burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

I define "no light" as a darkroom dark enough to load Kodak T-Max P3200 film into a developing tank without fog. That means it won't work for normal photography.

If there is a heat source, you might be able to use an infrared camera to get SOME sort of images. The processor operators used infrared video cameras to monitor the film and paper processors at a photo lab I worked in. They were quite effective.

Beyond that...

Direct, specular light sources are like direct sunlight, producing harsh shadows and stark contrast.

Direct, diffused light sources are like soft boxes with forward-facing strobes. You can simulate this look with natural daylight by using white shower curtains or sheer curtains over a window or over direct sun facing your subject.

Indirect, diffused light sources are like white studio umbrellas bouncing a studio strobe back onto a subject. The light is much softer than a soft box, but how soft depends on the bounce surface (white satin or silver foil). You can achieve this look naturally, with pop-up diffusers and reflectors sold at better camera stores.

frangeo Loc: Texas

Photography is the recording of light. A talented photographer adds light in a way that doesn't look like they added light. The same goes for removing to much light. This is the art of photography. Ever wonder why a photographer carries a big bag of "stuff" when going to a commercial shoot?

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Exactly- there are no rules or laws as to how to use available light effectively. You have to do what you need to do to get the shot.

People have a knack for making up false ethics about all sorts of photographic methods and processes that should be up to each individual photographer.