Natural Light vs. Flash: How to Recreate Window Light Perfectly!

Natural light vs. flash—can you really tell the difference? In this video, we put these two lighting techniques head-to-head and show you exactly how to recreate soft, natural-looking window light using flash! Whether you’re a portrait photographer who loves the aesthetic of daylight or a studio shooter who needs consistency, mastering this skill will give you total control over your lighting—no matter the time of day.

You’ll see step-by-step comparisons as we replicate three window light looks using a large softbox, V-flats, and diffusion. Plus, we’ll break down the key factors like modifier size, light placement, and exposure settings to help you nail that perfect natural-light effect with flash.

No more waiting for the right weather or struggling with unpredictable daylight—learn how to create beautiful, soft lighting anytime, anywhere!

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Shop the gear I used in this video:

Lighting, Modifiers & Diffusion:

Elinchrom Indirect 190cm (75”) Octabox

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmmmWLgl

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3GZa45L

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3oOM4Oq

Elinchrom Litemotiv 120cm (4’) Softbox

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmnbIuZ0

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AumKiy

B&H: https://bhpho.to/41JKL1V

Advantage Gripwear 8x8ft Halo Silk Scrim

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmluGT1fnEq

Elinchrom THREE

Adorama: https://howl.me/ckOHJkaLdm0

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dgoPl8

B&H: https://bhpho.to/46Sg90q

Elinchrom FIVE

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnmmUpjV1

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Um6V61

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3LcypYZ

Kupo Big Boom

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmQVOONs4oa

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YHNBFU

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Aj3wk5

Studio Titan Rack & Pinion Geared Crank Stand STA-06-200

Studio Titan: https://studiotitanamerica.com/collections/shop-lighting-stands/products/sta-06-200

B&H: https://bhpho.to/44Bj1y9

Studio Titan Camera Stand STA-01-360 MK2

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjGcfVD3aCG

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3cf4RfL

V-FLAT WORLD Foldable V-Flat 2.0, Black/White, 2-Pack

Adorama: https://howl.link/0j89ul59ilx07

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3EL5UCj

B&H: https://bhpho.to/41lKOmU

V-Flat World: https://bit.ly/3fXqaid

Camera & Lens:

Canon R5 Mark II

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmGHhNpXDZw

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4cJZyir

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3Yc4YyB

Canon BG-R20 Battery Grip for EOS R5 Mark II

Adorama: https://howl.me/cm5MF0r2iLL

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3B3Bg5f

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3XJFyaT

Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWOwhRU

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3vkEWbE

B&H: https://bhpho.to/426bKEM

Canon RF 85mm F1.2 L USM

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjCnaWYcCHb

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tHbPxm

B&H: https://bhpho.to/3L6f1Na

Accessories:

Sekonic L-858D-U (401-858) Meter Plus RT-GX for Godox

Adorama: https://howl.me/cmQWhrMoP3A

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4corJ5H

B&H: https://bhpho.to/4crCu77

Sekonic L-858D-U SPEEDMASTER Light Meter Kit with RT-EL/PX Transmitter Module for Elinchrom

Adorama: https://howl.me/cjFnYfUhqyi

B&H: https://bhpho.to/41dCnXc

X-Rite Color Checker Passport 2

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3iCvhpa

???? Video Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

02:19 – Look 1

06:04 – Protecting your gear

07:40 – Look 2

12:02 – Look 3

14:12 – Look 3 – Flash

16:04 – Final Thoughts

16:33 – Comparison Results

16:57 – Next Steps