Professional Photographer’s Toolkit: Lighting Choices and Techniques

Photography, whether for a press event, a fashion runway, or a magazine spread, is fundamentally about capturing light. While some photographers prefer to rely on natural light, many others make use of artificial lighting sources to achieve their desired effect. This article delves into the most commonly used and best-performing lighting tools by professional photographers.

Common Artificial Lighting Sources for Photographers

Photography is an art form that relies heavily on capturing the right lighting, whether it be during an outdoor photoshoot or a studio setup. The most popular forms of artificial lighting include:

Available Light

Available light remains one of the most sought-after forms of lighting, especially for skilled photographers who are adept at working with the natural environment. This involves using the available lighting conditions to enhance the mood and atmosphere of the photograph. It is a versatile tool when used effectively, but it is not always reliable or controllable.

Continuous Light Sources

For still-life or product photography where you need to maintain the camera on a studio stand, continuous light sources are a favorite. These lights are perfect for those moments when you need to see exactly what your setup looks like in real-time.

Portable Camera-Top Flash

Press event photographers and fashion photographers often rely on portable camera-top flashes. These powerful flashlights can serve as a cheap and effective way to enhance indoor lighting or deal with low-light conditions. They are particularly useful during events where a studio setup is not feasible.

Studio Strobes

For photographing people or anything that might move, studio strobes are the gold standard. They offer a wide range of options, from basic non-branded monolights without fans to high-end models like Profoto. Studio strobes require additional equipment such as softboxes, barn doors, snoots, beauty dishes, and reflectors to help shape and control the light.

Light Equipment in Action

Professional photographers know that the right light equipment can make the difference between a mediocre and a stellar photograph. As a seasoned photographer, I often carry a minimum of two speedlights and wireless triggers for on-location shoots. For a small product shoot, continuous light with a dimmer is sufficient.

When working with studio strobes, the photographer needs to consider several factors, including the subject and the specific requirements of the shoot. For example, when photographing a fennec fox, a deep red-orange heat lamp was used to create a warm and captivating atmosphere. The photographer chose to leave the white balance (WB) on auto mode to allow for post-processing flexibility.

Another example involves a workshop where the light was dramatically mixed, with both daylight and warmer tungsten lighting sources. By processing the raw capture, the photographer ensured that the subject's skin tone was accurately represented.

For those who prefer the creative and artistic lighting of natural light, there is an endless array of options available. From the soft, illuminating light of museum displays to the rich, warm tones of early morning light, natural light can be manipulated and enhanced to achieve the desired results. Shooting in raw format allows for greater adjustments in post-processing.

Conclusion

Whether a professional photographer relies on natural light, continuous light, or studio strobes, the choice ultimately depends on the subject and the desired outcome. Each lighting source has its unique advantages and limitations. As with any aspect of photography, the key is to understand the tools at your disposal and to use them to their fullest potential.