WHAT TYPE OF LIGHTING DO YOU PREFER?

I am bringing up this question since I have noticed that a greater number of mammal photos being posted lately have been taken in flat or subdued light. That has never been my preference, but I know others who have claimed to prefer flat light for mammals. Bright light for the purposes of this poll does not refer to harsh light and fill flash does not mean flash lighting only. I know the options of answers in this poll are limited, but you can add opinions in replies below. Two votes are available to you. Thanks for your participation!

For me, I'd pick a fifth choice called "It depends," based on subject, location and the mood you are attempting to capture.

Andy makes good point Joe. I can't answer your survey either really. I could maybe based on track history but There's flat light and then there's diffused light. I think they are different. Maybe not, but diffuse is still got brightness to it in my mind and some direction(shadows), but flat wouldn't? Depends on ones definition. I can tell you the very, very, best light though. When there are high cirrus ice clouds way up in the stratosphere diffusing and illuminating things where they seem to glow in their own effervescence. That's the best light.

You know Joe, with all the PP options available nowadays is it even possible to know what the actual light was like in a picture? When looking at others as it were.


Paul

Count me as another who cannot answer without more details. I cannot really comment on the mammals aspect, as mammal photography is pretty minimal around here, but for birds there are too many variables involved to only have those two choices. For example, if the subject is against the sky or water, then sun is preferred, but then only low sun. If the subject is against the land, then bright cloudy (diffused) weather might be preferred. Most people only prefer "bright lighting" if it is a fairly low sun. So, as mentioned, too many variables to have only two choices.

My favorite outdoor lightings:

1.  Throughout the day: Overcast (diffused), bright overcast....i.e. 100% overcast but bright!

2.  At sunrise and sunset:  Direct lighting (when the sun is low)...side-lighting most favored, but front lighting is fine and backlighting with fill-flash only.

Robert King
http://robertkingimages.smugmug.com/

For the purposes of this survey, consider "flat or highly subdued light" to include diffused brighter light, as opposed to direct lighting. The type of light generally preferred for wildflowers and such is what I call subdued.

Also, consider "bright lighting" to not include harsh lighting, as I tried to clarify above. That means, for the most part, side, front and backlight (or rimlight) at a low angle would be considered "bright light".

Sorry, but changes cannot be made to the original survey, so I hope this helps. Thanks for the input and participation so far!

Joe

SantaFeJoe wrote:For the purposes of this survey, consider "flat or highly subdued light" to include diffused brighter light, as opposed to direct lighting. The type of light generally preferred for wildflowers and such is what I call subdued.
Also, consider "bright lighting" to not include harsh lighting, as I tried to clarify above. That means, for the most part, side, front and backlight at a low angle would be considered "bright light".
Sorry, but changes cannot be made to the original survey, so I hope this helps. Thanks for the participation so far.

Joe

Ok...yes....I chose (checked) your "flat or highly subdued light" choice  (for both mammals and birds) because my absolute favorite outdoor light is "bright overcast"...or  "diffused" as Tim said.  I do highly favor it over any direct sunlight.  I love to shoot on bright overcast days!!      Sweeet! :D

BTW......good question Joe.  Interesting post.  Its about time someone asked this one.  This should have a lot of responses.  Have fun!   

Robert King

http://robertkingimages.smugmug.com/

http://itsaboutnature.net/where-have-all-the-butterflies-gone/

As wildlife photographers we often have
to adapt to what we are given. Knowing how to make the most of the
conditions in hand is paramount to producing consistently successful
imagery.

I think it is impossible to have this survey with one answer! absolutely depends on the situation.