Fluoro fun

Team Backscatter · Issue 144, May/Jun 2025 · pp. 43–45

Products mentioned: Backscatter Fluorescence System, Backscatter Excitation Filters, Backscatter Yellow Barrier Filters, Backscatter Yellow Barrier Filter Dive Mask, Sony a9 III, Sony 90mm Lens

Fluorescence (often called “fluoro”) is a super fun way to get creative and weird with image making. Fluoro offers a unique and striking look that stands out from conventional images bringing a fresh and vivid twist to your work. Fluorescence occurs when a subject absorbs light at a specific wavelength then emits light back as a different color. The result is an extremely vivid and neon look, which makes the subject appear completely differently than under white light. For example, some green plants or algae typically appear bright red when fluorescing. This is the same way a black light poster works when lit with the right kind of light. It’s easiest to see fluorescence in dark conditions with no ambient light, which is why fluoro photography and video are typically done at night. Compared to shooting with normal white light, fluorescence transforms ordinary subjects making them appear …