Flash and Natural Light Techniques

Understanding Flash and Natural Light

Natural light and flash are both types of light sources that can significantly influence the mood, clarity, and overall composition of a photograph.
Natural light is light from the sun or any other naturally occurring light source, such as the moon. It can be both directional (creating shadows) and diffused (providing softer, dimmer light).
A flash or artificial light source includes the built-in flash on a camera as well as external flash units. It provides a burst of light that can illuminate a subject or scene.

Natural light can vary greatly depending on the time of day, weather, season, and location. For example, sunrise and sunset (often called ‘golden hours’) provide warm, soft, and directional light which can create dramatic and attractive images.
Shooting during the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest can produce harsh shadows and bright highlights, but this can also be used creatively for dramatic effects.
Overcast conditions tend to diffuse the sunlight resulting in soft, even light - ideal for portraits without harsh shadows.
Backlighting is a technique where the light source (often the sun) is positioned behind the subject. This can create a halo or rim light effect and can be used to create powerful and dynamic images.
Natural light also includes indoor light such as window light, which can provide a beautiful soft light source for natural looking portraits or still life shots.

Direct flash from the camera can be used in low light conditions to properly expose the subject. However, this can sometimes result in harsh light with strong shadows and risk of red-eye in portraits.
Bounce flash is a technique where the flash is angled to bounce off another surface like a wall or ceiling before it reaches the subject. This can create a softer and more evenly diffused light that can remove harsh shadows.
An external flash unit can provide more control and flexibility, such as being able to adjust the angle, intensity and width of the flash.
Some photographers use flash modifiers like diffusers, softboxes, or reflectors to control the light output from a flash unit. These accessories can soften the flash, reduce shadows and evenly distribute the light across the subject.

Combining flash with natural light can create more balanced and appealing photographs. This method is often called fill-flash, where the flash is used to ‘fill’ in shadows created by the natural light.
Consider the colour temperature between the flash (usually cooler) and the natural light (can be warmer especially during golden hour) for a balanced and visually pleasing shot.
Always be aware and respectful of your subject and environment, as the use of flash can be disruptive or even restricted in certain situations or locations.

The key to successful photography is understanding and experimenting with various light sources and techniques.
Practice shooting at different times of the day, in different weather conditions, and with different flash settings to see the different effects each can produce.
Remember, there are no fixed rules in photography - a good photograph is one that represents your vision, creativity and interpretation.