halation

American  

[hey-ley-shuhn, ha-] / heɪˈleɪ ʃən, hæ- /

noun

Photography.

1. a blurred effect around the edges of highlight areas in a photographic image caused by reflection and scattering of light through the emulsion from the back surface of the film support or plate.

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halation British  

/ həˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. photog fogging usually seen as a bright ring surrounding a source of light: caused by reflection from the back of the film

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Etymology

Origin of halation

First recorded in 1855–60; hal(o) + -ation

Explanation

In photography and cinematography, halation refers to the spreading of light beyond its proper boundaries. It creates a soft, glowing effect around the brightest parts of an image. The word halation comes from the word halo, a glowing circle of light shown around the head of an angel, saint, or other holy person in many paintings. Halation is usually associated with analog film. When you take a photo, light passes through the film's light-sensitive layer. Some of the light might go all the way through the film and reflect back, scattering into a slightly larger area. It might create a reddish or orange glow in color film, or a soft white blur in black-and-white film. While halation was originally seen as a flaw, today, many photographers and filmmakers like the artistic, dreamy feel of halation. They often try to imitate the effect digitally.

Example Sentences

Brandon Stirling Baker’s lighting, with its dominant halation of white, also has a space-age aura.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 13, 2025

When viewed from several feet away, the dots coalesce into a halation of amorphous color.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 29, 2024

When viewed from several feet away, the dots coalesced into a halation of amorphous color.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 25, 2023

To avoid halation use portrait film, take the view where there are no glaring lights, and develop with Azol.

From Pictorial Photography in America 1921 by Pictorial Photographers of America

The first advantage, which I soon discovered, is their entire freedom from halation.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 623, December 10, 1887 by Various