New Member/Some Questions

[dmatroni]

Hi my name is Danielle and I am just learning about photography. I found this site and I am looking forward to learning a lot. Right now I am using a Canon XSI 450d and a Canon 85 mm lense. I recently purchased a new Canon flash 430ex. I have a couple of questions:
1. I was taking pictures outside of people and I used a flash. I realize that they are overexposed and I'm not sure how to correct this problem. What do you recommend?
2. If I am taking pictures outside when do you use a flash? what setting do you recommend?
Thanks in advance for the help! Danielle

[Logan2010]

hey danielle,
welcome! i'm not the most experienced photographer.. but i had a problem simular when first venturing into flash photography. make sure the flash head isnt pointing directly at the subject.. aim it slightly upward and use the bouncer or a bought diffuser. . . and the settings all depened on your surroundings, time of day, etc.. its just a practice thing.

i try and use flash for everything, regardless of how bright it is outside.. the flash will fill in the little dark spots under the eyes very well.. you just have to use a lower setting instead of full power..

looking forward to seeing your work.. and i hope i helped alittle!

thanks,

Logan Reed

[snyderman]

Hey Danielle:

same questions from me. Try doing a search on 'outdoor fill flash' and you'll probably get enough hits for a week's worth of reading.

Oh, and welcome! Great place to learn.

dave

[PMatthes]

Exactly. Read, read, read. Based upon what mode your camera is in, your flash acts completely differently.

When I shoot outside, I meter for the ambient with spot metering on the face, and use my bare 580EXII pointed directly at the subject with ETTL and set the EV to -1 stop to fill shadows. On camera bare flash can be a real winner if you learn how to use it. Here's what those settings get me:

Sorry to post work in your thread, just wanted to show you examples of what my method of madness yields. I believe these are all taken at f/2.8 with hi-speed sync.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/3534030323_6e20ff0ed9_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3581/3495405522_5d77e30b3b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3611/3628220804_2008522afd.jpg?v=0

[CJinAustin]

It can be really hard if you're shooting people in direct sunlight not to have blown highlights,... It may not even be the flash causing the problem.. Just too much of a dynamic range for your camera

Keep in mind that the closer to noon you are the harder it is to avoid,,, try to shoot in the morning or evening,,, in the shade,, or when its cloudy, etc. Dark clouds are the best...

You have to be on the lookout for good lighting conditions... And even then,,, highlights sometimes get blown... uhgg

[gonzogolf]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=684587

watch the video linked to this thread. Stan uses his flashes off camera but the advice he gives applies to your situation regarding fill flash.

[dmatroni]

thank you guys so much for helping me out! Sorry it took me so long to respond work has been crazy this past week! i will read up on everything and use the tips you guys gave me. i know this forum is going to help me a lot!