The light that falls on an object from behind.
Illumination from a source behind the subject (the subject is placed between the camera and the light source). This type of lighting tends to silhouette the subject.
A light source that comes from behind and above the subject. It outlines the subject and differentiates it from the background. Also called a rim light.
Stage lighting from rear of object or person.
The white light that is visible from the back of a signal lamp.
Light that falls on the subject from behind. This light can be used for silhouette or a halo effect.
Illumination behind the subject and opposite the camera. Often digitally manipulated in camcorders by adjusting exposure levels in the foreground of the image.
A light source that illuminates any transparent or translucent material from behind.
Light directed from behind and above the subject used to separate and add dimension to a scene. Slightly stronger than front light.
A light placed behind (Upstage) of the subject. Often used to make the subject stand out from the background.
Light on an actor from back of set.
The light source that creates light so that the LCD screen can produce colours. Backlights are in forms of units that are the combination of lamp, prism, reflector and mold frame.
A lighting design term referring to any light which comes primarily from behind the actor, musician, or object being lit. Backlighting is associated with strong highlights or halo effects.
Illumination of the subject from behind. Used correctly, creates sense of depth by separating foreground subject from background area. Used incorrectly or accidentally, causes severe silhouetting.
Light used on the background or from behind the foreground subject. It's primary function is to separate the subject from the background, thereby creating a sense of depth. Typically used in conjunction with a fill and key lights as part of three point lighting. To see an example of back light click here. For more on lighting see the lighting section.
Light falling on a performer from behind to distinguish the person from the backbround
A light source that illuminates a subject from behind, used to separate the subject from the background and give them depth and dimension. Very important for recorded video, often improperly applied or overlooked completely.
The lamps of semaphore signals were required to have small white back lights which were obscured by the movement of the signal arm from the horizontal, so that at night the signalman could see that the signal arm had responded to the lever. Back lights were also required on ground signals as a safety measure to indicate their presence.
Illumination from behind, above and usually to one side of subject. Creates a sense of depth by lighting the hair and shoulders, separating the subject from the background area. Applied erroneously (such as directly behind the subject) causes severe silhouetting (See fill light, key light, three-point lighting ).