Im going to get headshots from this photographer: www.RodGoodManPhoto.com ............ This question keeps stoping me.....Natural Light or Studio Light???

I'm a big proponent of studio lighting for headshots.

Unless conditions are perfect, too many things can go horribly wrong using natural (outdoor) light. NYC in particular is freezing cold during the winter months, and hot and humid in the summer. But even when the photographer has all the elements under control, I vastly prefer the consistent comfort, look, and control of indoor shooting.

You should definitely do your homework prior to selecting any headshot photographer however, regardless of technique. It's a highly personal call, one that only you can make.

It may be time-consuming, but only by direct comparison can you genuinely be certain of which you prefer.

www.robertkim.com
Special Back Stage Discounts

Thanks so much. I think im going to stick with stuido lights. I only chose this headshot photographer because im on a budget.....but honestly I like your headshots alot.....But im only 15, im selling candy to get Money.....and these headshots are only 100, but im going to sell candy again in like a 2 months and im going to save up to get try to get headshots from you.

And i heard about your Back stage reader discounts.

I'd be very wary about $100 headshots, but good luck to you!

Natural light!

One person says Natural Light and the other Say Studio Light. I still cant choose.

Natural light or really, really big softboxes/diffusion panel that look like natural light.....

An experienced headshot photographer who is skilled in either natural light or studio light or both can make you look your best. Remember, when you walk in the room the casting director should think you actually look like your headshot. Just be sure that the final images are not retouched so much that you look unnatural. The trend has clearly moved away from that look.

quote:

Originally posted by MYLIFEISacting:
One person says Natural Light and the other Say Studio Light. I still cant choose.

If you ask a photographer which is better, naturally he's going to say, HIS WAY.

That's why I answered your question this way: "It may be time-consuming, but only by direct comparison can you genuinely be certain of which you prefer." Simply compare a wide variety headshots, some taken with natural light, some shot in the studio, side-by-side.
There are vast differences between natural light and studio light headshots, and those differences are easy to see. You don't have to be a photography "expert."

46 of the "Before" examples on my site were taken using natural light. Ten additional samples of natural light headshots are coming next week. This isn't rocket science, just LOOK.

www.robertkim.com

I've been LOOKING I know what im going to pick ..................Studio Lights.....ive been on a couple headshots websites and it seems you were right it would have to be the perfect day outside, and so many things can go wrong with Natural Light.

Just as a point of clarification natural light does not have to mean 'outside'. What is pouring through windows everyday? Natural light, that's what. There are lots of natural light photograhers who shoot indoors. What you want to hire is a great photographer that understands and controls light to bring out the best 'you' whether it's natural or studio. Choosing one vs the other does not ensure quality results. Either can be done poorly. Either can be ruined by heavy-handed post processing as well.

Find a photographer who's work you love. Meet with to them to ensure that the chemistry is good. Ask how they work. If they have a 'natural' light look ask about rain and bad weather. Do they have a daylight studio? Can they create a 'natural' light look using studio lighting? This is important as the days are getting shorter so depending solely on windows can be limiting as well.

There are lots of great photographers in NYC. Take your time and do your due diligence. You'll be glad you did in the end.


Lawrence

quote:

Originally posted by Lawrence Smith:
Just as a point of clarification natural light does not have to mean 'outside'.

If this discussion has come down to a matter of simple semantics Lawrence Smith, would the term, "sunlight" suit you better?

And if a photographer could, "...create a 'natural' light look using studio lighting?" wouldn't that defeat the entire purpose of using "natural" light in the first place?

www.robertkim.com

quote:

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:

quote:

Originally posted by Lawrence Smith:
Just as a point of clarification natural light does not have to mean 'outside'.

If this discussion has come down to a matter of simple semantics Lawrence Smith, would the term, "sunlight" suit you better?

www.robertkim.com

Oh please. Is that really necessary? I believe I was responding to MYLIFESacting, not you Robert Kim. Last time I checked I was entitled to my own opinion, just as you are.

Lawrence

Who said you weren't entitled to your opinion?

For those with short memories, here is the rest of my response to your headshot advice to "MYLIFEISacting":

Originally posted by Robert Kim Photography:
"If a photographer could, "...create a 'natural' light look using studio lighting," wouldn't that defeat the entire purpose of using "natural" light in the first place?"

This isn't a trick question, Lawrence. It is clear and straightforward. You may exercise your right to change the subject and offer us a lot of empty platitudes, or you can simply answer the question as posed.

If you don't have an answer, that's an issue that you'll have to deal with. But this is a public forum. Anyone can interject their own personal opinions at any time.

But then again, you already know that.

Robert,

You added the second bit as an edit. I simply hit the 'reply with quote' button on your initial post that initially contained only the sentence:

"If this discussion has come down to a matter of simple semantics Lawrence Smith, would the term, "sunlight" suit you better?"

The second part

"And if a photographer could, "...create a 'natural' light look using studio lighting?" wouldn't that defeat the entire purpose of using "natural" light in the first place?"

was added later.

I'd prefer not to play these games at all and this will be the last post to you about any of this. If MYLIFESacting chooses to ask me anything I'll respond directly to him/her. As I mentioned to you a while back in a private discussion I have far better things to do with my time than this sort of thing.

Best,

Lawrence