Is Natural Light or Artificial Light Better for Food Photography?

Natural light or artificial light?

It's one of the biggest questions I get asked, and it's also one of the most misunderstood.

Both can produce stunning food photographs.

The difference isn't the type of light you use.

It's what you do with it.

Natural Light

Natural light is exactly what it says on the tin. The light coming through your window from the sun. As the sun moves throughout the day, the direction, colour and intensity of that light changes, along with the shadows it creates.

Natural light is a brilliant place to start because it teaches you how light behaves. You'll quickly learn how moving your setup closer to or further from the window changes the light, how a diffuser softens harsh sunshine and how a reflector can bounce light back into the shadows.

Artificial Light

Artificial light includes continuous lights (lights that stay on all the time, much like a lamp in your home), studio strobes (powerful flash units designed specifically for photography) and flash guns or speedlights, which can sit on top of your camera or be triggered remotely from a light stand.

Whichever light source you choose, the same principles apply. It's still about directional light, controlling where it falls and how it wraps around the food.

The biggest advantage of artificial light is consistency.

You decide when the sun comes up.

You can photograph breakfast at midnight, recreate exactly the same lighting tomorrow and your camera settings won't need changing every time a cloud passes overhead.

When you understand directional light, you can make artificial light look every bit as soft and natural as window light. Most people wouldn't know the difference.

Knowing When to Choose Each

There isn't a right or wrong choice.

It depends on what you're photographing and why you're photographing it.

Natural light is perfect if you're photographing at home, creating images for your portfolio or simply enjoying the process. It's free, beautiful and teaches you how light behaves.

Artificial light comes into its own when consistency matters. If you're photographing a restaurant menu, a cookbook or products for a client, every photograph needs to look as though it was taken under exactly the same conditions, even if the shoot lasts all day.

It's also the obvious choice when you're photographing movement. Pouring drinks, splashes, steam and my favourite... sprinklage! Flash freezes movement in a way that natural light often can't.

One question I'm asked a lot is whether artificial light looks... well... artificial.

It doesn't have to.

Those lovely soft shadows we all associate with window light aren't created because the light comes from the sun. They're created by using a large, diffused light source. Whether that's a window with a diffuser or a strobe with a softbox, the principle is exactly the same.

Both can produce stunning food photographs.

The difference isn't the light.

It's what you do with it.

The Food Photography Show: Ultimate FAQ

Can I use natural light for food photography? 

Yes. Natural light is fantastic for food photography, especially when it's diffused through a sheer curtain or diffuser.

Is flash better than window light? 

Not necessarily. Flash gives you more consistency and control, whilst window light is a brilliant way to learn how light behaves.

How do I photograph food on a cloudy day? 

Cloudy days create beautifully soft light. Move closer to the window and use a reflector to bounce some of that light back into the shadows.

Flash or continuous lighting? 

Flash is more powerful and better for freezing movement. Continuous lighting lets you see exactly how the light falls whilst you're setting up your shot.

What lighting should I buy first? 

I'd always recommend mastering natural light first. When you're ready, one good strobe or continuous light with a large softbox will take you a very long way.

Will flash make my photos look fake? 

No. With a large softbox and good light positioning, flash can look almost identical to beautiful natural window light.

Do I need multiple lights? 

No. One light and a reflector will produce incredible food photographs. Learn to control one light before adding another.

Whether you're photographing your first cupcake in your kitchen or shooting for paying clients, here's what I'd do next: Experiment with both natural and artificial light. Learn how each behaves, understand how to control it and you'll be able to create beautiful food photographs whatever the weather. Then subscribe to The Food Photography Show for more food photography tips, tutorials and behind-the-scenes advice.