Click to explore the rim light.

A back light or rim light can be positioned behind the subject and facing toward the camera to illuminate the edges from behind so they glow and are visually separated from the darker background. In portrait photography this light is often used to back light the hair, but is also used with many other subjects. The back light is often set up behind the subject and slightly higher than the other lights. Because it's facing the camera, it's important that it be completely blocked by the subject or out of the field of view to reduce the possibility of lens flare and lowered contrast. If you get these effects, use a gobo to block light from the camera lens.