Backlit portrait

[Tyson L. Sparks]

I figured I would try some backlit portraits. Here is attempt #1. What can I do to improve over all image quality, framing, sharpness, color?

[AgingEyes]

What can I do to improve over all image quality, framing, sharpness, color?

Choose a dark background. I think as is the background is kind of,,,empty

Traditionally, some would also use fill-flash. But that could give the pic a different kind of quality.

[Tyson L. Sparks]

41 views and one comment, it must be horrible!!!

[Frog]

Nice setting and model. I think the background is TOO bright, though. If you can tone it down and keep some highlights on model it will work nicely.

[Tyson L. Sparks]

This was my first attempt at a backlit portrait. I need a Neutral Density filter I think to tone it down.

[AgingEyes]

This was my first attempt at a backlit portrait. I need a Neutral Density filter I think to tone it down.

Well, I can be wrong but I don't know how a neutral density filter will help here. Since a neutral density filter "reduces and/or modifies intensity of all wavelengths or colors of light equally", it is going to affect both the foreground and the background the same way. It seems to me may be you're thinking of using a neutral density filter to "under-expose" the background? I don't think it will work without also under-exposing the foreground. You may as well shoot a few shots and combine them in the post like shooting HDR.

Something people do is to expose for the background and put some light back on the subject using fill-flash or reflector. As is the dynamic range between the woman and the background is beyond what your camera can do to keep both the foreground and the background properly exposed. Adding extra light to the subject is to reduce that dynamic range to a manageable level.

If you don't want to use extra light or nothing available to reflect the light back on your model, go through this wedding photog's portolio and see how he handles back-lit situation (choosing a darker background) :

Weddings - Cliff Mautner Photography

But, unless you want the lens flare effect in your image (kind of like what you have here and which will make the image looks not that sharp), watch for it, use a lens hood or getting something to block the light that is shining on your lens.

I'm sure some photogs would handle back-lit situations. The above is the little bit that I can think of.