The SCARIEST Thing About This Time of Year (for Photographers)
Hey there, friends, and welcome to a super spooky episode of the Beyond Natural Light Photography Podcast. It's Halloween, the spookiest day of the year, and today, I want to dive into what I believe is one of the most hair-raising situations a photographer can find themselves in. Just thinking about it sends chills down my spine. I'm talking about the moment when you walk into a photo session all geared up, excited to work with your dream client, only to realize that you're dealing with a severe shortage of light. So, what's the plan? Let's have a chat about it.
I'm bringing this up because I used to run into this issue all the time during my work as a portrait photographer. My focus was primarily on newborns and families, and my busiest season was during the fall, especially in October and November. However, in Seattle, Washington, things take a dark turn as the days grow shorter during the fall. I'd constantly keep an eagle eye on the weather, trying to schedule sessions when there was just enough light to work with. This often led to problems like rescheduling and delivering work that didn't meet my clients' expectations. It was a significant headache for me, and I know many other photographers face the same issue. In fact, I've been teaching fellow photographers how to create natural-looking light with strobes and flash for a decade, and I hear about this problem all the time. It's a major source of stress for many photographers. The good news is that there's a simple solution to this issue.Today, I'll lay it out for you in a straightforward manner to ensure you don't find yourself in the nerve-wracking situation of insufficient light.
The solution is to learn how to generate your own light.
Dust off that flash that's been collecting dust in your closet for years and set it up on a stand. However, what I've observed is that off-camera flash and artificial light often make photographers nervous. Many photographers are deeply attached to the idea of being a "natural light photographer." This attachment is due to the belief that natural light is inherently beautiful and the unfamiliarity with working with off-camera flash to achieve that soft, natural light look.
The good news is that I've been teaching photographers how to create this look for years. Today, I'll provide you with the essential knowledge to prevent being caught in a situation where you're dealing with low light and are unsure of what to do. Let's discuss how to overcome the fears associated with working with off-camera flash and explore the necessary equipment and the steps to get started.
Myth 1: Artificial light is too complicated.
One of the biggest misconceptions is that it's complicated, which was a hurdle I had to overcome as well. I, like many of you, am self-taught in photography, and artificial light, such as flash and strobes, initially felt counterintuitive. Natural light was my forte, and I had a deep understanding of how to work with it, but artificial light didn't seem to follow the same logic. It wasn't as visually obvious as natural light, which was a source of anxiety. Additionally, the online resources I found only featured complex setups, large studio spaces, and models who didn't resemble my typical subjects—active children who didn't conform to standard posing. This only added to my confusion and apprehension.
Nevertheless, I cracked the code and devised a system that utilizes a single light source to mimic the soft and natural appearance of artificial light. This method makes artificial light as easy and intuitive to use as natural light, just like a window. So, my goal today is to demonstrate that you already possess most of the knowledge needed to work with a strobe or flash. Light is light, and if you can work with sunlight filtering through a window, you can absolutely work with artificial light using a softbox or umbrella. The rules remain the same. My aim is to show that you already know the fundamentals of natural light and teach you how to apply them when working with strobes or flash for immediate success.
Myth 2: Artificial light is inherently unattractive.
Before we delve into the technical aspects, there's a second fear I'd like to address, which is the perception that artificial light is inherently unattractive. While it can indeed produce harsh and artificial-looking images, I'm here to tell you that when applied correctly, artificial light can create soft, natural-looking results, just like light from a window. The key to achieving this is understanding the fundamental principles, knowing the right equipment, and proper placement to obtain the desired results. This knowledge can eliminate the overwhelming feeling associated with having too many choices when purchasing lighting gear and help you make informed decisions that fit your budget. The right equipment, combined with proper technique, allows you to create beautiful, consistent artificial light.
Myth 1: Artificial light is prohibitively expenisive.
Many photographers are under the impression that natural light is free, but there's a cost to relying solely on natural light. The stress, the inability to maintain consistent work, the need to reschedule or cancel sessions, all of these factors consume your time and money. Eventually, successful photographers come to realize this truth. An acquaintance of mine, a die-hard natural light photographer for years, recently began using strobes and flash because she couldn't handle the volume of work required without knowing how to create her own light. This skill is essential for your growth as a photographer.
The reality is that lighting doesn't have to be expensive. You don't need an extensive amount of equipment. To get started, all you need is one light source. In fact, the first lighting setup I ever purchased cost me less than $300. You probably have a flash in your closet that can be repurposed. You'll need a reflector, a light modifier (I use an umbrella), and a light stand. You can start without a substantial investment, and the returns can be significant. By adding this skill to your repertoire, you'll be able to serve more clients, especially during peak times, like the holiday season.
So, there's a minimal initial investment, and you can recoup it rapidly through increased business opportunities. With artificial light, you gain control over your lighting conditions, something that natural light can't offer. You get to choose the mood and style of your work, rather than being at the mercy of unpredictable weather. As photographers, we're often forced to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, but mastering artificial light empowers you to create art intentionally, regardless of external factors. It's a game-changer.
My program, The Missing Link, can help you master artificial light in your photography.The Missing Link program has benefited thousands of photographers worldwide, helping them achieve lighting mastery quickly. The majority of participants in the program reach a level of lighting proficiency within about a week. Imagine, just one week from now, you could be producing your light with confidence, making it perfect for your holiday sessions and other endeavors. It's a transformative experience. Join the community of photographers who have improved their work by mastering artificial light.
