Lessons
Lesson Info
Class Introduction
There are many advantages to shooting natural light. First of all, it's the fastest way to work, because when you don't have to think about creating your own light, you can just use what's given to you and boom, boom, boom, boom, you can just rip off your poses, and get things done real fast. So, when I shoot weddings, I know I'm the crazy stupid light guy, but I shoot mostly natural light because it's fast. Another reason is, it's actually the best kind of light, because it can create large light sources, which creates beautiful lights, especially for portraits. Cost-effective, it's the cheapest way to get going with your photography. All you need is like a DSLR, even an iPhone, and you don't need any other lighting equipment, reflector maybe? But really it's super cost-effective. You can just go to Costco, you can buy a DSLR with a kit body and start goin' with it. And so, that's why it's very easy for everybody to get into. It's easy to create your signature lighting style. So let's...
say you're shooting weddings, and you're creating your own light, but let's say you're not really an expert at it. Your lighting style's gonna be all over the place, because you're gonna be using some natural light. Then you're gonna try to create your own light, and sometimes when you don't know how to do it correctly, the lighting style's gonna be vastly different. And then when people look at your images, you might be all over the map. But, if you pretty much shoot everything natural light, then you're gonna have a very cohesive and consistent look to your images and your post-processing. And sometimes, knowing less is more. (laughs) So, sometimes just sticking with natural light actually produces a better set of images for you. Artificial light should mimic natural lights. So, if you're ever gonna get into a situation where you wanna learn how to create your own light, then you have to know what natural light looks like. And so, I believe that you should be a master at using natural light before you even get into creating your own light with flashes, or video light or whatever, because now you know what it's supposed to look like. And so, in general, the goal is, whether you're creating your own light, or using natural light, it should look seamless. It should like, people should look at your images and go, uh was that natural light, or was that a flash? They should not be able to tell the difference, and so that way you have a cohesive set of images that you're showing your clients.
Ratings and Reviews
Margaret Lovell
Scott is a passionate and engaging instructor. He's hilarious. I like a side of humor when I'm in a class. I have a preference for shooting in natural light, so I'm glad that I took this course. I learned more effective tips than what I had been doing. I know I'll be re-watching this course in the near future.
Phillip Tour
Great course!!! I learn a lot about natural light, im very good with natural light but I can't wait to get out of my studio and start shot again with natural light! Thank You Scott!!!
a Creativelive Student
Excellent Lesson from Scott. Easy to understand. One of the best CL Lessons I have ever watched. Good job
Student Work
Related Classes
Natural Light