subject, while back lighting refers to the light source coming from behind the subject.

In wildlife photography, rim lighting and back lighting are commonly used to create a sense of drama and mystery. It can be used to highlight the texture and details of an animal's fur, feathers or scales, as well as to separate the subject from a busy or distracting background.

I photographed this owl shot against the sun for full effect

Here are some tips for using rim lighting and back lighting in wildlife photography:

Use the sun as your light source: The sun is the most common light source for rim lighting and back lighting in wildlife photography. Place the subject between you and the sun, so that the light is coming from behind the subject. This will create a halo of light around the subject and make it stand out from the background.

Use a reflector: If you're shooting in an area where the sun is not strong enough to create a strong rim light effect, you can use a reflector to bounce light back onto the subject. This will help create a more dramatic effect and highlight the texture and details of the subject.

A good example of rim lighting

Pay attention to the background: The background plays an important role in rim lighting and back lighting. Make sure the background is not too busy or distracting, as this can take away from the impact of the rim lighting effect. A simple, uncluttered background will help the subject stand out and create a stronger sense of depth.

Adjust your exposure: Rim lighting and back lighting can create high contrast scenes, so it's important to adjust your exposure accordingly. Use spot metering mode to meter for the subject's face or eyes, and adjust your exposure compensation if necessary.

Look for opportunities to use artificial light: Rim lighting and back lighting can also be created using artificial light sources, such as a spotlight or flash. This can be especially useful in low light situations or when shooting indoors.

In conclusion, rim lighting and back lighting are powerful techniques in wildlife photography that can add depth and drama to your images. By using the sun or other light sources to create a halo of light around your subject, you can create stunning images that capture the beauty and majesty of wildlife in their natural habitat.