Back Light placement and intensity: It should be placed directly behind and below the subject at 45 degrees vertical and is about 30% more intense than the key light.

• A. Placed in front of the subject at eye level.
• B. Placed to the side at 90 degrees.
• C. Placed directly behind and below the subject at 45 degrees vertical and about 30% more intense than the key light.
• D. Placed above the subject to produce a halo.

Answer: (C)

Back light creates separation and depth by outlining the subject from the background. Placing it directly behind and slightly below the subject at about a 45-degree vertical angle produces a clean rim along the back and lower edges, helping define the silhouette without lighting the face directly from behind. Making this back light a bit stronger than the key light—around 30% more intense—ensures the edge remains visible and the subject stands out against the background, while the key light continues to sculpt facial features. This balance avoids flattening the image and keeps the subject from blending into the backdrop.