Before its use in photography, contre-jour was used in painting, where the
shadows would fall to the left on the left, to the right on the right and forward in the lower centre. The edges of the subject would show surprising colour effects. Contre-jour produces
backlighting of the subject. This effect usually hides details, causes a stronger
contrast between light and dark, creates
silhouettes and emphasizes lines and shapes. The
sun, or other light source, is often seen as either a bright spot or as a strong
glare behind the subject.
Fill light may be used to illuminate the side of the subject facing toward the camera. The subject is generally considered silhouetted when there is a
lighting ratio of 16:1 or more. == See also ==