One of the biggest concerns I see, especially from new photographers is the inability to capture an image that looks just like what you saw. Using natural light creatively is the way around this. If you shoot in auto mode, the pop-up flash will most likely go off automatically when you are indoors. The flash can cause an unnatural look especially if it is on the camera and at full power. When you start shooting in aperture or shutter priority or manual mode, the flash does not go off automatically unless you pop it up; these modes found on the mode dial of a DSLR camera, allow the photographer to have control.
Photography is all about light and shadows. When a flash goes off in full mode the shadows can be filled in and the subject can look unrealistic. Shooting in natural light involves using a slower shutter speed and will require a tripod. Another option is to use a high ISO and a wide aperture. A reflector, such as a piece of white foam core, can help to slightly soften shadows so the image is still a good representation of what you see.
The photos of the children were taken with a hand-held Canon 7d using a high ISO and a wide aperture of 2.8. As you can see, they are very realistic and quite charming of the children.
In landscape photography, especially sunrises and sunsets can appear to look washed out if the correct technique is not applied. Sunrises and sunsets require a slow shutter speed so the sensor can absorb the ambient light. A slow shutter speed will require a tripod or monopod. The photo below was taken on a recent trip to Punta Cana. Because I did not want to pack a tripod I brought a simple, lightweight monopod, that I brought in the water with me to capture the image. The exposure was 1/30 sec. f/5.6 at ISO 400.
