controluce

Controluce is the Italian term for backlighting in photography and cinematography. It refers to a lighting arrangement in which the main light source is positioned behind the subject relative to the camera. This setup often produces a strong contrast and can render the subject as a dark silhouette against a bright background, sometimes with a rim or halo around translucent edges.

In practice, controluce is used to emphasize shape, contour, and mood, or to separate the subject from a busy background. It is common in portraits, silhouettes of landscapes or architecture, and in creative filmmaking to convey drama or mystery. When light passes through hair, leaves, or fabric, a delicate edge glow can appear, enhancing texture and drama.

Exposure and technique are central to controlling the effect. Because the subject is lit from behind, cameras frequently meter for the bright background, yielding a dark subject. To achieve a pure silhouette, expose for the background or use exposure compensation. If the goal is to reveal some subject detail, introduce fill light or adjust the lighting to balance foreground and background. A rim-lighting approach emphasizes the edge while keeping the background bright.

Practical tips include shooting against a bright sky or during sunrise or sunset, using manual exposure or spot metering, and considering RAW capture for greater dynamic range. Reflectors or off-camera flash can provide controlled fill, while lens flare can be used creatively or minimized with shading. Related concepts include contre-jour, backlighting, silhouette, and rim light.