Why I’m not a natural light photographer

As you search for a photographer, you’re likely to come across those saying, “I’m a Natural Light Photographer.” They make it sound like they are a super photog transcended from mere mortal professionals, an artist, not constrained by flashes, lights, and everything that goes with it. I thank you all! Sorry I drifted off into some lyrics from Queen! Anyway these natural light photogs may say they are free to express and your photos will be “real” and natural.

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Don’t get me wrong, I love natural light, but there seems to be a misguided notion that natural light always looks superior. When used correctly and when it works, natural light photography is amazing.  Being a natural light photographer is not a badge of honor. All light, natural or otherwise, behaves identically regardless of the source, if you understand the principles of lighting. The proper use of flash is NOT flat and unflattering! Proper use of flash fills in dark areas, brings shape to the subject, highlights features and areas, creates mood, and provides missing light.

I consider myself a blended light photographer. The ability to add additional lighting allows me to shoot under any condition with or without the availability of natural light. For example, if natural light causes my subject to have raccoon eyes, I will add a little flash to reduce the shadows under their brows and chin. Here's an example of that below and check out my blog post "How to Avoid Raccoon Eyes in Your Photos". raccoon-collage

When I shoot a back lit subject, I can either expose for the background, expose for the subject, or expose for both by using additional lighting. The sunset photo below would not be possible without adding lighting. I set my camera to expose for the sky and then set my light to properly expose my model.

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If a photographer claims to be a natural light photographer examine their samples.  If you see lots of white, blown out skies, that’s what you’ll receive from them.  That’s not a style. It’s the easiest way to shoot and lacks photographic technique and lighting knowledge.  Anyone can expose for the people and let the background be blown out or too dark. Anyone can get that with a cell phone!

My intention is to always create the best image possible and I will use daylight, flash, or a blend of both. I know when to move my client to a location with better natural light. Waiting for the golden hour is nice, but not always practical. The photo below was taken during the golden hour using only natural light.

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Let’s not forget the wedding where the rain comes and you must relocate the shoot indoors. I’m always completely ready for indoor or outdoor wedding and special occasion photos. Wouldn’t you rather have a photographer that can get amazing photos anywhere, anytime, and under any conditions?  Otherwise what are you paying for? 

The photos below demonstrate my process of blending natural light with flash. The first photo shows proper exposure of the background. The seconcond photo shows the added light on my subject and the background.

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