Photography 201: Contre-jour Photography

Contre-jour simply means lit from behind. This technique places the light of the scene behind your subject. You will be photographing into the light. If you use the sun as your light, do be careful with that as a digital sensor can be damaged or if you have an optical viewfinder your eyes could be. I recommend against using the sun, generally. Contre-jour is not silhouette. Silhouettes are form devoid of anything else to the point they appear two dimensional. In a contre-jour photo, your subject should still have some depth, detail, and discernable features despite being lit from behind.
Contre-jour photography, derived from the French term meaning "lit from behind," is a technique that places the primary light source behind the subject, often resulting in a striking visual effect. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn't necessarily involve capturing silhouettes. Unlike silhouettes, where the subject is rendered as a two-dimensional outline, contre-jour photography aims to maintain depth, detail, and discernable features despite the challenging backlighting.
The role of contre-jour photography in the photographic landscape is significant. It introduces a dynamic and dramatic element to compositions, emphasizing shapes, outlines, and the play of light. This technique can be particularly effective in conveying mood and atmosphere, lending a certain ethereal quality to the images. Photographers use contre-jour to create visually compelling narratives and evoke emotional responses.
In the broader context of photography, contre-jour style has influenced the way photographers approach lighting. It encourages experimentation with backlighting to produce captivating and unconventional visuals. This style challenges conventional norms, urging photographers to embrace unconventional lighting conditions to add depth and intrigue to their work. The prevalence of contre-jour techniques in contemporary photography showcases its enduring impact and its continued relevance as a means of artistic expression.
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @davidhancock
David Hancock's Amazon Author Page with Links to Select Camera Manual eBooks:
www.amazon.com/David-Hancock/...
My Instagram:
/ davidhancock
Imgur:
BanditKablooie
"Mumbo Sugar" by Arc de Soleil used under active license from Epidemic Sound at the time of this video's publication.

[@liveinaweorg]

Great assignment. Get's you to really think. Thanks David.

[@DavidHancock]

Thank you!

[@markglore7196]

Maybe not quite what you're talking about, but I am obsessed with backlighting. Silhouette or not. Love this idea! Thanks! 👍📷

[@DavidHancock]

That's pretty darn close to this assignment. :D