Photography Lighting 101: Natural vs Artificial Light Explained
- Shawn Eastman
- Jun 30
- 7 min read
If there’s one thing that can make or break your photo, it's the light. Whether you’re shooting a dreamy couple’s portrait at golden hour or working a fashion editorial in a studio, knowing how to use light in photography is essential. And trust me, once you truly understand the difference between natural light and artificial light (and when to use each), your images will start to come alive in entirely new ways.
Now, I’ll be honest right off the bat - I’m a huge fan of natural light photography. Give me that soft, diffused glow through the window or the warm tones of sunset over a flashgun any day. But I also fully respect the control and versatility that artificial light brings to the table.
So in this guide, I’m breaking down both lighting styles, when and why to use them, and how you can work them to your creative advantage.
Table of Contents
Why Light Matters in Photography
Light is the very foundation of every image. Photography literally means "drawing with light."
The direction, quality, colour, and intensity of light shape the mood, texture, and overall impact of a photo. Understanding how to manipulate or harness light gives you control over everything from how flattering your portraits are to how professional your product shots look.
Portrait using natural light vs. portrait using artificial light
Now, there are countless ways to get creative with different artificial lighting set ups, on-camera and off-camera flashes, colours, diffusers, reflectors, settings etc. so this is just one very simple, straight forward example using an on-camera flash - and I'm not saying one is better than the other either! They both certainly have their merits and I'll dive into those in the next section.
The softer "natural light" look can still be mimicked with the use of correct flash power, set up, and diffuser - I just prefer using natural light whenever possible unless the end result I am looking for dictates otherwise.
Natural Light Photography: Pros, Cons, and Tips
What Is Natural Light in Photography?
Natural light is any light that comes from the sun. It can be direct (like harsh mid-day sun) or indirect (like soft window light or an overcast sky).
Why I Love Natural Light
I love natural light because it feels honest. It’s soft, flattering, and beautifully unpredictable. There’s a certain organic magic in chasing the perfect patch of sunlight or timing a shoot for golden hour. It keeps you on your toes but also gives you some of the most emotive and cinematic results possible.
When Natural Light Works Best
Outdoor portraits
Candid lifestyle shoots
Weddings and engagement photography
Editorial shoots on location
Tips for Using Natural Light Effectively
Golden hour is your best friend. Shoot just after sunrise or before sunset for warm, directional light that wraps around your subject.
Use reflectors. A simple white or silver reflector can bounce light back into your subject’s face and eliminate unwanted shadows.
Shoot in the shade. When the sun is high and harsh, head for soft, even shade to avoid blown highlights and squinting.
Use window light. Indoors? Window light can be absolutely beautiful for portraits and still life.
Artificial Light Photography: Pros, Cons, and Tips
What Is Artificial Light in Photography?
Artificial light includes anything that isn’t the sun: strobes, flashes, continuous LED panels, softboxes, ring lights, even the humble household bulb.
Why Photographers Use Artificial Light
Artificial light is all about control. You decide the direction, strength, colour, and shape of your light. It’s ideal for consistency and repeatability, especially in studio setups.
When Artificial Light Works Best
Studio fashion or beauty shoots
Product photography
Low-light or indoor locations
When consistency and control are key (e.g., headshots or commercial shoots)
Tips for Using Artificial Light Effectively
Diffuse your light. Use softboxes, umbrellas, or diffusers to soften harsh light and create flattering shadows.
Balance ambient and artificial. Mix your flash with existing light sources for a more natural look.
Use modifiers. Grids, gels, and reflectors help you shape your light creatively.
Experiment with direction. Side lighting adds drama, backlighting creates mood, and front lighting is great for clarity and softness.
Natural Light vs Artificial Light: Key Differences
How to Choose the Right Light for Your Shoot
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here - experience of using both natural and artificial light will guide you during each shoot - along with the availability of each on the day!
Your choice will mainly depend on:
The style of shoot
The location
The time of day
Your gear setup
And, of course, your personal preference as a photographer
If you love a more organic, spontaneous approach (like I do), natural light photography will often be your go-to. But if you need control, consistency, or you’re working in a studio or low-light environment, artificial light is your best friend.
