Eos 40D, QFlash & PW (or Skyport) and fill-flash

[louis24x7]

How can I set up my Qflash to be fill-flash with the following setup:

Eos 40D
PW II or Skyport trigger
and QFlash

Thanks,
-- Louis

[Curtis N]

Fill flash is a pretty general term, with different purposes depending on conditions.

You need to be more specific about the environment you're shooting in, and what you hope to accomplish.

[louis24x7]

Hmm... Let me try to explain my plan:
I'm shooting outdoor on a sunny day where the sun was coming from camera right between my camera and the subject but closer to the subject. I'm trying to get the shadows off her face, and hence I needed fill-flash to take out the shadows out of my subject's face.
Let me know if I didn't explain this correctly, maybe I can draw a diagram. I'm so new to this.
Thanks.

[René Damkot]

You plan on using the Q flash on manual setting or 'auto' (does it have that?)
If auto: Set the flash for an aperture about one and a half stop wider then the camera. (FI: camera set at f/8; flash 'auto setting' for f/5 or so).
If flash on manual and no modifiers: Use the distance scale (or guide number) to do the same.
If you are using a modifier on the flash: Use a light meter ;)

You want the flash exposure to be about 1 to 2 stops under the ambient exposure for the BG.

[Curtis N]

If you are using a modifier on the flash: Use a light meter.Bingo.

Using auto mode with off-camera flash is difficult. It's hard to know exactly what the sensor is aimed at.

With the quantum off-camera, it may fill the sun shadows but it will also create shadows of its own. It's powerful enough to use with an umbrella to make those shadows are less noticeable.

Using the flash/ambient analyzing capabilities of the Sekonic L-358, if you adjust the flash power so the total exposure at the subject is around 30%, you should get a pleasing and natural-looking result.

[louis24x7]

Nice... Thanks for the info both Curtis and René.