Fill Flash Technique for Outdoor Portraits

[Darren Arrington]

Before I get started, I have done a lot of searching on fill flash and gotten some good guidelines on ways to use a flash for fill.

My question is specific to the Metz 54 on a Canon 20D. I have worked with it some to the point that I can get good exposures using Auto mode on the Metz with Manual on the 20D. But is this the best way to also go about using fill outdoors for protraits?

Typically I shoot in Av mode - I haven't had much success yet with using the flash as the shutter goes straight to 250.

So a couple of questions:

1. What camera and flash settings do you guys use for outdoor fill. If anyone is specifically familiar w/ the Metz that would be great.

2. I've read in the forums that many set the flash 1 stop under daylight ambient. Do you go about this by changing the EV function to -1 or are you actaully dialing in the aperture on the flash? Is there a difference?

3. How does the setting need to change based on using a sto-fen diffuser and tilting the head to 45 degrees?
4. Any other observations/experiences w/ this flash that are worth sharing?

Thanks for anyone's input!

 

[Paul Amyes]

For basic fill flash first meter for the background then set the flash to under expose by 1 to 2 stops. I find 1 stop gives me a good result.

To set the flash exposure compensation you can do this several ways :-

1) your camera may have this as an option in the main camera menu. Make sure its flash exposure comensation and not just exposure compensation, the 2 are not the same.

2) your flash gun may have this as an option in its menus

3) switch your flash to auto and set the ISO to one stop higher than the one the camera is using, ie if the camera is set to 100 ISO set the flash to 200 ISO

4) set the flash and the camera to manual and set the ISO on the flash to one step higher and then use the aperture recommended.

Options 1 and 2 are the best as you maintain through the lens metering of the flash allowing you to get correct exposures when using bounce or attachments like the Stofen. If you use options 3 and 4 determinig the correct exposure can be a bit hit and miss.

 

[gmosc]

I don't understand why the stofen should be angled at 45degrees. Do you need to lower yuour flash output? and/or give a smaller light source to your subject? or are you trying to get the flash source one more inch higher than the lense? You ARE talking outside pictures right?

To be honest, it seems like you are going to sleep mentally by doing that, unless you have a special technique you are trying.

Guy Moscoso

 

[Darren Arrington]

Maybe the 45 degrees is a bad idea - don't know. I had read on a forum post someone using that setting and started giving it a try. I will try it withouth the 45 degree setting if this is the more normal procedure.

Thanks for the input.

 

[gmosc]

Darren,

Honestly, I don't have one, but I'm trying to think it through as to why I need one. A lot of people use them, but I get the impression that they just use them and trust that it can save the world.

I'm gearing up for the dark winters here in Denmark, so I'm trying to get my flash technique up so I can get the best use out of my Lumix fz20.

Yes I know, not a DSLR but, for anyone pitying me I'll set up an account for donations.!

Guy Moscoso

 

[slowhands214238]

Hopefully your FZ20 will earn it's keep in images you enjoy
...or your clients appreciate with $$$
as my FZ10 has.

Not a dSLR, but a fine piece of gear, coupled with a good flash it's awsome for the price

 

[RDKirk]

Typically I shoot in Av mode - I haven't had much success yet with
using the flash as the shutter goes straight to 250.

Turn your 20D to Custom Function 3 and switch it to "Auto" to take off that 250 shutter speed lock.

--
RDKirk
'TANSTAAFL: The only unbreakable rule in photography.'