G3 Fill in Flash

[findeln]

Has any one got any suggestions re ideal settings for fill-in flash for back lit portraits in sunlight?

I have tried setting Flash adjustment settings to minus 1 and minus 2 EV but this still gives a very un-natural look.

Would the "Flash Output" adjuster be better?

I would like to set up a Custom setting if possible to cover these situations.

Any suggestions from the knowledgable contributors to this Forum would be appreciated by a newish, learning but happy G3 owner.

[paul162brown]

Findeln,

I have never really had any problems with the built in flash in providing a bit of fill-in flash.

You can adjust the flash adjustment settings as you suggest but if this is still not achieving the result you want I would recommend simply adjusting the flash output as you stated. For this you either need to be in manual mode or set the flash adjust to "manual". On top of that, you could try (assuming that the flash is too bright for your taste given you said you have tried adjusting the flash settings to a lower value) to increase the distance between you and the subject, as well as making the adjustments stated above. You could zoom in to fill the frame and by using manual mode to lower the flash output level, the resulting effect of flash on your subject will be slightly less. With a large aperture, this will also help to blur the background. Lastly, a further option is to consider getting a separate speedlite flash unit. I do not have one of these Canon speedlites myself yet and don't know everything about them, but as part of my previous set-up (a manual Nikon FA with external flash unit), I was able to rotate the direction of the main flash, up and down as well as side-ways, to alter (and minimize) the effect of the flash on my subject.

Hope this helps.

Paul

[findeln]

Many thanks for your suggestions Paul.
I will give them a try.

[pradeep1]

I sometimes put my finger on the flash head and cover it about 50% to cut the light output. Seems to work fine in fill flash pictures. Then again, you're not supposed to do this according to the user guide, but it is quick and works.

[DaveB]

I typically use about - 2 EV when using the on camera lamp for fill flash.

I like the external 420EX so much better for this purpose.

I use a white 3x5 card as a deflector/diffuser on a vertical 420EX and get very satisfactory candids and portraits.

I still feel the need to dial in at least -1EV for flash output.

[cityboy_ca]

When you're adjusting fill flash for backlit subjects remember that the background should be slightly brighter than the subject to give a pleasing result. Otherwise the image will look staged and unnatural.

[pradeep1]

You can also use the flash filter (flash clip) being sold on eBay. A bit costly though at $12.

[jeffyr163]

To help control that little fash you can request a free swatch book of filter from http://www.stagetechnology.com/catalog/sub_categories.cfm?CID=56 . They have a swatch of every rosco filter, which can cover the g3 flash 6 times over. You can experiment to get the right yello/orange to make your flash match tungsten or green to match flourescent, or use a couple layers of diffusion to slightly soften the light. If the flash is used "naked" under mixed lighting conditions you will have to deal with correcting the color cast later, but matching the color of your flash to the exhisting light source will allow one white balance to cover all of your frame.

BTW: I have used the fill -1 2/3 stops with camera on Program and Aperature priority and have the rear curtain sync on in case the shutter speed needs to drop down. Works nicely. Flash on Auto is pittyfull.

jeffyr