A technique to shape the frame
Rim light
Place a narrow line of light along a subject's edge to reveal a silhouette against a subdued background.
How it works
Position a source behind and to the side so it grazes the visible outline. Change the angle until the edge is distinct without washing across the face or entering the lens.
The source may create separation on hair, fabric, or the contour of an object. Its width depends on the source position, size, and the surfaces facing it.
When to use it
Dark wardrobe: separate a shoulder from a similarly dark wall.
Object study: reveal the contour of a bottle while keeping its front relatively subdued.
Common mistakes
A rim on every edge looks disconnected from a real source. Excessive brightness clips hair and fabric. If the light spills into the lens, adjust its position or flag it.
Questions, answered
Can a rim light also be a backlight?
Yes. Rim describes the visible edge effect; backlight describes a source position behind the subject.
