Natural Light photographer?

Shockey wrote in post #11748428
^ agree.

Seeing the light is not that easy.
A LOT of people shoot natural light, very few are actually any good at it.

Totally agree, It ain't easy but it can be very rewarding when its right.

Shockey wrote in post #11748428
Seeing the light is not that easy.

Yeah, I know so many people that don't know if its daytime or night because they can't see the light.

Many natural light photographers

1. Do not want to invest in strobes
2. Do not understand studio lighting
3. Use it as a marketing tactic

Gatorboy wrote in post #11748901
Yeah, I know so many people that don't know if its daytime or night because they can't see the light.

And so many that can't see or understand quality of light.

Most of the the time, I'd rather make my own light. I won't shoot natural light just because a bunch of famous people say I should, I'll do it when I feel it's a better option.

I choose my scene and subject first, and my light second.

cdifoto wrote in post #11762382
Most of the the time, I'd rather make my own light. I won't shoot natural light just because a bunch of famous people say I should, I'll do it when I feel it's a better option.

I choose my scene and subject first, and my light second.

Don, theres many that prefer to make there own and some becasue of the nature of what they do have to create their own, just like there are many that prefer natural. I use and like both depending on the situation and what I'm trying to achieve but most that are really good at getting consistent results are the ones that truly understand how to use it and fully understand quality of light. Like if you are the one creating it when to use a soft box and when to use a parabolic and when you are using natural seeing when the light is right and then having the skills that if its not making it right for the image you are trying to create.

airfrogusmc wrote in post #11762481
Don, theres many that prefer to make there own and some becasue of the nature of what they do have to create their own, just like there are many that prefer natural. I use and like both depending on the situation and what I'm trying to achieve but most that are really good at getting consistent results are the ones that truly understand how to use it and fully understand quality of light. Like if you are the one creating it when to use a soft box and when to use a parabolic and when you are using natural seeing when the light is right and then having the skills that if its not making it right for the image you are trying to create.

I agree 100%.

95% of them don't know how to use lights or don't have the equipment to do so.

I shoot natural light as much as possible because it is easier for what I do. If I was shooting for commerical projects I would invest in proper lighting. However, chasing 3 year old kids around a park isn't very practical with 300 pounds of lighting gear.

I think natural lighting is stunning when its available. But you still have to understand light and ratios. Even with natural light being available, i still find that it is highly desirable to use a speed light over a reflector for fill because, well, its just a whole lot easier. I dont care how good natural light photographers think they are. you still have to fill the shadows and balance what you have (most of the time). I think a good understanding of studio lighting gives experienced photographers an edge when shooting in natural light. You know what you can do with studio strobes and reflectors and lighting ratios. To be able to do it outside is not always easy because natural light changes. But when its there, it is awesome. I with allen, I Like natural light shots, but you still have to apply basic lighting principals to get good results. This is all natural light with one speedlight about 6' form her set at 1/16 to fill the shadows. This is what came off my camera. When i can get good natural light like this, i blend to get my best results, as do many Senior photographers that shoot on location.

Thanks Mike, I guess the question is, does using fill flash say at -3EV to just lift shadows still count as natural light photography? Or do these people not use ANY flash.

egordon99 wrote in post #11707746
There is nothing wrong with using diffused flash/strobes on newborns.

Does the pediatrician have a reason for saying not to use Flash...

I have used flash with my kids...nothing wrong with them...

Sometimes(maybe all times) we need to ask authority figures as to why they come up with their decision. Not just follow them..

anyways getting back to photography...yeah flashes no flashes no biggie..

WOW i think some people are a little harsh on the natural light photographers. Maybe a bit jealous because you can't do it right.. I personally dont like studio lighting i have it and prefer to go flash free for most of my sessions and my clts prefer it that way as well. I haven't had anyone complain or have anyone turn down a session because of it. But yes some are horrible at it because they think just bc htey have a camera and some light they can be "natural light" photographer. Babies and kids look better with natural light then with the flash, lights or whatever you decide to use as ur light source

By "natural light"...are we only talking about light from the sun? If you were inside photographing a person in a room with the intention of using natural light and walked over and turned on a lamp to lift some shadows in the corner, would we have left the realm of natural light?

Isn't it funny that we all try to mimic natural light while using studio lights, strobes etc, but then when someone wants to use it as their primary source they get accused of lack of knowledge with lighting?

Natural light does not mean uncontrolled light! Reflectors, blockers, redirectors....

I have used strobes now for 30 years and to be quite honest with you I've flirted with the idea of trying nothing but natural light. I think I'd still need my quantum for a bit of fill, so couldn't advertise all natural.

I just think it's snobbish to criticize those who like natural light as being naive and inexperienced!