Backlit Ham: Can Intense Light Beautify Any Object?

“Light is the first of painters. There is no object so foul that intense light will not make it beautiful.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

In brainstorming blog posts that connect backlighting to the holiday season (translucent onyx ornaments? scrapping string lights in lieu of flat panels?), we came across this image of sliced ham in a backlit photographic style. We have to admit, the image itself is intriguing; the lighting uncovers hidden texture and pattern in the ham.

(Photo credit: Yü Lan’s “Macro of Food Slices in backlit Series – Smoked Ham“)

What do you think? Do you agree with Emerson’s philosophy?