Natural light or Flash???

photobod wrote:

Stealthy Ninja wrote: As cod alluded to above (and I'll be more blunt saying).

A lot of people who say they "prefer natural light" usually don't know how to use flash/artificial light properly.

Probably sticking their Gary Fong products on top of their flashes and bouncing the light all over the place (waste) and not thinking about direction and softness.

Light is our paint. Learn to use it.


If I offended... here's the smiley face to make it all better--->

P.S. I'll use the light most suitable for the job sometimes it's fine to use natural lighting... sometimes it's even better. But I'll use artificial as much as I can when I'm doing something serious. More control.

Why on earth would anyone be offended by you Adrian, I agree with everything you have just said, darn it that was hard to say

Really depends on the situation. Most times outside it's all natural, or unless I'm trying to be creative. Then when I'm inside it's all about the flash. Really depends.

Alex wrote: Really depends on the situation. Most times outside it's all natural, or unless I'm trying to be creative. Then when I'm inside it's all about the flash. Really depends.

I haven't used a flash often, have tried the built-in flash on my digital camera a few times but the photo's almost always better without it. Using mostly manual focus SLRs I have a flash but haven't used it in years.

icepics wrote: I haven't used a flash often, have tried the built-in flash on my digital camera a few times but the photo's almost always better without it. Using mostly manual focus SLRs I have a flash but haven't used it in years.

Built in flashes SUCK. Try getting a speedlight and learning how to use it (no offense).

I have to learn something? Rats. LOL Just like the natural light better most of the time I guess.

icepics wrote: I have to learn something? Rats. LOL Just like the natural light better most of the time I guess.

What camera do you have? Ricoh?!

I almost always use flash outdoors to blend natural light with flash. I set my strobe to -1.3 or -1.7 EV. I like the results. Here is an example using -1.3 EV.

Ninj, I have my old faithful Ricoh SLR that's had a number of run-ins w/concrete and hockey pucks etc. and a new digital Ricoh GXR. Have a Konica SLR, and a Pentax; a Konica rangefinder in need of repair and just bought a Voigtlander that I haven't used yet but it's a beauty. And various old cameras just for fun.

Shadowfixer, nice photo, I can see how a flash brightened up the subjects which have great color. I'm finding that there are ways you can use flash that I haven't tried.

I am learning and trying to use flash appropriately and still stink with it. I will be looking through those articles as that is why most of my work is natural.

icepics wrote: Ninj, I have my old faithful Ricoh SLR that's had a number of run-ins w/concrete and hockey pucks etc. and a new digital Ricoh GXR. Have a Konica SLR, and a Pentax; a Konica rangefinder in need of repair and just bought a Voigtlander that I haven't used yet but it's a beauty. And various old cameras just for fun.

Shadowfixer, nice photo, I can see how a flash brightened up the subjects which have great color. I'm finding that there are ways you can use flash that I haven't tried.

Can you get a flash for it?!

The Ricoh digital has a built-in flash and a hotshoe that right now I'm using for an external viewfinder (that I haven't used as much as I thought but made for an easier transition to digital) and is useful to shoot at odd angles as it pivots up and down. Any of my SLR's or rangefinders have hotshoes.

mj~shutterbugg wrote: I am learning and trying to use flash appropriately and still stink with it. I will be looking through those articles as that is why most of my work is natural.

You and me both my friend! We can learn though, right?

Stealthy Ninja wrote:

icepics wrote: I haven't used a flash often, have tried the built-in flash on my digital camera a few times but the photo's almost always better without it. Using mostly manual focus SLRs I have a flash but haven't used it in years.

Built in flashes SUCK. Try getting a speedlight and learning how to use it (no offense).

Where is that "disagree" emoticon. The built-ins often work well as fill. At times when you get the flash out and mounted, the moment has passed. They do serve to real purpose.

icepics wrote: I have to learn something? Rats. LOL Just like the natural light better most of the time I guess.

Ninja is really a salesman for Nikon so his answers always include "buy something".