Trend I've noticed....

.... That folks who designate themselves as "natural light photographer"(s) are typically the ones who can't use a flash or are too scared to try and make it work properly or can't find the little red light that makes the flashy thingy go pop-pop!

Discuss.

~Eric

[IABoomer]

Is the corollary to this that people who call themselves "strobists" would take a natural low golden hour sunlight and use 8 AB800s gelled warm to overpower it so they could get 1/3 stop more light on the model's left earlobe?

[Henry Wilt]

I've never declared myself a "natural light" photographer per se, but I think I would definitely come in the category of not knowing how to use flash equipment properly.
I do have an excuse and a (almost) valid reason though.

The excuse would be that I just can't afford a decent flash or strobist equipment at the moment.

The (almost) valid reason would be that I take note of all the posters with far greater knowledge than me on here who say you should really learn and be totally comfortable with controlling natural light before you start to try and master artificial light. I'm still learning how to use natural light let alone control it.

[NicoleScraps]

Originally Posted by Henry Wilt

I've never declared myself a "natural light" photographer per se, but I think I would definitely come in the category of not knowing how to use flash equipment properly.

Ditto this. I have never called myself a natural light photographer. But that, natural light, is pretty much all that I have to work with right now since I do not own any external lighting.

[lputman]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

Is the corollary to this that people who call themselves "strobists" would take a natural low golden hour sunlight and use 8 AB800s gelled warm to overpower it so they could get 1/3 stop more light on the model's left earlobe?

Love it!

[nickbedford]

I love using flash, but then again, I'm using it in a way which is flattering to my subjects (i.e. bouncing of walls, using a bounce card, countering by exposing for the background etc).

I also love natural light. That being said, I have no studio or big expensive lighting gear so flash and natural light is all I've got to work with.

[jdepould]

To be fair, chasing (and finding) great natural light is great fun. Artificial lights can be a chore.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by IABoomer

Is the corollary to this that people who call themselves "strobists" would take a natural low golden hour sunlight and use 8 AB800s gelled warm to overpower it so they could get 1/3 stop more light on the model's left earlobe?

Are you saying I shouldn't be doing that?

[IABoomer]

Originally Posted by scootermcq

Are you saying I shouldn't be doing that?

I have no dog in this fight. I'm just a P&S shooter for now until I can get the Nikon I've had my eye on. Max opened the door for discussion, so I'm discussing.

I suppose if changing light puts you in a situation where you're inspired by the look of the natural light but need more time, you could setup the strobes to give yourself the leeway you need to get the shot.

[Jim Bryant]

Does it really matter. In order to be a true professional, you gotta be able to use both light sources well, individually or for the most part together.