The Importance of Back Lighting

There is a huge distinction with being "able to see" vs "how we see."   Sure you can see the performance on a stage with a few front lights, but adding a few rear lights shines a whole new light on "how we see" the performance.  Professionals in the  lighting and photography industry alike understand the importance of the "3 Point Lighting" Technique.  

Like the name suggests there are 3 Lights, the Key Light (Front Side/Intense/focused), Fill Light (Front Side / Softer/Wash), & Rear Light.  From this perspective we can see that "Rear Lighting" accounts for at least  33% of lighting needs!  its  important to remember 3 point lighting  usually comes from above, and not directly in line with performer to be lit. 

From a very simple and generic standpoint the primary use of rear lighting is to help eliminate and control shadows.  Looking deeper however one can start to appreciate the other details that the addition of rear lighting can bring. The addition of rear lighting contributes a "glowing" effect to performers which can be best described as going from a 2D  to a 3D appearance.  

By Incorporating the 3 point Lighting,(which includes  back lighting by default) you will "see" your event in a whole new light.