If you have ever hired a photographer, you were likely happy with the results. One probable reason is that a professional grade camera is going to capture superior images compared to a cell phone, which takes the pictures we see most often these days. And while your smartphone does take amazingly detailed pictures, an old SLR film camera from the 1960's will blow it away artistically. And it is the artistry that compels you to put the picture on your wall, versus just on your social media page to be scrolled away. A little thought and effort on the part of the photographer will have you love a picture for years to come.
This shot would look great in natural light because the model and location are amazing. However, adding the right light with the right modifiers gave the photo much more depth, the eyes are more vivid, and the detail is lifted but remains out of the way.
Have you seen a photographer use extra lights, or large white or silver reflectors? While these are not critical to take a good picture, they are vital to creating a great one. This may seem nuanced, but I’ll venture to say the differences they make are astounding. And these tools should not be limited to studio use only. We are equipped to bring the full force of our pro-level lighting to your outdoor shoot, home, office, or almost any other venue.
If the ‘pro’ says they are a ‘natural light’ photographer, I hope you are not paying them very much. Investing in the education and equipment needed to control light is a commitment few make.
Simply put, if you are paying money for photos, proper lighting should always be used. Anyone saying they can make adjustments in post-processing or 'development' is not giving you your money's worth. Having nice light is a great beginning and can in fact make for lovely photos, but sculpting it to suit your specific vision is what makes the photo special.
Of course, there can be no short cuts. The little bit of time it takes to set up the lights, coupled with the copious amount learning how to use them is just the beginning. Gloria Lux uses a wide variety of professional-grade programs to develop your image. While these powerful post-processing tools can do amazing things, they can only build on what the camera captures. To that end, we use a variety of lights and the finest light modifiers & equipment from experts like Broncolor, Paul C Buff, ProPhoto, Nikon, and others. We have enjoyed training from some of the world’s finest photographers, all of them emphasizing the importance of beautiful light.
Translucence, refraction and reflection can make or break the mood of an image.