Back Lighting with Flash

©John Parmley

One way I try to create a image that has some depth is to add a back light to rim light my subject.  By doing this, you can create some separation and dynamics to your picture that otherwise is not there.

In this picture, I am shooting with a Canon 5D MIII and a 24-70 2.8L.  There is a light stand directly behind me with 600EX-RT Flash set at 1/4 power with a plastic light diffuser to insure the front of my bride and groom are exposed correctly.  My wife is knelt down behind them with a 600EX-RT at 1/4 power with no modifier.  She is holding it sideways so that the light is sent mostly up and down.  I have that flash manually set to 35mm so that the light spills out onto the dance floor.  I am using the Yongnuo YN-E3-RT transmitter to control the flashes.

While I admit the light coming off the veil is too hot, I think it actually works for the creative look I was looking to achieve.  

The light behind the couple is being held in this orientation, is set at 1/4 power and 35mm