Lens-Artists Challenge #247 – Backlit
“It is the experience of the struggle that backlights the moments of wonder”
Craig D. Lounsbrough
This week Ann-Christine has offered us some amazing examples of backlighting along with a challenge to feature some of our own. I’ve opened with an example from our visit to the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon. I’ve spoken before about the incredible experience we had after outwaiting a violent thunderstorm. It was followed by an ethereal light made even more beautiful by the fact that all of the other visitors had left the scene!
Also from travels out west, the image below was made during a superbloom we were fortunate to catch while visiting Arizona. It seems cacti are one of the best subjects for showcasing the beauty of backlighting.
“The world of human affairs has long been a shadowy place, but always backlit by the light of hope.”
Carl Safina
As Ann-Christine has beautifully shown, flowers offer an excellent opportunity for featuring the influence of backlighting. Two examples, follow – the first from a visit to Michigan and the second from nearby Magnolia Gardens.
“Clear night, thumb-top of a moon, a back-lit sky.”
Charles Wright
Also from nearby environs and frequently showcased, the gorgeous live oak trees of South Carolina’s lowcountry, dripping with backlit Spanish Moss at sunrise.
“Real life is – quieter, more understated. No one is backlit and nothing has a soundtrack.”
Matthew Crow
Next, from far away places, a beautiful wind chime which we should have purchased but didn’t. The beauty of photography is it reminds us of the marvelous things, both large and small, that we’ve seen along the way.
“Grass was frosted white, rhododendron leaves curled tight, winter bare trees backlit by the moon.”
Patricia Cornwell
Also from our travels, a beautiful window reflecting on the dark tiles beneath it thanks to the light shining through from behind.
“…the stained glass window a blurred kaleidoscope backlit in the morning sun.”
Red Tash
And finally, two personal favorites from our travels in Southeast Asia. On the left, a young girl about to play her instrument of chimes, on the right a lovely woman showing the classic halo of backlighting from a window above and behind her.
“Let’s jump ahead to the moment of epiphany, in gold light, as the camera pans to where the action is.”
Richard Siken
Sincere thanks to Ann-Christine for her challenge – always good to remind ourselves of some of photography’s most effective techniques. Be sure to visit her beautiful post here and to use the lens-artists tag in your responses. Thanks also to Patty for last week’s “expanded” definition of Still Life and the many interpretations it allowed. Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week when Sofia will lead us with her challenge “Mood”. Until then, as always please stay safe, be kind and enjoy the journey.
Interested in joining the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here for more information.
Travels and Trifles 
I liked your Bryce Canyon photo, Tina. Bryce is one of my favorite places I’ve been to for photos. Also liked the cactus, a great subject for backlighting.
Nice photo! Welcome on my blog chapitrelumiere.wordpress.com
Tina, you have so many lovely pictures to share from your travels. Always fun to read about your adventures and see what you saw through your camera lens! This post is no exception, I really like the picture taken in Bryce Canyon and, of course, your flower images!😊
Fab collection.
Love the cactus
Thanks Philo, that was during a superbloom which was amazing.
You are welcome,Tina Schell.
Beautiful series, Tina. Your first two photos are awesome – I’ve yet to see the hoodoos of Bryce Canyon, but on my list as Utah is another one of those magical places. The second shot is my favorite, and seeing this, I think backlighting on a cactus may be the most beautiful of all photos because the reflection off the needles and the general landscape surrounding a cactus has a warm feeling… I should also add your portrait shot at the end is an excellent example of how dramatic backlighting can make a portrait; it is as if it was taken from a glamour magazine 🙂 Wishing you a great Friday and coming weekend!
LOL, I will add the portrait to me resume should I ever decide to go pro Randall! Seriously though, thank you for that lovely comment and YES definitely do Bryce, it’s incredible – and has some really nice hikes too. Enjoy your weekend as well.
The Live Oaks and the Moss are my favourites, Tina. But then again, to see the rocks turn golden is breathtaking.
Thanks Perpetua. The moss is always so lovely draping the oaks. One of my favorite things about the south
Beautiful set of backlit images, Tina! Love the Spotlight on Bryce especially. These portraits are special. 🙂
Thanks so much Amy – and welcome back!
Thanks for these amazing images. These are so photogenic Windows, Israel and those cactus are so amazing Anita
Thanks so much Anita – They are lovely reminders of some of my journeys along the way.
Thanks Tina .
Fantastic choices Tina.
thanks Rupali, glad you enjoyed.
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Top selection as usual, Tina. But, when I saw your cactus image, I knew at once, which image I forgot in my selection 😁 No, not a cactus, but the setting sun refracted by gazillions of twigs encased by ice.
No worries Andre – we’ll find another chance for it!!
I guess so 😁
Great examples, Tina!
THanks John
Backlit portraits are wonderful!
Thanks Marlene
Always love your posts involving light techniques and approaches! Always crazy about the oaks with the moss that looks like it is battery operated lighting!
LOL for battery-operated. If only!! That one was at sunrise and you know just how often I’m out for that !!
