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Lighting techniques
There are two main types of lighting in photography, natural and artificial. The key to taking good photographs is to understand lighting and how to use it to your advantage.
Natural lighting
Light from a natural source such as the sun or moon. Natural light can change dramatically, depending on the time of day or weather conditions. Natural lighting is also know as "existing light."
Artificial lighting
Light from any source that is not natural light; inside lamps, candles, studio lights, etc. Because of the color of artificial light, you often have to adjust the white-balance.
Flash
Internal flash - a built-in digital camera flash is convenient and effective if used within the limited recommended flash range. It automatically adjusts according to the distance of a subject. The ffectiveness of an internal flash can be increased when combined with other light sources. Watch the red-eye though.
External flash - an external flash unit offers more versatility than an internal flash. It has more flash power than an built-in flash. External flashes can be attached directly onto a camera that has a built-in hot shot, or can be used off camera wirelessly or with a cable. To reduce harsh shadows caused by the flash sent head onto a subject, many external units tilt upward so the flash can be "bounced" off a ceiling or wall to diffuse the light.
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