LIMNMEDIA - Backlight

Definition

A backlight is a light placed behind a subject, aimed at the camera, to separate it from the background and create depth. It produces a rim or halo around edges without affecting the main exposure.

Joseph Wright of Derby, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Context

In stop-motion, backlighting helps puppets, miniatures, and props pop off the set. Proper placement avoids flare and keeps rim lighting consistent. Low-budget setups use LEDs or desk lamps. Studios use motion-controlled fixtures for repeatable multipass shots.

Examples

Lighting a puppet walking through a forest miniature to create a glowing rim.
Soft backlight through diffusion to bring out hair or fabric texture on a puppet.
Low-angle strong backlight for dramatic silhouettes in horror or fantasy sequences.
Motion-controlled backlights for multipass setups, keeping CG elements aligned.

Notes

Part of the three lights in Three-point lighting.
Too much intensity flares, blows out edges, or washes out detail.
In miniatures, can mimic sunrise, moonlight, firelight, or haze.
Works with Key light and Fill light to enhance depth.

Media

Diagram: puppet lit with Key light, Fill light, and Backlight showing rim effect.
Photo: stop-motion puppet with glowing hair edge from backlighting.
Video: short clip showing controlled rim illumination.

Key light, Fill light, Rim light, Three-point lighting, Multipass, Motion control, Miniature photography