Stunning shots as always, Tina. My favorites are the windows in Israel and the fading Michigan beauties. Have a good day!
Thanks Kellye – didn’t catch you until evening so I’ll wish you a good one of them 😊
Excellent!
Thanks John!
Fantastic examples, especially those cacti among the super bloom, the white irises, beautiful stained glass (I love the reflections on the floor) and the girl with the backlit hair!
Thanks Sarah – I don’t really seek backlighting but I love it when it happens!
Lovely images for this challenge Tina! My favs are the two portraits. Beautiful.
Thanks Anne – both so memorable. Photography makes sure we don’t forget the highlights from our travels.
Cheers to the many skills photographers as you have in your toolbox so people like me can enjoy the fruits of your labor. The stained glass image sweeps me away! Well done, Tina. 🙂
Well you ARE sweet Frank! Many thanks for the lovely thought.
All completely spectacular, Tina. The light on the oak and Spanish moss is enchanting, otherworldly.
Thanks Tracy – I do love the moss, ethereal really, especially when the light is right.
Wonderful examples, Tina, all of them. I like the equinaceas one, lovely light. The portraits are exceptional, unforgettable and therefore my favourites.
Many thanks Sofia – I think mine too 😊
Amazing choices, Tina!
Thanks very much Teresa.
A lovely set, Tina. Weren’t the hoodoos in Bryce spectacular!
Thanks Susan – as for Bryce, there are really no words!
Beautiful – love those gorgeous portraits
Thanks so much Nora – they were both really lovely.
Such beautiful examples this week, Tina. I lingered over your Header, and Bryce Canyon, but then those cone flowers knocked my socks off. And how lovely are those wind chimes, and the reflections on the floor from the stained glass? Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.
Thanks for that special comment Jo, much appreciated. And a terrific week to you too!
Wonderful choices, Tina! The magnolia, the canyon, the chimes, the window – but for me, the young woman stands out. A halo of hair!
Thanks so much Ann-Christine, a personal favorite I must admit.
♥
I think Bryce invented backlit! Always a great place to get a chair and wait for the show. Nice the storm chased everyone away. Silently I pray for that sometimes. When we lived in SC I fell in love with the Spanish Moss. I had never seen it before and thought it was beautiful. The morning light…fantastic. The sunlit hair is my favorite. Angelic, and reminds me of my granddaughter.
Aw that’s so sweet Donna – what could be better than an image that reminds us of a loved one. Loved your comment this week.
That cactus shot could have been taken by me and I’m not sure it wasn’t. 🙂 Cacti are perfect for backlighting because all their devilish little/large spines show clearly. Sometimes backlighting makes them look deceptively fuzzy, as in the case of teddy bear cholla. I really like the magnolia shot and greatly enjoy your two photos of the women.
LOL, you probably have the same cactus somewhere in your archives Janet! They do indeed look beautiful before they stick you with their deadly needles!!! Thanks for the lovely comment.
Brilliant selection, Tina! Marvellous examples of backlighting in different scenarios
Thanks Sue, glad you enjoyed!
I did….need to find some of mine!
Great photography Tina !
Thanks very much Rudi
Beautiful backlighting for this week 😀 😀
Thanks Cee, much appreciated.
Great post, Tina!
Thanks SFAM!!
Lovely images.
Thanks very much Indra
Lovely images Tina!
Thanks PR, much appreciated
These are all great but oddly enough my favorite is the chimes.
LOL, I’ll take oddly Dawn! glad you liked that one.
Backlighting creates such an aura. It comes out easily with the cactus, but especially in that woman’s hair. What an effect. It takes a talent to capture the Magnolia Garden the way you did.
Thanks for that lovely comment Dan – I enjoyed thinking about this one.
You have mastered the art of backlighting in so many photography genres, Tina! The ladies are lovely, but of course, I wowed over your shot of Bryce! Nice to see it 🙂 I love how flowers/nature create such a perfect subject for backlighting–yours are stunning!
Thanks so much Terri – thought of you when I chose that Bryce image 😊
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As a ‘’non-photographer’’ I am always stunned at the various elements that go into picture taking. The photos in this blog surely demonstrate the effect of backlighting. And, as usual, your terrific annotations add to the enjoyment of viewing the photos. Well done T!!!
Always happy to see your name pop up GF! Many thanks for your lovely comment.
Love these Tina…truly r all very different examples of background light. Fading Michigan beauties just jumps out at me!! I also love the gals…always a great eye!!!
Thanks April – you probably realized the Michigan image is from a trip to visit Jeannie and Gordon at camp.
I loved all your photos, Tina. Beautiful moments framed forever.
Many thanks Sheetal – loved your comment this week.
Loved them all! Wonderful post, Tina!
Thanks Laurel, I enjoy combing the archives for these.
Tina, once again you have included some fabulous images! The cactus and the woman with the backlit hair are my favorites.
Thanks Beth – I’ve included the woman previously in some older posts but she’s rather a star IMHO 😊
I agree!
Marvellous examples! A real showcase of backlighting at its best.
Thanks so much Margaret – I’ve never really “focused” on backlighting but love it when it happens!