Backlight (Rim Light)

The backlight (also called rimlight) is one part of the basic lighting arrangements known as three-point lighting. It is placed behind the subject opposite the camera, though high above it. That way, the light won’t glare directly into the camera.

Its main function is to help set the subject off from the background by highlighting the edges of it. A backlight with a comparatively high intensity also creates the particularly striking effect of a halo around the object.

For related information, read the entries concerning three-point lighting, key light, and fill light.