Background lighting is a controlled technique of lighting, used in photography or the theater, in which a light is placed behind or at right angles to an object, person, or scene to produce such effects as depth or separation of subject and background.

Backlighting relates to a design of lighting where the the keylight, or one of the main lights, is placed facing the camera with the subject placed between them. The effect is to produce a glow or rim on the edges of the subject at the back. The glow effect at the back leaves the rest of the subject in shadow, or weakened light.