How are these photos achieved?

[K11Light]

I like a lot of photography pages on Facebook and have always wondered about how some really good natural light photographers achieve their images. Images like these two examples:

http://i.imgur.com/BdPTan9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/bQXiY2m.jpg

My guess is they take a photo that's exposed correctly for the person then bring down the overly exposed areas around them. Obviously using RAW to still have data looking natural. What are your thoughts?

[oneredpanther]

Re: How are these photos achieved?

I think these photos are lit, not natural.
It's exactly the application that lighting works perfectly for.

[K11Light]

Re: How are these photos achieved?

I know these two photographers and they use natural light. They're just very good at editing.

[Pics2]

Re: How are these photos achieved?

Natural light with reflectors and (or) large diffusion material. Or strobes with modifiers to mimic natural light. What's the difference. It's the mood and overall character of the light that's important, be it natural or artificial.
Some selective retouching and darkening of the background on the first baby set, for sure. On the couple picture some controlled lighting on couples faces (again can be strobe, can be reflected natural light).

[Benny Profane]

Re: How are these photos achieved?

That's an ugly baby.