I search for interesting natural light (and weather). It's what inspires me most to take the shot.


Closing Time by Linda Shorey, on Flickr

light and shadow by Linda Shorey, on Flickr


pond scene
by Linda Shorey, on Flickr

Wild Morning Glory by Linda Shorey, on Flickr

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Some photographers seem to only use natural lighting (with or without reflectors). Others seem to rely mostly on flash with light modifiers.

I notice this with both indoor and outdoor photography.

Sometimes I see examples of portraits shot with just window light. Looks great. But hard to pull off right.

I also see examples of outdoor shots with fill light with many different flash heads. And results are often amazing.

What's your preferred way? Care to share any advice?

Some photographers seem to only use natural lighting (with or without reflectors). Others seem to rely mostly on flash with light modifiers.

I notice this with both indoor and outdoor photography.

Sometimes I see examples of portraits shot with just window light. Looks great. But hard to pull off right.

I also see examples of outdoor shots with fill light with many different flash heads. And results are often amazing.

What's your preferred way? Care to share any advice?

I search for interesting natural light (and weather). It's what inspires me most to take the shot.


Closing Time by Linda Shorey, on Flickr

light and shadow by Linda Shorey, on Flickr


pond scene
by Linda Shorey, on Flickr

Wild Morning Glory by Linda Shorey, on Flickr

.

With all due respect, you are asking the wrong question. Every accomplished photographer learns that it is the picture that is important. Pictures occur everywhere you need to be able to Get the picture. That means knowing how to add light when necessary. It is totally fine to have a preference for natural light , or studio light but you will invariably find some situations where you are out of your comfort zone.
Raising ISO is not a substitute for good lighting. It can certainly help and we all use it sometimes. But most times a lower iso and a reflector will give better results
If you love studio lighting and find yourself out of the studio? Add a little flash, turn the subject if you can , or change your position.

People with strong opinions about doing it only one way, are often uncomfortable in their ability to modify light to get the picture.
Personally I do lots of natural light photography, but i always carry a reflector and a small flash and 5 or 10% of the time they make the picture.
I started as a studio photographer. If the picture is good , the picture is good…. We don’t first ask what type of lighting is “better”.

Good photographers are problem solvers in search of good pictures.
There certainly are times when you can’t add light or use a reflector say bird or wildlife photography, but if you look at the work of people who are good at that work you will quickly see that they have Positioned themselves relative to the subject and light to give the best chance. That is very much a lighting skill.
This is a long answer to what seemed a simple question, it is offered in an effort to be responsive to the intent of your question.
Good Luck