What is Scott Kivowitz's approach to using natural light with strobes in photography?

Hi, I’m Scott Kivowitz from ScottWyden.com. How can I help?

Scott’s approach to using natural light with strobes is all about letting each light source do a specific job and then balancing them creatively.

Outdoors, I like to:

• Position the subject with the sun behind them to create separation and naturally light the background
• Use strobes (often with umbrellas or soft modifiers) to shape flattering light on the subject

Technically, I treat shutter speed as the control for ambient (natural) light and aperture as the control for flash exposure. That way, I can:

• Darken the scene so day looks like night, then pop the subject with flash
• Or brighten the background while keeping the subject properly lit with strobes

Would you like a simple step‑by‑step to try this on your next shoot?