Truth is, most professional photographers eventually master both. And blending the two - using natural light as a base and enhancing with subtle artificial fill or key light - can lead to truly stunning results.
Read: What Is Raw Photography?
Quick Tips for Mastering Photography Lighting
Observe how light falls. Watch where the shadows are, how they move, and how they change throughout the day.
Get comfortable with direction. Side light adds depth, backlight adds mood, and front light reduces texture.
Use tools wisely. Reflectors, diffusers, gels, and modifiers are inexpensive ways to drastically alter your lighting.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Some of the best lighting techniques come from trial, error, and a bit of creative bravery.
Let the Light Lead You
Ultimately, photography lighting tips aren’t about choosing a winner between natural vs artificial light. It’s about learning to see light, feel light, and shape it to your creative will.
As I say, I always lean towards natural light where possible - there’s nothing quite like it in my opinion. But I’ll never deny the power of artificial light when you need that extra control or you’re in less-than-ideal conditions.
My advice? Master both. Fall in love with natural light photography, but also make friends with your softboxes, strobes, and reflectors. The more tools you have in your lighting toolkit, the more versatile and confident you’ll become behind the lens.
FAQs
What is the difference between natural and artificial light in photography?
Natural light comes from the sun, while artificial light is man-made, like flash or continuous lighting. Natural light is softer and more unpredictable, whereas artificial light gives full control over direction, intensity and consistency.
Is natural light better than artificial light for photography?
It depends on the shoot. Natural light can be beautiful and flattering but is less predictable. Artificial light offers more control, especially indoors or in low light.
When should I use artificial light in photography?
Use artificial light when shooting in low light, at night, indoors without windows, or when you need consistent lighting across multiple shots.
What are the advantages of natural light photography?
It’s free, flattering, widely available, and can create a more organic and emotional feel to your images.
What type of natural light is best for portraits?
Golden hour light (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) is ideal - soft, warm, and directional for dreamy portraits with beautiful skin tones.
Learn More: The Magic of Golden Hour
How do you soften harsh natural light?
Use diffusers, shoot in open shade, bounce light with reflectors, or wait for cloud cover to soften direct sunlight.
How do photographers use light effectively?
They consider light direction, intensity, quality, and colour temperature to shape the mood, depth, and focus of an image.
What is a key light in photography?
The key light is the main source of light in a scene. It defines the subject’s shape and is often paired with fill or backlighting.
Do I need studio lights for professional photos?
Not always. Natural light can produce professional results, especially with the right modifiers. However, studio lighting offers precision and consistency for commercial work.
What’s the best light source for indoor photography?
Large windows with diffused natural light are ideal. If not available, softboxes or continuous LED lights mimic natural softness.
What are the types of artificial lighting in photography?
Key types include strobes, speedlights, continuous LEDs, tungsten bulbs, and ring lights.
Can I mix natural and artificial light in a shoot?
Yes, but be mindful of white balance and light intensity. Use gels or adjust colour temperature settings to avoid strange colour casts.
What’s the difference between hard and soft light in photography?
Hard light casts strong shadows and highlights textures. Soft light is diffused, wraps around subjects gently, and is ideal for portraits.
How do I bounce light for better portraits?
Use white walls, foam boards, or dedicated reflectors to redirect and soften light onto your subject for more flattering results.
What’s the best time of day for natural light photography?
Golden hour and blue hour offer the most flattering light. Midday light can be harsh unless diffused or shot in shade.
Why is lighting so important in photography?
Lighting sets the mood, directs attention, adds dimension, and defines your subject. It’s one of the most important tools a photographer can master.
How do I control artificial light intensity?
Adjust power settings on your lights, use diffusers, or move the light source closer or farther from your subject.
What gear do I need for natural light photography?
A reflector, diffuser, fast lens (wide aperture), and sometimes a tripod are all helpful for maximising natural light.
Should I always shoot with the light behind me?
Not necessarily. Side lighting, backlighting, and even shooting into the light can all create stunning results - it depends on your style and subject.
Does artificial light always need modifiers?
Modifiers like softboxes, umbrellas, or beauty dishes improve light quality, but in some creative situations, unmodified light can also be effective.
