Weekly Poll: Flash or Natural Light?

[shazzt]

I would love to learn how to use off camera flash - but seeing as I am not likely to own one in the near future, I will stick with mostly natural light at the moment.

[Tiberius]

Originally Posted by PRH

Can't argue there! I'm one of the 95%. I wouldn't change my vote but I agree with Nicole, tips on how to use a flash properly would be nice.

I started a thread for people who are limited to on camera flash. You can see it HERE.

[bsolah]

I think most people will go for natural light over flash as it looks uh, more natural. Though of course this is not easy to do and people have to use flash in some instances when natural light is not available.

Though, I can also see the benefit of using flash for special effects like to direct the light in the direction they want.

[peeperita]

and me with my staged shots will for once go with the quorum...i rarely use my flash....although natural lighting isn't my first choice either.....i like to think of it as ambient lighting...whatever is available......

i use my flash for fill at best...

peeper

[inn]

I have to say natural light all the way, my favourite is being window light, ie someone dat next to a window inside a cafe. It just gives this lovely quality to a shot. Also in terms of gig photosoI say a bit no no to flash (well an uncontrolled difused one) it just ruins the atmosphere.

Saying that I would love to learn how to use and control flash better, so when I'm taking snap shots and have to use flash they'll come out without that harsh look. That's why I'm considering investing in a flash gun of sorts...

[SkySpade]

Natural light. Though it may be inexperience using flash speaking for my particular vote, I still believe that natural light gives a photo a more interesting view as it, at most times, comes out as if one was actually looking at the scene in the picture, giving it a more realistic feel.

[Particles Of Light]

I actually just sold my Nikon SB-600 flash...really didn't use it so I purchased the Sigma 50mm Macro with that money...now you know I use that Sigma baby!!!

[aadam_21]

I'm kind of stuck in the middle. I always thought I'd only use natural light, but I'm slowly figuring out flash. I have 3 strobes for studio work that I'm fumbling with and I just picked up a 580 EXII that I'm learning to use. Like mdwst, I'm slowly finding that used correctly, flash can improve just about any shot. Now I just have to learn to use it correctly!

[mindy@photographybymindy.]

You know those pictures with the dark edges and the person in the portrait is lighter? Not just indoors but out doors too, How do I get this look? It almost looks like a border around the edges but its not, is this what a lens hood does??? Please help!!! Thanks Mindy

[sgrbear724]

natural ALL the way...which is why I am DESPERATELY trying to learn how to achieve good photographs WITHOUT flash at all (which can be difficult...inside and at dusk. At least for ME! )