As photographers, light is our greatest tool and ally. It has the power to transform a simple scene into a stunning work of art. Understanding how to manipulate and use light is essential for creating compelling images. While there are endless techniques and styles for lighting in photography, it all begins with the two main types of light: natural and artificial.
In this article, we will dive into the basics of natural and artificial light, their benefits and drawbacks, and how to effectively use them in photography.
What is natural light?
Natural light, also known as available light, is any light source that is not produced by humans. It is the most common type of light used in photography as it is readily available and free. Natural light can come from the sun, moon, stars, fire, or any other natural source.
Photographers often prefer natural light because it is versatile and provides a sense of authenticity to the image. It can be soft and diffused or harsh and direct, depending on the time of day and weather conditions. The quality of natural light also changes throughout the day, creating different moods and tones in an image.
Benefits of natural light
- Authenticity: As mentioned earlier, natural light adds a sense of authenticity to an image. It is the same light that our eyes see, making the photograph feel more realistic and relatable.
- Variety: Natural light offers a wide range of options for photographers to play with. From golden hour to blue hour, cloudy days to sunny days, each type of natural light creates a unique atmosphere and mood in an image.
- Cost-effective: Since natural light is freely available, you do not need to invest in expensive lighting equipment. This makes it an affordable option for photographers, especially those starting.
- Flattering portraits: Natural light is known for creating beautiful and flattering portraits. Depending on the time of day, it can add a soft glow to the subject’s skin or create interesting shadows and highlights.
- Easy to work with: Unlike artificial light, natural light requires minimal setup and adjustments. You do not need to worry about lighting ratios, positioning of lights, or reflections. With natural light, you can simply move around and find the best angle and composition for your shot.
What is artificial light?
Artificial light is any light source that is created by humans, whether it be electric bulbs, strobes, or LEDs. It is typically used in indoor settings or during low-light conditions when natural light is not available or insufficient.
There are various types of artificial light sources, and each one has its own characteristics and uses in photography.
Types of artificial light sources
- Incandescent light bulbs: These are the traditional light bulbs that have been used for decades. They produce warm, yellowish light and are commonly used in homes and offices.
- Fluorescent lights: These are energy-efficient light bulbs that produce white light. They come in a variety of color temperatures, making them suitable for different lighting scenarios.
- LED lights: LED lights are becoming increasingly popular due to their low energy consumption and long lifespan. They produce a wide range of colors and are often used in video and studio lighting.
- Strobe lights: Also known as flashlights, strobe lights produce short bursts of bright light, making them perfect for freezing motion.
- Continuous lights: These are lights that are always on and provide a constant source of illumination. They are commonly used in video lighting setups.
Pros and cons of artificial light
Pros:
- Control: Artificial light allows photographers to have complete control over the intensity, direction, and color temperature of the light.
- Consistency: Unlike natural light, artificial light remains consistent throughout the day, making it easier to recreate specific lighting setups.
- Portable: Most artificial light sources are compact and portable, making it easy to bring them on location or to set up a studio wherever you go.
Cons:
- Cost: Artificial lighting equipment can be expensive, especially for high-quality and professional-grade equipment.
- Complex setup: Artificial light requires more technical knowledge and setup compared to natural light. This can be intimidating for beginner photographers.
- Artificial look: Some types of artificial light, such as flash or LED lights, can produce a harsh and artificial look if not properly diffused and controlled.
Comparison between natural and artificial light
| Natural Light | Artificial Light |
|---|---|
| Free and readily available | Requires investment |
| Offers a variety of options | Limited to specific equipment |
| Difficult to control | Easy to control |
| Changes throughout the day | Remains consistent |
| Can create authentic feel | Can look artificial |
Tips for utilizing both types of light effectively
- Understand the characteristics of each type of light: It is important to understand the qualities and behavior of natural and artificial light to use them effectively in your photography. Experiment with different lighting scenarios and see how they affect your images.
- Use natural light as your base: When shooting indoors, start by utilizing natural light as your primary light source. Then, supplement with artificial light to add depth and fill in shadows if needed.
- Modify artificial light to mimic natural light: If you want to create a natural-looking image with artificial light, try using modifiers such as softboxes or umbrellas to diffuse and soften the light.
- Use a reflector: Reflectors are essential tools for manipulating natural light. They can be used to bounce light onto the subject, fill in shadows, or even block harsh sunlight.
- Combine natural and artificial light: Don’t be afraid to use both natural and artificial light in one setup. For example, you can use natural light as your key light and a strobe as a fill light to balance out the shadows.
- Know the color temperature: When using artificial light, keep in mind the color temperature of the light source. Different types of light have different color temperatures, which can affect the overall look of your image.
- Practice, practice, practice: The best way to become comfortable with lighting is to practice. Experiment with different types of light, lighting ratios, and setups to see what works best for you.
Conclusion
Light is an essential element in photography, and understanding the differences between natural and artificial light can greatly enhance your images. Both types of light have their own strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to the photographer to utilize them effectively to create stunning photographs.
Remember to always experiment and practice with different lighting techniques to find your own unique style. With a solid understanding of natural and artificial light, you can take your photography to the next level.
