thumb|250px|right|The [[backscatter of the camera's flash by motes of dust causes unfocused orb-shaped photographic artifacts.]]
In photography, backscatter (also called near-camera reflection) is an optical phenomenon resulting in typically circular artifacts on an image, due to the camera's flash being reflected from unfocused motes of dust, water droplets, or other particles in the air or water. It is especially common with modern compact and ultra-compact digital cameras.
thumb|right|A hypothetical underwater instance with two conditions in which circular photographic artifacts are likely (A) and unlikely (B), depending on whether the aspect of [[particles facing the lens are directly reflect the flash, as shown. Elements are not shown to scale.]]
Caused by the backscatter of light by unfocused particles, these artifacts are also sometimes called orbs, referring to a common paranormal claim. Some appear with trails, suggesting motion.
Cause
thumb|right|250px|Circular unfocused visual artifacts caused by raindrops.
Backscatter commonly occurs in low-light scenes when the camera's flash is used. Cases include nighttime and underwater photography, when a bright light source and reflective unfocused particles are near the camera.
The artifact can result from the backscatter or retroreflection of the light from airborne solid particles, such as dust or pollen, or liquid droplets, especially rain or mist. They can also be caused by foreign material within the camera lens.
Fujifilm describes the artifacts as a common photographic problem: