Contre-jour (French pronunciation: [kɔ̃tʁə ʒuʁ]; lit. 'against daylight') is a photographic technique in which the camera is pointing directly toward a source of light, as well as an equivalent technique of painting.
Description
editBefore 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.[1] 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.[2]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Freeman, Michael (2007). The Complete Guide to Light & Lighting in Digital Photography. ILEX, London: Lark Books. pp. 74–75. ISBN 978-1-57990-885-0.
- ^ Colvin, Craig. "How to Create Powerful Silhouettes by Telling a Story". Digital Photography School. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
External links
edit
Media related to Contre-jour photography at Wikimedia Commons
The dictionary definition of contre-jour at Wiktionary
