I've read so much I think I'm confusing myself. I'm having a hard time coming up with a quick and efficient method in balancing flash in various portrait situations. Without too much science and confusion I will pose a few scenerios and I'd like people to discuss step by step solutions to achieving a good exposure with the first shutter click. Please explain metering techniques and modes and flash settings. Lets assume a speedlite, no modifier, no nd filters, and try to focus on obtaining proper flash/camera settings. I believe my problem is improper metering modes to try and obtain proper settings, and improper use of ettl (or misunderstanding of ettl ). Perhaps I should just go full manual on camera and flash. I have an L-358 and have better results when I use that, but it seems a very slow process.
1. Subject(s) standing under a pavilion style roof, ambient mid afternoon sunny sky daylight illuminating trees with green leaves behind the subject. No sky in frame.
2. Group of Subjects standing in front of shaded folliage. Subjects lit by light passing through leaves leaving shaded and sunlit areas on their faces. Can a fill flash be used to brighten the leaf shadows without blowing out the sunlit areas? Moving them is not an option.
3. The sunset shot, subjects backlit by horizon sunset. What metering mode for sunset exposure? Then can ettl be used? Or again, meter and manual.
