The Importance of Lighting in Photography

When you join me on a photoshoot, you’ll notice I bring a lot of equipment. From camera gear to lighting setups, I carry an entire beach wagon full of tools. It’s not because I’m a gear enthusiast or enjoy the extra weight—there’s a very good reason for it, and it makes a significant difference in the quality of the photos.

Why I Use So Much Equipment

During a recent senior portrait session at the beach with Claudia, one of our stunning 2025 Seniors, I observed other photographers shooting with just handheld cameras. They seemed unaware of the lighting conditions, which made me question their final results. Claudia asked why I needed all my equipment when others were managing with just a camera and lens.

The answer lies in the quality of the photographs. Professional lighting equipment helps create beautiful, well-lit images. Let me explain why lighting is crucial in photography.

The Limitations of Cameras

Our brains have the remarkable ability to perceive and correct what we see, but cameras can’t do that. Cameras can only capture a limited range of tones and colors. As photographers, our job is to control the scene to fit what the camera can capture.

Here’s an example: I took a shot of Claudia on the beach with the sunset behind her. On one occasion my additional lights didn’t fire, so the camera exposed for the bright sky, leaving Claudia’s face dark and lifeless. This isn’t the result we want.

The Solution: Proper Lighting

One solution is to adjust the camera settings to expose for the subject's face. However, this often results in a washed-out sky and a subject that looks flat and lacks dimension. This is a common technique called "Light and Airy," which has gained popularity but doesn’t accurately represent the scene.

Instead, I use a “main” light to balance the exposure between Claudia’s face and the background. This light shapes her face, adds dimension, and ensures her skin tones are warm and natural. Additionally, a light from behind and to the right adds a touch of "sunshine" to her hair, making it pop and shine.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Using this equipment and these techniques, we achieve a stunning portrait that captures both the beauty of the subject and the scene. It’s a lot of work and requires skill and experience, but the results are worth it. The photos are vibrant, dynamic, and true to life.

Lighting is a critical element in photography, and the extra effort to use proper lighting equipment makes all the difference in creating beautiful images.

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The Importance of Lighting in Photography

Why I Use So Much Equipment

The Limitations of Cameras

The Solution: Proper Lighting

The Results Speak for Themselves

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