In Defense of Natural Light Food Photography

The Internet is a funny thing, . It seems like when we really start to lean one direction for our work, say with natural light food photography, its sensors pick up on that and everything in our path from ads to forum comments stack up against us. 

When it comes to being a natural light photographer, I’ve heard it all. Things like, you’re not really a professional photographer if you use only natural light. This one makes me laugh because I can’t remember the last time that I saw a nature photographer haul a big light out on their 10-mile hike or a wedding photography assistant carrying a light around from person to person during a ceremony. Are they not professionals?

I’ve also seen ads on Instagram about how wrong people were to use natural light and how their course using artificial light changed their worlds. I think that’s great - for them. Not for everyone. 

Let’s just get clear on one thing - there are lots of types of photography, lots of light options that can be used in each, and none of your choices make you better, worse, or less professional than anyone else. 

It’s about doing what YOU do. Don’t let people make you feel inferior based on how you choose to work. 

If you are here learning from me I expect two things to be true. 

You enjoy photographing with natural light and/or you know that what I teach here in terms of styling and camera use is applicable whether your light is in a window or plugged into a wall. 

I’m going to share some practical reasons why natural light can be a good choice along with a few things to consider when choosing it.

Then I’m going to share why I’ve chosen to stick with it throughout my career over these past 11 years. 

• It’s great for small spaces. Gear can fill up a space fast making working in it more frustrating. 

• It’s budget-friendly. The less extra gear I have to buy, the more I can invest in my camera bodies and experiment with new lenses. 

• When controlled well, it creates beautiful, natural images. 

• It requires flexibility. I show you in Confused to Confident how to shoot all day long with natural light. But obviously, you can’t photograph at 10pm. Well, unless you are in special places like Alaska some parts of the year. 

• You have to change with the seasons. I work longer days in the summer and shorter in the winter. 

• Natural light works better for me when I’m without a tripod and can move to capture the best angle.

But this is really why I choose to use it 95% of the time. 

Unlike a lot of other people, I’m not trying to convince you one way or the other. You can use both natural and artificial light, or work mainly with one or the other. And your goals for your work will have an impact on the best choice.

Just remember that your work, is your work. How you choose to get to a final photo shouldn’t be the basis for how professional or good you are at what you do. And when you choose one way to work, always remember it’s okay if that changes over time. 

How to Create Patterns With Natural Light for Food and Product Photography

I distinctly remember sitting in a conference presentation by a well known food photographer when I was just starting out, about 10 years ago.

Eager to learn, I was listening closely and the one thing that stuck with me was his view that once you could create a photo (the light, the composition, the angle) and then replicate that in any setting, you could consider yourself a professional. 

I took it to heart and worked toward that goal. And probably six to 12 months later, I got there.

Then I spent the rest of my career doing everything I could to catch moments that cannot be replicated. The exact opposite of what this person’s standards were for calling myself a professional photographer. 

And it’s so much more fun and fulfilling. 

I’d much rather create a photo that incorporates the unique things I have to work with during a moment that cannot be done again in the exact same way. 

And if you are shooting for yourself, there’s nothing holding you back from doing the same. 

It’s why I absolutely love creating pattern with natural light. 

There are two key elements when it comes to using natural light to create patterns in your food and product photos.

• You have to study your light, find the right time of day that provides the detail you desire whether it’s harsh or soft, and understand that it will change with the seasons. 

• You have to stay open to finding unexpected options for what you use to create the patterns. 

One is simply window panes. I’m fortunate enough to have these on my studio windows, but you can easily create a similar look by putting strips of masking tape on the window in a grid pattern. 

Another option is to lower your blinds and play with different open angles. I love using blinds to my advantage instead of viewing them as a pain in the rear end (which they can be at times!). 

One of my absolute favorite options is creating pattern with objects. I have a vase with dried eucalyptus in the studio. I set that in the window for these shots. 

If you don’t have a ledge, you can tape stems to the window. Plant leaves like monsteras are another option. And I’m sitting in an Airbnb right now looking at a napkin holder that would create a really cool pattern. Object options are endless so always have your eye out!

Finally, lace curtains or a piece of lace material. This photo was created by hanging it in the window. Again, you can tape it up, too. 

Whether your days are growing longer or shorter, take advantage of natural sunlight and see what you can come up with for creating shadows and patterns. 

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