---
title: "Backlight"
space: "Dictionary of Stop-Motion"
url: "https://erpnext-urs-tqc.v.erpnext.com/dictionary/backlight"
updated: "2026-11-10"
---

## Definition
A backlight is a light placed behind a subject, aimed at the camera, to separate it from the background and create depth. It produces a rim or halo around edges without affecting the main exposure.


<a title="Joseph Wright of Derby, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons" href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Three_Persons_Viewing_the_Gladiator_by_Candlelight.jpg"><img width="512" alt="Three Persons Viewing the Gladiator by Candlelight (1765). Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool" src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Three_Persons_Viewing_the_Gladiator_by_Candlelight.jpg/512px-Three_Persons_Viewing_the_Gladiator_by_Candlelight.jpg?20250418032139"></a>

<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Three_Persons_Viewing_the_Gladiator_by_Candlelight.jpg">Joseph Wright of Derby</a>, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons


## Context
In stop-motion, backlighting helps puppets, miniatures, and props pop off the set. Proper placement avoids flare and keeps rim lighting consistent. Low-budget setups use LEDs or desk lamps. Studios use motion-controlled fixtures for repeatable multipass shots.

## Examples
- Lighting a puppet walking through a forest miniature to create a glowing rim.  
- Soft backlight through diffusion to bring out hair or fabric texture on a puppet.  
- Low-angle strong backlight for dramatic silhouettes in horror or fantasy sequences.  
- Motion-controlled backlights for multipass setups, keeping CG elements aligned.

## Notes
- Part of the three lights in [Three-point lighting](/dictionary/three-point-lighting).  
- Too much intensity flares, blows out edges, or washes out detail.  
- In miniatures, can mimic sunrise, moonlight, firelight, or haze.  
- Works with [Key light](/dictionary/key-light) and [Fill light](/dictionary/fill-light) to enhance depth.

## Media
- Diagram: puppet lit with [Key light](/dictionary/key-light), [Fill light](/dictionary/fill-light), and [Backlight](/dictionary/backlight) showing rim effect.  
- Photo: stop-motion puppet with glowing hair edge from backlighting.  
- Video: short clip showing controlled rim illumination.

## Related
[Key light](/dictionary/key-light), [Fill light](/dictionary/fill-light), [Rim light](/dictionary/rim-light), [Three-point lighting](/dictionary/three-point-lighting), [Multipass](/dictionary/multipass), [Motion control](/dictionary/motion-control), [Miniature photography](/dictionary/miniature-photography)

## External Links
- [Basic Cinematography: Lighting Techniques](https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/three-point-lighting)  
- [Stop-motion Lighting Guide](https://www.stopmotionworks.com/lighting/)