Contre-jour

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Contre-jour, French for 'against daylight', refers to photographs taken when the camera is pointing directly toward the source of light.

Contre-jour has the effect making the subject backlit. This effect usually hides details, causes a stronger contrast between light and dark,creates silhouettes and emphasizes lines and shapes. The sun, or other light source, is often seen as either a bright spot or as a strong glare behind the subject. Fill light may be used to illuminate the side of the subject facing toward the camera.

An example of a contre-jour photograph of a church steeple.

When taking a photograph contre-jour, the shutter speed and f-stop are set to accurately recreate the area around the light source.

Contre-jour is used to emphasize the outline of the man and the tunnel entrance in this photograph. The two-dimensional silhouette of the man is given added depth by the light reflecting off the ground.