How important is lighting for photography?

[is300zx]

the photographer makes the difference everything else are just tools.

 

[Freeze_Dried_Bloodworm]

I hate flash, I use studio lights for pretty much everything.
and the camera body and lens make as much difference!

 

[dookie]

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

I suggest a used Nikon D70. You can probably pick one up rather cheap. It has a built in flash commander so you don't need to buy one if you want to go with some remote guns.

 

[Nic]

i noticed lighting plays a key in it.... i just can never get my good pix of my watch though

 

[cichlaguapote]

Depends on the subject. Something as detailed as a watch is hard to get a good pic of. But overall lighting can make a world of difference between crap and quality..

 

[unknownuza13]

It definately makes a huge difference. Cool watch.

 

[rallysman]

I suggest a used Nikon D70. You can probably pick one up rather cheap. It has a built in flash commander so you don't need to buy one if you want to go with some remote guns.

70s are noisier than the others for some reason. Go with a D80 or above.

I might add I like the non flash pictures better as well. They show more depth and contrast. I like contrasty shots.

 

[DarthV]

If you're going to do comparisons, at least try to use the same background and framing with each A/B example! The photos with flash seem to be more organic and pleasing to the eye than the ones without. Is it because of the use of flash? I don't think so. I'd try again without flash and get rid of the distracting background. And maybe open up the lens a little more (f/11 on those 2 shots).


Just look at the first flash photo, the center of the watch is pretty close to fitting the 1/3 rule perfectly. They are just much better photographs.

 

[Cichlas]

If you're going to do comparisons, at least try to use the same background and framing with each A/B example! The photos with flash seem to be more organic and pleasing to the eye than the ones without. Is it because of the use of flash? I don't think so. I'd try again without flash and get rid of the distracting background. And maybe open up the lens a little more (f/11 on those 2 shots).


Just look at the first flash photo, the center of the watch is pretty close to fitting the 1/3 rule perfectly. They are just much better photographs.

Couldn't agree more, the composition can make a huge difference, as in this case.

 

[Chaitika]

what kind of camera is it anyways?

It's a Nikon D80.

Also, note the water drops in the "with flash" pics that aren't there in the pics without flash. They really add to the image.