Backlight Flash, More than just silhouettes

I've recently become addicted to an interesting photography technique: placing the flash behind the subject.

Hawaii Sunset Wedding

Sunsets naturally create silhouettes. But instead of letting the couple fall into complete shadow, placing a flash behind them outlines their shapes while still allowing for detail in the veil, dress, and bouquet. It strikes the perfect balance between mystery and intimacy—your couple becomes the highlight of the scene, not lost in it.

Backlighting adds depth and separation. Without it, the couple might blend into the background, especially as the ambient light fades. The flash adds a subtle glow around them, pulling them forward visually and giving the photo a three-dimensional, almost ethereal feel.

This technique blends the warmth of the natural sunset with the crispness of flash. By exposing for the sunset (to retain its deep color), the flash ensures your couple doesn’t turn into silhouettes or become underexposed. It’s the best of both lighting worlds.

A photo where the couple is wrapped in light—especially with their faces close under a glowing veil—feels deeply emotional. It tells a story of closeness, quietness, and connection. The backlight enhances this mood by making the couple feel like the center of a magical world, frozen in a private moment.

Backlighting with flash isn’t just a technical trick—it’s a creative choice that elevates your sunset portraits into fine art. When done correctly, it transforms a familiar scene into something uniquely yours. It’s not about overpowering nature; it’s about enhancing it to tell your couple’s story in the most captivating way possible.