Fill Flash @ Dusk - First Attempt

So I'm just starting to "understand" flash photography and more importantly, exposure, so I thought I'd give fill flash a shot (the concept and how to do it just clicked recently).

Taken at around 7:45 PM EST. The sun was out of sight. Metered for the sky. f/4.5, 1/30, ISO 200.

Using the 580ex, direct - no diffuser. I think I was using -1/3 FEC. The shadow under her chin is a bit "harsh" - but I'm not sure how to prevent that with direct flash. Not even sure a diffuser would do the trick... maybe a reflector or off camera flash?

Any advice? TIA!

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

Great subject!! Very pretty

Well, yea!!!

I mean, thanks (s'my lovely wife)

Try to take the picture with the camera upside down.

Hmm... will have to give that a try pieq314.

Here's another... from the same set -

HTTP response: 404 | MIME changed to 'text/html' | Byte size: ZERO

I like the composition whiskaz but the shadow under her chin is a bit distracting. This is a problem with on camera flash units and as you say, I doubt if it would be any better with a diffuser. Certainly lowering the flash (or turning the camera upside down) would help. As this is a head and shoulders shot, get her to hold a piece of white card which will reflect the flash up and remove the shadow. You'd might have to experiment to get the angle right, but I have used this before and it works.