Lighting is a very important factor in preparing a photo area for a shoot. The type of light used, as well as the intensity, can make a huge impact on the image being captured. Natural light is always best, but when that isn't available it is important to choose the right type of artificial lighting. One popular option is continuous lighting. This uses a constant bulb that shines in a consistent manner. This normally helps to reduce shadowing and create a softer look on the images. However, the cons of this type of lighting is that there is no control over the intensity. Flash lighting gives a photographer much greater control. This is because the light is emitted as a single, strong burst and can be controlled. A flash is most often used outdoors and produces a much stronger, more vibrant look compared to natural light. Another popular option is strobe lighting. This gives a photographer even more control as it can be adjusted to vary the intensity and power of the light. The downside to strobe lighting is that it requires a skilled hand to get the desired results. No matter what type of light is chosen, it is important to remember that it needs to be diffused to spread light across the entire photo area. Soft boxes and umbrellas are often used to achieve this diffusion. In the end, the lighting setup used to take photos should suit the photographers needs and the environment. Different lighting techniques produce different looks, so it is important to experiment and find the best combination for each individual situation.