Taking photos contre-jour (i.e. against daylight) is a sparingly used photography technique, usually for special portraits or silhouette photos. Since the back light creates a strong contrast, taking outdoor contre-jour photos will generally lead to loss of color and details, not to mention the lens flare…

However, I always felt that in special occasions, even outdoor subjects may benefit from such an exposure and I tried it on several times. Until now, the best opportunity presented itself when I visited the giant 41.8 meters tall Byakue Dai-Kannon statue from Takasaki Jigen-in. The halo effect seemed… appropriate on such a subject. Don’t you think?

Kannon Statue, Takasaki, Gunma

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese Architecture, Kobe Port Tower