Flash or no flash?

I guess I would say I have a preference for natural light but really enjoy experimenting with flash as well, especially when I don't have to use flash. I may sometimes use flash as a necessity (to supplement natural light that isn't quite working for me), and also see it as a fun tool to experiment and work with in its own right.

Wasn't a necessity here because the ambient light was more than good enough, but I wanted a long exposure with flash to capture the sheet in motion in a particular way.

"I detect the theme in this thread that "real photographers don't need flash." The fact that careless use of a flash can produce poor results is used to prove that point.

I suspect that someone slinking about taking "candid" photos on the street would be unduly encumbered with a flash. Flash is generally unwelcome during concerts (or completely ineffective from the peanut gallery". Ed, Edward to his mate.

Well, a big well, Edward.....most SP photographers don't slink around, Edward.....perhaps some newbies who are still on a early learning curve. You... have posted some SP type photos......did you feel you were slinking about?

Norman, bless you. Address the question,, not how wicked or whatever that Allen is....most folks know that:))

Yes, Im very wicked but...but , I like to rattle folks cages they then wake up .Im avoiding having a banter with you as I feel you take it personally..

Natural light is the best if it can be achieved. Nothing to do with organic just what works best.

Just a bit of fun

The famous white Knight....

"Sir Norman of Naffington "who rescued all those dearies trapped in the evil Knights tower...just cannot think who that evil Knight might be;))

Fred, your photo, to my mind looks cold and harsh.

Its your opinion what matters, your taste, your thoughts.....mine means squat all..

to my mind looks cold and harsh

Mine, too.

The first photo I posted at the beginning of the thread was meant as an example of a more natural, warm use of flash to go with the content of the photo and allow me an exposure which would preserve what could be seen through the windows.

The black and white photo is totally different, with a totally different idea behind the use of flash. I thought it would be obvious that it was a more harsh, in-your-face use.

The point is, there's no one size fits all when it comes to what natural light should look like or how it should feel or what flash should look like or how it should feel. It all depends on the mood being created and the content being lit. The idea that flash is this or that or that flash should be this or that is too restrictive for my own dealings with it.

I've little doubt that there are people who've honed their use of flash more than me, as I'm still experimenting (and enjoying it). So my point is not to show spectacular results from my uses of flash but rather an openness to possibilities and discoveries.