Photography shouldn’t merely be an act of pressing a button; it should challenge and push your creative boundaries. The button is a mere portion of all the functions you must learn. There’s a process—a dance of experimentation, anticipation, highs, lows, and aha moments. Through this journey, the objective isn’t just about snapping a good photo today. It’s about crafting something that stands the test of time. And in my experience, continuous lighting won’t get you there. It’s the flash that steals the show.
Now, diving deeper into the technical differences, flash photography typically provides a short burst of light, which can freeze motion and allows for flexibility in controlling the depth of field and ambient light. But, it’s a harder, flatter light.
On the other hand, constant lighting (that is lighting that is always on and available) provides a continuous source, affecting shutter speeds and often necessitating adjustments in ISO or aperture for desired effects. The sun gives you natural light, which is some of the most attractive and warm tones you can get from any light source.
But here’s the reality: photographers lean on constant lights because they chase quantity over quality. They’re running a rat race against an in-camera algorithm, sacrificing manual control for gratification. Additionally, from a cost and accessibility perspective, constant lights, especially advanced LED setups, can sometimes be more expensive and less portable than a compact flash system.
But flash photography is a different ballgame. When you employ flash, you’re crafting the flash because you can. It’s a deliberate pause, a moment of intent, and hopefully, the magic happens. It’s not about snapping countless mediocre shots to pick one. The emphasis is on crafting the scene meticulously, connecting with it on a deeper level. And when you have a flash (or strobe), you have to spend more time on targeting with the light. With natural, ambient available light, you have much, much less control over where the light goes on your subject.
Historical references are proof of the pudding. Legends in photography leaned on flash. And while I’m not dismissing the likes of Peter Hurley, who focuses on headshots with flash, most educators or content creators might dabble with constant lights, but true photographers seem to come back to flash. It’s the mystique they offer.
Beyond the end product, the art of photography encompasses the journey. When a subject sits under constant light, the spontaneity fades. With flash, every pulse is a cue. It’s a rhythm, a signal for the subject to change, adapt, and engage. This dialogue between the photographer and the subject distinguishes an ordinary photo from an extraordinary one. Visual evidence of this can be seen in iconic images throughout history, where the timely use of flash captured a fleeting moment in all its glory.
While the realm of content creation gravitates towards LEDs, we, photographers, chart a different path. We aren’t in the business of churning out content; we’re here to create art. And if you think about the future of photography, innovations in lighting technology and the integration of AI might further distinguish these paths. But for now, consider the difference between binge-watching a Netflix series and waiting for a YouTuber’s weekly, specifically crafted release.
In closing, while equipment like constant lighting has its place, especially in certain scenarios like video production or specific types of portrait work, flash’s dynamism and unparalleled control – especially with all the new technology – make it an indispensable study for photographers. As we progress, embracing change while honoring time-tested techniques and technology will be the key to creating lasting, impactful art. If only it were less expensive.