Natural Light Verses Flash – Why I’m not a “natural light” photographer and why you shouldn’t be either.

I’ll admit it – I have called myself “natural light” photographer before. When I said it, I meant that I prefer natural light. Well, duh. Who doesn’t? I was trying to explain to my clients that their portraits wouldn’t consist of my lugging around an extensive lighting setup.

What I didn’t realize was that many photographers who self-label as natural-light photographers, are speaking code to their clients. That code translates to: “I’m terrified of using a flash, so I don’t use one.”

I get it – there was a time when I was scared to death of my flash too. As wedding photographers, we don’t get the luxury of picking and choosing the parts of the day we take on – We have to be masters of it all. We are event photographers, family portrait photographers, engagement photographers; you name it, we do it. In my opinion, you just can’t be a master without knowing how to conquer difficult lighting situations.

When you learn to master a flash, you learn to pick your moments. You can’t continuously click the way you would without a flash (Don’t try it. I have burned up more than one flash trying), so it teaches you a patience and to anticipate the moment. When you learn your flash, you learn to have a peace of mind because you feel confident in getting gorgeously lit image regardless of the lighting hand you are dealt.

If you don’t have a flash, go get one. I recommend Yongnuo’s for those just starting out. They are a great beginner flash because they are powerful and cost a fraction of what Canon’s flashes cost.

When I got my first flash, the first thing I did was put it on ETTL (that is the equivalent of auto mode for flash) and I took pictures! I set an apple on my kitchen table and I worked my way around it, making adjustments and observing the way the pictures changed based on those adjustments. I pointed the flash right at the apple, I pointed the flash to a near by wall, or the ceiling, I played with the bounce card. I figured out what looked best.

To show you that flashes really aren’t scary: We’re going to play a little game called “Flash or No Flash” I’m going to post a picture, and you tell me if there was flash used or not!

We’ll start easy:

Flash: This was taken in a reception hall. I love this picture, because although it is flash, the background is still nicely lit! If you’ve taken a picture with a flash where the subject looks white, and everything behind them is pitch black, you know how awful it is. I love that you still pick up all the ambient light too!

Flash: This was also taken with a flash. I love this because it still is my light, clean style.

Flash: Are you sensing a trend here?

No Flash: This house had a gorgeous window with beautiful light pouring in. Heck Yes I took advantage of it!

Flash: Still looks light and non harsh!

Flash: You get the point!

Flash: Capturing what it really looked like at the reception!

The bottom line is this – You don’t have to figure it out all at once. You don’t have to start off with an elaborate off-the-camera set up if you have no idea how to use it, no less how to get it set up. Start small, and take baby steps. You got this!