What is the lighting source located above and behind the subject called?

The lighting source located above and behind the subject is referred to as backlight. Backlighting plays a crucial role in photography and film by creating a sense of depth and dimension, helping to separate the subject from the background. It highlights the edges of the subject, often resulting in a halo or glow effect, which can enhance the visual aesthetics significantly.

Understanding the backlight's placement is essential in crafting well-balanced lighting. When utilized effectively, it can add drama and interest to the scene, drawing attention to the subject’s shape and form. This technique is commonly employed in various genres of filmmaking and can dramatically change the mood of a shot. In contrast, the other lighting types have different roles: a fill light softens shadows, a key light is the main light source illuminating the subject, and soft light diffuses the light to reduce harsh shadows. Each lighting source has its distinct purpose in the composition of a shot, making it important to understand their specific functions and applications.