How important is lighting for photography?

[dookie]

People always ask me what kind of camera do you use? I always tell them it's not so much the camera or the lens but it's actually the lighting. Here are some examples of this same watch with different lighting. As you can see the one with natural daylight is completely lifeless and drab. The 2nd set was taken with a flash. This is taken with the same camera and lens btw. Isn't it amazing how a simple flash can transform the subject? To make this a fish post, I dipped the watch in my fishtank prior to taking the pic

Without flash

 

[haynchinook334]

i like the no flash pictures better. to me, it looks more natural and the shadowing bring a certain surreal feeling.

 

[dookie]

Really? You like the no flash better? The no flash is the top two pics.

 

[haynchinook334]

i like the bottom two...thought those were no flash.

 

[arkmann]

I agree with dookie though. The flash did make the difference plus the dramatic effect of water is something to mention as well. The first two were boring compared to the latter photos.

Lighting makes all the difference. So does a tripod. Are those taken in macro?

 

[dookie]

Yes, I only own one lens a 60mm micro and I agree a tripod is very important along with a remote trigger.

 

[neoprodigy]

i agree lighting make alot of difference... but better equipments such as lens and body helps out also...

 

[---XR---]

lighting, len's, bodies, flash's, tripods...meh-
nothing matter more than user knowledge or photography
and the equipment your useing. anybody can shoot a $10,000 and shoot complete ****.
You have to understand all principals of photography first, then drop the doe.

 

[arkmann]

You have to understand all principals of photography first, then drop the doe.

Definitely agree with this. I know squat about photography but I still bought a used DSLR though. Now I feel overwhelmed but that will pass.

 

[L Aquatics]

what kind of camera is it anyways? I need a new camera. any suggestions guys?