You might be trying to decide if you prefer natural light or studio lighting for your headshot. It’s easy to get pulled into thinking that the more photography gear the better the photograph. This isn’t true! They are really aesthetic choices, both can be very complimentary.

The image on the left is with using a flash and a plain background. The image on the right was taken in our natural light studio. There are some color differences, we have a warmth on the wall for the image on the right. However the background color can be changed in post production and is quite flexible. What I look for is the quality of the light. Common terminology around lighting is if it is “hard” or “soft” light, the former have starker differences between the highlights and shadows, the latter having a smoother more gradual transition. Natural light, if used correctly, can offer a very soft light. This type of light can help make skin look smooth and unblemished. This can be achieved with flash as well, but really depends on what you have available. The light from flashes has more of a distinct artificial look than natural light. You can often see it on the skin as having more texture to it, which can look overly sharp or revealing of flaws.

One reason you might choose to ask for studio lighting is that you would like the photograph taken in a place, perhaps your office, where natural light is not readily available. Perhaps it faces north or only has small windows. Flash in these circumstances can create a beautiful image without needing the right circumstances.

On the left is an on-location image taken with a flash. Natural light was available, however, to get this type of lighting which is very even across their face you would need to face them more directly towards the window. This would remove the desired background. The image on the right was taken in our natural light studio.