Have you heard someone say they only shoot available light? Or that they’re a strobist? What does that mean? Is one better than another? The first guy must be a really great photographer because he only uses available light… right? In my opinion (IMO), NO!
Lets define these two first and then I will proceed.
1. Available Light
Someone who shoots with ONLY available light & no additional lighting equipment. Usually using the sunlight or existing lights in the room. For example, the images below were shot using only sun light coming in through a window:
2. Strobist
Someone who uses 1 or more flashes (strobes) to control how he/she wants to light the photo. Additional equipment may include things you would find in a studio, such as umbrellas, light boxes, odd shaped things that look like giant salad bowls. This examples below use off camera flashes (or strobes) to create the light that I intended:
So which one do you like better? Well they’re different images and they convey different feelings. It really all depends on what type of feel you want to gain out of the image that dictates what kind of lighting you can use or want to use.
So who is better? Neither! A photographer should be able to know how use available light AND strobes if possible. Really, what difference does it make as long as the images turn out the way he/she wants them to, the moment is not lost, and the end result is an amazing image that is timeless.
The difficult part is balancing the two, knowing when to use strobes and available light. Some situations allow a photographer to use what’s there and need no help, but others may be impossible to capture without the help of some additional lighting.
Here’s an example of how to use both, allowing us to capture this moment.
It was the middle of the day and very bright outside. Without the flash our subjects would be very dark or the background would be very very bright and blown out (no details just all white). Letting the strobe assist us, we’re able to keep some of the details in the background and get all the details of our subjects.
For many situations it’s very difficult to work with strobes because of fast action, constant movement or venue restrictions, but a photographer who doesn’t know how to use one or dismisses the concept all together is not one I would want to work with. A well rounded photographer should know how to work with both “available light” and strobes.
To me, my strobes ARE “available light.” They’re available to me in my bag right next to me. So if you ever look for a photographer, look at their work, because in the end that is what ultimately counts. Just make sure that he/she can work with out a strobe as much as with a strobe.
Posted by brizo 
