Outdoor photo shoot without fill flash?

So today I have a photo shoot with a female friend of mine at a local park. We are planning to get together at about 6:30pm. I haven't practiced with my 580ex yet outdoor with fill flash and kind of scared to use this shoot as a trial, yet is it possible to do this without using fill flash? I don't have an assistant to help with a reflector either. What advice would you give me on short notice?

Thanks

Teresa

Sure, it can be done without fill flash. And with experience and skillful use of available light and shade, you can get great results. But there's a definite learning curve involved.

The best I can say is try a lot of different things. Some with fill, some without. Try different FEC settings. Try different locations, angles, directions, etc. Expect this to be a learning experience. Don't expect "pro" results on your first try.

I do these quite a bit... I almost always use flash as I like the look. You can go without if you plan to photoshop subject seperation.

Just let her know your going to test a new technique. Set the exposure for the background a stop or two below correct, set the flash on a stand at different distances to see what you like.

I try to not PP any picture. Below one could argue that a nice blue sky would help. That sky was not there that day

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Nice shot there, just wish sky wasn't overblown.

bobbyz wrote in post #5789789
Nice shot there, just wish sky wasn't overblown.

Thank you. I just hate, I mean hate using photoshop. This should really be done but I have already sold the image!

It's a nice picture. I don't suppose the subject(s) are the least bit bothered about the sky being overblown!

Roy Mathers wrote in post #5789884
It's a nice picture. I don't suppose the subject(s) are the least bit bothered about the sky being overblown!

It looks much better in print. No they love it...

That's what I thought. Well done.

I personally would not shoot outdoors during the day without a fill flash. At 6:30, the sun will be coming down so that will help somewhat with harsh shadows. However, you'll need that flash to really bring out the subject like in pcunite's excellent photo above.

I suggest you put the camera in Shutter Priority Mode (TV), and leave the flash in automatic (ETTL) Mode.
Set your shutter speed to 1/80 or higher to eliminate blur and then use ISO 200 or 400.

Remember not to shoot to far away from her as it will reduce the effect of your flash.

elkston wrote in post #5789909
I personally would not shoot outdoors during the day without a fill flash. At 6:30, the sun will be coming down so that will help somewhat with harsh shadows.

You can use it to your advantage you know. As long as you convert it to b&w, because the most annoying thing with a low sun is the orange light..which is usually not wanted with portraits.

Here are a few samples without flash.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …in/set-72157604165154223/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …in/set-72157604165154223/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …in/set-72157604165154223/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …in/set-72157604091481425/

Outdoor photo shoot without fill flash is very possible with reflectors, including a car window sun shade.