As a photographer, I live or die by the light in my images. The word photography, in fact, derives from the Latin words for light ("photo") and writing ("graph") -- so literally, I am "writing with light" when I take a photograph.
Natural light photography almost always means exclusively using light from the sun. The sun is the most incredible light source photographers have at our disposal, and it is critical to know how to work with it when creating outstanding images outdoors.
However, I have to admit that I balk a little when I hear the words "natural light photography." Because...
What do you do if the sun doesn't show up?
The client has taken time out of their schedule, has probably gotten their clothing, makeup, hair and nails done, perhaps had to coordinate several other people's attendance... not to mention as the photographer I have set aside time to prep and shoot --- and the sun is a no-show.
What do you do if you can't shoot outside?
Even if the weather is nice, some people just don't want to go outside to shoot. The wind can really mess up someone's hair at times. Perhaps they have allergies or other health conditions. In one case of mine, a woman (the eldest daughter) wanted to have a family portrait taken. Her siblings were visiting from out of town, and it was the first time her family had been in the same place, all together, for twelve years. The only concern was that their father was ill, needed oxygen, and was in a wheelchair. In this case, the client specifically needed to be indoors, so the sun was not a realistic option.
As a professional, I believe it's important to be more than just a one-trick pony when it comes to getting great photos. If the sun doesn't show up for a shoot, it's critical to be able to create something awesome regardless through the use of strobes (aka "flash") and other light modifiers. For example, where would a model be if she could only successfully pull off one style? The most successful models can look sexy, glamourous, professional, avant-garde, natural and wholesome, romantic, older, younger -- because that is their job. I feel the same applies to me in terms of a photographer -- I definitely use natural light, but I can also create many many other looks and styles with supplemental lighting should the natural lighting be flat.
As a photography client, it is to your benefit to be sure that your photographer is well-versed in all aspects of the craft. A few things to look for:
Pay attention to a photographer's portfolio. Are all the photos taken under similar lighting conditions? Or is there a variety that demonstrates mastery of the craft under many conditions?
Check whether or not the photographer belongs to any professional photography organizations. Professional Photographers of America (PPA), Wedding Photojournalist Assocation (WPJA), and Wedding and Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) are all excellent and well-known professional organizations of photographers.
Has the photographer been published? Magazine photo editors know what's current, demand the highest quality photos, and they don't like to work with flakes. (They are working under a publishing deadline, after all.) If your photographer has had their work published or used publicly, it not only suggests that they take good images, but that they are a decent and reliable businessperson as well.
Has the photographer won any awards/recognition for their work? Winning recognition from other professional photographers is also a great indicator of high quality work. Who better to judge a photographer's work than other experts in the same field?
For more information about my qualifications, please feel free to contact me via my website, http://www.strikingphotography.org/, email Debra@StrikingPhotography.org or call the studio at 913-602-8061.
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