As photographers, we look for unique lighting situations. This week Ann-Christine suggests we look for images where the sun is lighting our subject from behind. I’ll admit that I take advantage of light without planning for it. I’m thinking I should get up early for that sunrise, but…… Or stay up late for sunset, but…. Or plan for the blue or golden hours, but… I just enjoy being out there with my camera photographing in whatever light nature gives me.
I’m a little late with my response, so I’ve had the chance to see many wonderful responses already. Here are some of my photos where I’ve put the sun backlighting my subject.
You know I photograph lotus flowers each year. The next two images are from the same shoot at Land Park’s pond. On the left, the lotus seems to be bowing under the sun’s strength. On the right, the sun creates translucent petals.


Other floral or leaves. Almond blossoms are backlit and in shade. Autumn leaves seem to be soaking up the sun so they can continue to change their color. A tree captures the sun on the back of its leaves during autumn.



Animals. I’ve chosen a deer and a horse. I enjoyed the glow the sun gave their bodies as it shined behind them.



When the sun is at your back, you create a self-portrait–your shadow.

My next images were taken just a few minutes or seconds apart. See the difference the setting sun makes in this landscape. I may have worked with the color in the second image, but I really can’t remember. You can still see the difference.


Finally, this challenge must end with a sunset!

Thank you Ann-Christine for this enjoyable challenge. Backlit images are so relaxing. Please remember to link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag in the WP reader.I enjoyed seeing all your still life images last week and got many ideas. Next week Sofia’s challenge is on Mood: Places, photography styles, situations or portraits where moods are recognizable.
If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, click here for more info.
Fantastic Anne. I love the detail in the lotus flower and that you included the animals. The horses have such a soft look with the sun behind them, and it wa sa great idea to show a comparison of the two sun shots. It does matter. Very nice.
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Thank you Donna! While photography is all about light, time can change an image drastically.
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So true.
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Such a lovely group of photos of the flowers with the sunlight coming from behind. and your final sunset is stunning!!
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Thank you Anne!
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I always love those sunset images! Nice response to the challenge, Anne!
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Thanks John!
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These are lovely Anne but the lotus flowers are exceptional. You really know how to make flowers come alive. Beautiful
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Thank you Tina!
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This is truly amazing, Anne. Perfect examples of the backlit. The sunset is certainly the cherry here 🙂
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Thank you Hammad! A good sunset always wins.
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Whoa! Amazing photos all around
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Thank you I. J.!
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Beautiful photos Anne 😀 😀
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Thank you Cee!
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Lovely examples Anne. The lotus flowers are gorgeous and including animals lit this way is a great idea!
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Thank you Sarah!
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The right lotus is gorgeous, Anne 👍
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Thank you Andre!
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You’re welcome 😊
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Great display with so much variety.
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Thank you Rupali!
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Love all of these, Anne, and I really enjoyed your bringing in animals too. But I must chime in with so many others – the lotus flowers are heavenly. What backlit does to the petals is just what we want, isn’t it!
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Thanks Ann-Christine! Yes, backlit flowers are beautiful and worthy of photographing.
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♥
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GREAT photos. I love that banner shot.
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Thank you John!
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Your flowers are beautiful. I love our silhouette memories.
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Thanks Marlene!
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Beautiful set of backlit collections, Anne! The lotus is fabuolous. Love these the sunset capture is stunning!
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Thanks Amy!
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Lighting makes all the difference. Great photos, especially the lotus flowers.
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Thanks Dan!
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Thank you for giving us comparative shots of the trees. Learned something.
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You are welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
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The second lotus picture is perfect, Anne! Beautiful lighting.
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Thank you Siobhan
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Beautiful floral images, Anne! Apologies for the late response.
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Thanks John!
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Wonderful images, Anne 👏 The second lily shot is stunning 😃
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Thank you Jez!
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