When it comes to photography, there are two main types of light that you can use: natural light and strobe light. Each has unique benefits and drawbacks that you should consider when deciding which is suitable for your next project. You do not have to be a photographer to know that lighting is essential to getting a good photograph. But what kind of lighting should be used? Natural light or strobe light? In this article, we’ll look at both pros and cons so that you can make the best decision for your next shoot!

What is natural light?

Natural light is the light that comes from the sun. It’s the light that we see during the daytime. It’s also the light that’s used in photography. Therefore, it’s essential to know how to use and manipulate natural light for the most pleasing effects for commercial photography. Going out in the bright sunlight and taking a picture will not result in the same look as knowing how to use the natural light to your advantage and when to manipulate it for the best results for your photoshoot.

What is a strobe light?

A strobe light is a light that flashes at a very high rate of speed. A strobe light is an artificial light used to supplement natural light or recreate the look of natural light. Strobe lights are often used indoors when natural light is insufficient or outside in natural light to give your subject an added pop of definition.

The benefits of natural light for commercial photography

There are many benefits to natural light, including the fact that it is free! Additionally, natural light can help improve your mood and energy levels, providing a more natural look for photographs.

The benefits of strobe lighting for commercial photography

There are many benefits to using strobe lighting over natural light. One of the main benefits is that strobe lighting is much more controllable than natural light. With natural light, you are at the mercy of the weather and the time of day. With strobe lighting, you can control the intensity and direction of the lighting, which gives the photographer much more control over your final image.

Another benefit of using strobe light is that it doesn’t produce heat. This can be a significant advantage when shooting in hot or humid conditions, as the lack of heat means the subject won’t get sweaty or uncomfortable during the shoot.

Finally, strobe lighting is versatile and can be used for many applications. Whether shooting portraits, product photography, or even general lifestyle shots, strobe light can help you get the perfect photo every time.

The difference between natural light and strobe light for commercial photography

Natural light is, of course, the light that comes from the sun. It’s free to use and can create some beautiful effects in your photos. However, it can be tricky to work with because it’s constantly changing. The subject might have to be moved around. Camera settings may need to be adjusted frequently to get proper exposure, and large “scrims” or modifiers might have to be used to get the light right for the final product. Many people think shooting outdoors in natural light is quick and easy; however, with all the different variables, it’s easy to see that using natural light can take more time to get the right shot.  

What type of light is best for my commercial photoshoot?

Strobe lighting, on the other hand, is artificial light that comes from a flash unit. It can be more expensive to use than natural light due to the cost of purchasing lighting equipment. However, it’s also much easier to control. Strobes are set up before the shoot and left in place, so the lighting will not change during your shoot.

So, which is better? It depends on the needs of the client. If we want a uniform look where the photographer can control the light completely, the strobe light is probably the way to go. But if the client is looking for a more natural look, natural light might be the better option. It’s important to discuss your goals with your photographer before the shoot so we can determine which light is best for the project. 

There is no right or wrong answer when choosing between natural light and strobe light. It all depends on your personal preferences and the look we are trying to achieve. If you want a more natural look, then go for natural light. If you want a more polished look, then go for strobe light. Or sometimes a combination of both. We work with you to help you understand your process and needs and develop a lighting plan to give you the best results possible.

kp studios is a Birmingham, Alabama-based commercial photography business. Need an Alabama photographer for your next commercial photoshoot or advertising campaign? Book a 15-minute consult today!