Adding light to back-lit subjects

Photo underexposed, shot against light

Supplementing the light for shooting portraits of back-lit subjects is necessary; otherwise the face of the subject can turn out dark.

This can easily be achieved by using the flash together with the natural lighting. In this case, it's essential to keep the subject within the effective range of the flash.

Photo shot with light supplemented with a flash

If the flash is too close to the subject, the face will be too bright, depending on the lighting conditions.

If the use of the flash is disagreeable because the picture will turn out looking flat, you can use a reflector. The advantage of using a reflector is that you can see the effect and make adjustments with the naked eye. If you don't have a professional photographic reflector, you can use a sheet of white paper, or make a reflector by covering a board with silver paper or aluminum foil. The location itself might also offer a bright wall or reflecting water that can be used to produce the same effect.

Photo taken while using a reflector

Compare:Understanding Digital Cameras/Front-lit and back-lit scenes (extremes of contrast)