Usually when we consider lighting for photography, we do so in terms of how much and what type of light we put on the subject. Although that makes perfect sense for the vast majority of our shooting situations, occasionally it’s more interesting to direct the lighting through the subject. Done properly, this technique can make our image appear as if it is glowing from within. I’ll show you a few examples.
First, here’s one from a series of photos I took for a vintage glassware dealer. It shows the edge of a bowl with a frosted rose pattern. It was shot in a completely dark room, with a single light positioned underneath the bowl.
Next, a fun shot of a sliced kiwi. This time, there was subtle natural lighting in the room, but the majority of the light was provided by a speedlight positioned directly behind the subject. The front lighting allows the seeds to be visible, while the backlighting provides a nice glow.
Last but not least, one of my favorites. This photo captures a rather turbulent pour of an IPA. This one was also shot in a completely dark room with a single light positioned under the glass.
There you have it. Three rather ordinary subjects taking on an entirely new look simply by changing the lighting.
Cheers!
Mike, a Pennsylvania native, is a metallurgical engineer and avid photographer. A graduate of Lafayette College in Easton, he is the president of Opus Technologies LLC. Mike enjoys experimenting with various photographic techniques, evaluating (playing with) new equipment, and discussing all aspects of photography with anyone who will listen. Discover his Candid Paw pet photography website, Facebook page, and etsy shop.
