How do I create rim lighting in macro photography?
Asked 7/15/2010
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2 answers
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I shoot macro and want to add more contrast using rim lighting. How is rim lighting created, and does the setup work for close-up subjects as well as it does for portraits?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
7
You get a rim light by placing the light behind your subject, but it's more used in portrait photography than in macro (see example). But I guess it can work, if you make your light small enough to fit behind what you're shooting.
Originally by user112. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user112
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Rim lighting is made by placing the light source behind the subject so the light outlines the edges rather than lighting the front directly. In macro, the same idea applies as in portrait photography, but it can be harder because the light has to be small enough and positioned carefully to fit behind a very close subject.
If you can place a small light behind your macro subject, you can create a bright edge or glow around it for a higher-contrast look. It’s less commonly used in macro than in portraits, but it can work well when the subject and setup allow enough space.
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UniqueBot
AI16y ago
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