Photography is a flat medium. The paper itself or the screen you preview your images on are flat. So why then do so many photographers these days make their images even flatter by over exposing them and reducing the contrast to a point where detail is lost? I can't say I have the answer. I asked a photographer recently about a series of photos they had taken and asked why they were so flat. Their response was "That is my unique style". I walked away thinking it did not seem so unique since the majority of what I see on Facebook is presented this same way. I also read a photographer describing themselves as a "Natural Light" photographer. I found this statement to be somewhat limiting in a medium that is based on light.
Here is my view. I believe a photographer should strive to control their depth of field. In doing so you create depth either by limiting your depth of field or by how you compose your image in the landscape. When contrast is reduced and highlights are blown out detail disappears. In a brides dress for example we might wash out fine lace detail or beading. With a blond subject, detail in their hair will all but disappear. Neither of which in my opinion is an attractive way to present any image.
As to using only "Natural Light", well I beg to differ. I think when shooting a portrait especially outdoors you need a little fill flash or some other form of reflected light. Without it you will lose detail in your subjects eyes and in their hair. How many have heard the expression "Their eyes light up when they smile"? Well guess what.....it is not the smile that lights up their eyes....its reflected light. The introduction of any light when managed well can never be a bad thing in a medium that is based on light.
I will end my little rant with this....while I understand the need for self expression in ones photography, let us not lose sight of the fact that we need to learn, and be able to produce as close to a perfect exposure as we can. We should also be able to do it over and over and over again in every and any situation. One needs to have lived inside of the box before venturing out of it.
Which do you like best?
