How do you get a good exposure when shooting backlit subjects?

2 How to choose the right metering mode

The first step to get a good exposure when shooting backlit subjects is to choose the right metering mode for your camera. Metering modes are different ways of measuring the light in the scene and determining the correct exposure settings. There are three main types of metering modes: matrix, center-weighted, and spot. Matrix metering evaluates the light in the entire frame and averages it out. Center-weighted metering gives more priority to the light in the center of the frame. Spot metering measures the light only in a small area that you can select. Depending on the effect you want to achieve, you can use different metering modes for backlit subjects. For example, if you want to expose for the subject and preserve the details and colors, you can use spot metering and point it at your subject's face. If you want to create a silhouette and expose for the background, you can use matrix metering and let the camera average out the light.

3 How to use exposure compensation

Another tool you can use to get a good exposure when shooting backlit subjects is exposure compensation. Exposure compensation is a way of telling your camera to adjust the exposure settings by a certain amount of stops. You can use exposure compensation in any mode except manual mode. For example, if you are using aperture priority mode and you want to make your subject brighter, you can dial in a positive exposure compensation value, such as +1 or +2. This will tell your camera to increase the shutter speed or lower the ISO to let in more light. Conversely, if you want to make your background darker, you can dial in a negative exposure compensation value, such as -1 or -2. This will tell your camera to decrease the shutter speed or raise the ISO to let in less light.

4 How to use manual mode

If you want to have full control over your exposure settings when shooting backlit subjects, you can use manual mode. Manual mode allows you to set the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO independently, without relying on your camera's metering system. To use manual mode, you need to understand how these three settings affect the exposure and the creative aspects of your photo. Aperture controls the depth of field and the amount of light that enters the lens. Shutter speed controls the motion blur and the duration of light that hits the sensor. ISO controls the sensitivity of the sensor and the amount of noise in the image. To get a good exposure when shooting backlit subjects in manual mode, you need to use a light meter or a histogram to check if your settings are correct. You can also use the exposure triangle to balance the settings according to your desired effect.

5 How to use a reflector or a flash

Sometimes, adjusting your exposure settings is not enough to get a good exposure when shooting backlit subjects. You might still end up with a subject that is too dark or a background that is too bright. In that case, you can use a reflector or a flash to add some fill light to your subject. A reflector is a simple and inexpensive device that bounces the existing light back to your subject. You can use a reflector to soften the shadows, enhance the colors, or create a catchlight in your subject's eyes. A flash is a more powerful and versatile device that emits artificial light to your subject. You can use a flash to freeze the motion, create a dramatic contrast, or balance the ambient light. Whether you use a reflector or a flash, you need to position it carefully and adjust its intensity and angle to avoid overexposing or flattening your subject.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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