In my latest article for PetaPixel.com I take a look at rim lighting. As you might guess, rim lighting is used to light a portion of the edge of your subject. While it is most often used as part of a multi-light setup, it can be used on its own for dramatic effect.

This type of lighting isn’t limited to use in still photography. You will see it implemented in video and motion pictures also, but the use of rim lighting in movies is quite a broad topic unto itself, so I’m going to just focus on photography here.

What is Rim Lighting Used For?

The primary purpose of rim lighting is to create a more distinct separation between your subject and the background. By placing a strong light source behind the subject, you can wrap your subject with light, creating a rim (hence the name) or halo effect around the person’s outline.

You can read the full article over at PetaPixel.com.