This is such a simple hack that it’s often overlooked.
A dynamic and mysterious effect is produced when strong backlight is used to separate a subject from a background. Clothing may become diaphanous, but hairstyles always become haloes.
The easiest way to produce this look is to set a light on a stand behind the subject and aim it at her back. As long as her shadow covers the lens, there is little danger of flare. This is how the majority of waist-up, backlit portraits are made. But, what if you need to shoot a full-length image? You’ll most certainly see the light stand behind the model, and that just won’t look good.
May I suggest cutting a hole in the background? Begin by measuring the height of your subject, from the floor to mid-back. This is the widest part of most people; placing the light at this height will allow the most movement from the subject.
From behind the seamless paper, mark the height as noted from the model. With a box cutter or X-Acto knife, cut an X wide enough to push a strobe head through. Don’t make it large enough for the reflector; you can attach that from the other side.
I used a 40 degree grid to restrict the spill of the light while creating the arc of light behind the model.
After shooting a successful series without any flare, I raised the light slightly, high enough to allow for just a hint of flare.
When you are working with a strong backlight, every speck of dust in the air will be highlighted. You’ll have your retouching work cut out for you, but it will be worth it.
Just cut an X in the paper and poke the strobe head through before attaching the reflector. Do NOT try this with a hot incandescent light.
Light that comes from behind but looks like it should come from above, lens flare and a spotlight effect, all from one light.