Week 10: That Holy Backlight

What is it about backlight?

epiphany? holiness? hmmm...

In going through some old photos in hopes of finding something interesting in the mundane, 'every day'- I came across this one a friend took of me in a cafe. All I am doing is drinking a shake, probably thinking of something else to say, or daydreaming, noticing something over there, or just averting my eyes from the camera to be a brat. But the backlighting from the outside through the window adds some interesting context.

This photo reminds me of something I've really enjoyed taking from this class--- what kind of light means what to different people? How is it that seemingly arbitrary intensities, positions, colors, and so on can add so much meaning or varying interpretations to an image or story?

For this one in particular, I am wondering how automatically backlighting or a glowing effect evokes holiness, power, purity, and so many other interesting symbolic things. 

Well! I decided to see if there was anything on it on one of my favorite research sites (first step into research, not final source) which is tvtropes.org ... it's great to check out for explanations or links to further explanation, or just for fun. 

The first thing I entered as search criteria was 'Holy Backlight': http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HolyBacklight 

...which led me to 'Power Glows':
 http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/PowerGlows

Here is my own quick and dirty two cents on this kind of image: We associate light with power, because, indeed it is. So, if a figure is bathed in light, they must have some kind of power- be it wisdom, divine power, knowledge, and a bunch of other things depending on the context. Then, of course, the colors can mean different things to different people... 

 

One of my favorite uses of this in film is for both the characters Gandalf and Galadriel, that blinding white back light (and light from probably all around) is paired with that classic choir 'ahhhh'. When this happens in film/theatre, whamo, you've got some important stuff going on or people to be looking at. 

On the other hand, this engulfing light could ruin one who 'is not worthy', or something like that (e.g. how Agent Smith in The Matrix is ended with blinding lights)--- I try not to read too much into things sometimes or let the analytical side take over simple enjoyment or digestion of something, but it is fun to think about. 

Like most classes, I feel like we have a lot of useful information and insight but have barely just begun on our understanding of the 'magic' that is light. 

Have a great Spring break everyone! It's been nice. 

-Cinthia