Outdoor fill flash question

[JasonBr]

If I am taking a portrait outdoors and using a fill flash, how should I set the shutter speed? Obviously I will need a shutter speed faster than the 1/200 sync speed if it is a sunny day. Or shall I use the flash in high speed sync mode? If I don't use high speed sync, will the shutter curtains still show in bright light?

[ZSutton]

Well. Always keep this in mind. Shutter speed will only control your natural light. Aperture is going to control your flash light. Also keep in mind, most all flashes will sync at 1/250th. So to use your flash as a fill flash, I'd shoot at anything between 150-250 for a shutter speed, likely in the 200 range, just to get the most out of my flash

[mattograph]

Outdoors covers alot of ground and lighting conditions, but I assume you are talking about the most difficult, its noon and there is not a cloud in the sky sorta conditions.

An excellent tutorial, courtesy of member sfaust....

http://stephenfaust.wordpress.com/2008/07/05/strobe-and-sunlight-how-to/

[JasonBr]

Well. Always keep this in mind. Shutter speed will only control your natural light. Aperture is going to control your flash light. Also keep in mind, most all flashes will sync at 1/250th. So to use your flash as a fill flash, I'd shoot at anything between 150-250 for a shutter speed, likely in the 200 range, just to get the most out of my flash

It will be most likely around 4-5 in the afternoon (sun sets around 6) Am I going to end up with really over exposed photos if I use a shutter speed that low?

[ZSutton]

It will be most likely around 4-5 in the afternoon (sun sets around 6) Am I going to end up with really over exposed photos if I use a shutter speed that low?

Well it depends on the lighting. Obviously you'll need to adjust. Use the Sunny 16 rule, and start at f/16 at 1/125, and then adjust accordingly

[Gatorboy]

It will be most likely around 4-5 in the afternoon (sun sets around 6) Am I going to end up with really over exposed photos if I use a shutter speed that low?

Not if you are shooting ISO 100 and close down your lens enough.

[DerekW]

Well. Always keep this in mind. Shutter speed will only control your natural (i.e. ambient) light. Aperture is going to control your flash light. Also keep in mind, most all flashes will sync at 1/250th. So to use your flash as a fill flash, I'd shoot at anything between 150-250 for a shutter speed, likely in the 200 range, just to get the most out of my flash

Read this over and over again till it sinks in. It is the one key to understanding using a flash.



P.S. sync speed is dependant on the camera, not the flash my 5D syncs at about 1/200th at best, I often shoot 1/160th

[ZSutton]

P.S. sync speed is dependant on the camera, not the flash my 5D syncs at about 1/200th at best, I often shoot 1/160th


Yeah, I noticed my error after I posted. Most cameras will sync at 250 though, and I was always under the assumption that the 5D was no exception

[yogestee]

If I am taking a portrait outdoors and using a fill flash, how should I set the shutter speed? Obviously I will need a shutter speed faster than the 1/200 sync speed if it is a sunny day. Or shall I use the flash in high speed sync mode? If I don't use high speed sync, will the shutter curtains still show in bright light?

Jason,,,here's what I do.. Set exposure to manual trying to get a shutterspeed around 125th -200th but metering for your subject.. I set my 430EX to ETTL and adjust the flash exposure compensation to -1 or -1 1/3.. Chimp and check out the skin tones are accurate.. Adjust the FEC accordingly..

[mattograph]

Well. Always keep this in mind. Shutter speed will only control your natural light. Aperture is going to control your flash light. Also keep in mind, most all flashes will sync at 1/250th. So to use your flash as a fill flash, I'd shoot at anything between 150-250 for a shutter speed, likely in the 200 range, just to get the most out of my flash

Actually, when shooting outside in bright light, aperture is going to effect ambient as well as flash. Its a little different than shooting indoors.

[DerekW]

Actually, when shooting outside in bright light, aperture is going to effect ambient as well as flash. Its a little different than shooting indoors.

Yeah, I was thinking about this last night, and was going to post something today. for example You may need to shoot f/16 or even f/22 in bright daylight.

Best thing to do do is go outside today at approximately the time you are going to do the shootand shoot anything (tree, post, whatever) at 125-200th ISO 100 and try it at f/5.6, f/8,f/11,f/16,f/22, etc and you should be able to figure out pretty quick approximately what will work or at least how it works... then play with the flash, either e-ttl if on camera (yuck) or in manual if off camera (yummy) :)

[griptape]

You do have the option to lower your flash output (just because your flash can shoot in e-ttl mode doesn't mean it's best). Put your flash in manual mode a 1/8th power for the fill, and expose for the background.