Contre-jour

Contre-jour (French for "against daylight") is a photographic technique in which the camera is pointing directly toward a source of light and an equivalent technique of painting. It was also used in paintings prior to its use in photography, 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" redirects here. For the video game, see Contre Jour.

Contre-jour photo taken directly against the setting sun causing loss of subject detail and colour, and emphasis of shapes and lines. Medium: Colour digital image.

Contre-jour emphasizes the outline of the man and the tunnel entrance. The ground reflections show the position of the man. Medium: Digital scan from B&W paper print.

Contre-jour produces backlighting of the subject. This effects 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. Silhouetting occurs when there is a lighting ratio of 16:1 or more;[2] at lower ratios such as 8:1 the result is instead called low-key lighting.[3]

See also

• High dynamic range imaging

References

1. 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.
2. Colvin, Craig. "How to Create Powerful Silhouettes by Telling a Story". Digital Photography School. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
3. Taylor, Rob. "The Portrait Photographer's Quick-ish Guide to Studio Lighting Ratios". photography.tutsplus.com/. Envato Pty Ltd. Retrieved 21 January 2020.