contrejour

Contre-jour, from the French term meaning "against the day" or "backlight," is a lighting situation in photography and cinematography where the primary light source is behind the subject relative to the camera. This arrangement emphasizes the silhouette and can create a halo or rim of light around the subject, while the foreground may be underexposed.

In practice, contre-jour yields high contrast between background and subject. Metering is crucial: exposed for the background typically darkens the subject, producing a silhouette; conversely, exposing for the subject can blow out the background. Photographers may use fill light, reflectors, or post-processing to reveal details in the subject, or deliberately retain the silhouette for a graphic effect. Lens flare and loss of detail in the shadow areas are common byproducts, which can be mitigated with lens hoods, careful composition, and sometimes small apertures.

The technique is widely used for portraits, landscapes, architectural photography, and film, where the light behind the subject can create an evocative mood, emphasize shape and contour, or separate the subject from a bright background. In cinema and video, backlighting often defines character outlines, enhances three-dimensionality, and contributes to atmosphere.

Related terms include silhouetting, rim lighting, and backlight. Contre-jour is not a universal lighting rule but a stylistic choice that benefits from careful exposure management and creative intent.