Note: This is the first of four articles exploring four different kinds of natural light you can use in your photography.

Ever been told not to shoot into the light? Forget it.

Backlighting is one of those effects that looks difficult and expensive but isn’t all that tough to achieve. With a little knowledge even a budget-bound beginner is able to make use of this cool effect.

Here’s the quick version: A backlit image is an image in which a light source is behind the main subject. This offers the potential for several interesting effects. If the back light is weak and other light sources are strong, the back light simply acts as a hair light or a rim light to separate the subject from its background. If the back light is the primary light in an image, it can be so strong that the subject becomes just a silhouette.

See exactly how it all works after the jump.

Photo by Pensiero on Flickr.

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Light is the backbone in every photograph. In this post-processing, Photoshop-faking, high-dynaminic-ranging world of modern photography, beginning photographers often forget about light in the process. It’s to their detriment: Almost every other photographic flaw - poor composition, cheap equipment, etc. - can be excused simply if the light is good. And, despite what a lot of people may think, good lighting is something that just can’t be faked.

This is an introduction - the first step in thinking about lighting’s impact on your photographs. More advanced photographers may find it beneath them, but oftentimes we all can benefit from a return to the basics. Here are four different types of lighting along with examples of how each is used well. In the coming weeks, Cheapshooter will explore each in detail and offer some specific techniques on how each can be used to produce great photography. Don’t miss out - make sure you add our RSS feed.

Catch the four different types after the jump.

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