The more I learn the dumber I get

I feel so stupid for asking these questions and realize that for most of you these are the basics but I would appreciate any help or suggestions.
I shoot with a canon 20d and 580EX II on a bracket with a canon ETTL sync cord. I am experimenting will fill fash outdoors and have not been satisfied with the results. I have shot in AV and manual with flash on ETTL . I need to be able to use it on ETTL for fast paces work. I have gotten shooting tips from others on the forum for which I am thankful. I tied one of the techniques yesterday with better results. Metering on manual mode in camera on bright green grass setting fel and shooting. Much better results but still not great, and what happens if there is no bright green grass. I understand now that my metering in the canon 20d is metered off the focus point that is activated, then I should press FEL, recompose the shot and shoot. My question is when I meter say a bride and groom or large group shot, should I be metering off of skin tones and if so on the lightest or darkest skin tones. Some have said they meter off the background, some say the white dress of a bride. Some say use a hand held meter, or I've even heard meter off the sky. I'm so confused some times I feel like the more I read the less I know. Any suggestions from anyone who has experience with a good fill flash technique. Also once I hit the Fell button and take the shot, If I want the same exposure again just different pose and the lighting hasn't changed, do I need to re meter on skin tones and hit FEL for every shot or can I just hit FEL again pointed toward the ground without hitting the shutter and activating the focus points to continue to lock the prievious exposure then recompose and take the second shot. I hope I'm making myself clear. Please help I need wisdom. Important family photos tomorrow. Thanking you in advance.

Check out this thread. There is some good info in it, but you have to weed through some crap too.

https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=352745

first of all, use paragraphs.

second, can you post some sample photos with EXIF embedded showing images you are not satisfied with? ETTL seems to work really well for me so I'm trying to figure out what exactly is going wrong with your setup.

My thoughts.

First of all, you seem to be somewhat adept with using the the ETTL system. Its a wonderful system, but its not always the best choice.

You talked about "fast paced" work. Shooting a reception is definitely fast paced, and for my money, a great place for ETTL. However, in my opinion, shooting any kind of portraits, especially bridals, means its time for you to drive and go to manual.

When doing portraits, I would suggest the following:

1) get the flash off camera to the left or the right. You can buy a stand and a PC cord for $75, and it will improve your work immensely.

2) Put the flash in manual mode.

3) Take a meter reading off your background

4) Set the flash on quarter power, shoot, and chimp.

5) Too much or too litlle light? adjust and refire.

The advantage of manual is that you get the same amount of light EVERY time. ETTL can't do that.

SO, in short, my advice to you is to simplify your life, and take over when it matters most Your work will improve greatly if you do.

Excellent advice Matto!

Thank you for all your advice. Yes, I am fairly new to the digital world. Used to shoot 35 MM with a vivitar 283 sensor flash. Totally different world. There is much more latitude in exposure with film than with digital.

Bounced flash is a must to get nice soft lighting. For studio work I shoot bounced off umbrellas or with soft boxes. I have no problem with that, Excellent results! I am just interested in mastering ETTL for outdoor fill flash for family and weddings. I have several stands. Just need a flash shoe/stand adapter to give your advice of shooting manual a try. I will try any method that will give me better results. Thanks again.