Fill Flash or Reflector for outdoor shooting?

Is one better than the other for reducing harsh shadows for outdoor portraits or is it just a matter of preference? Some friends asked me to take outdoor portraits of them, so I'm starting to plan for what I will be using.

A flash has the advantage of being something that you can hang directly on the camera, or on a flash bracket on the camera. You don't need an assistant.

The reflector has the advantage of using natural light, but normally you have to have an assistant to hold it at the right angle. It can be difficult to use when it is windy.

---Bob Gross---

Reflector.

Ro1

I did the outdoor wedding photography with a fill flash in the shade...... mostly for convenience.

A question for ya: *if* you were to use a reflector, what size would be best? I'm looking at the 75 cm diameter one, but I'm wondering if it's not too small. Maybe I just ue fill-flash after all.

I use fill flash at weddings and they look great. Reflectors are ok on non windy days when you are not in a hurry. Weddings are almost always "in a hurry" affairs.

Markubig.
From a fellow Jerseyan who shoots in high contrast outdoor light all the time - the BEST choice is to move the subjects to diffuse shade. Awnings, arbors, under tree canopies, vegetation, anything to even out the light contrast ratio and avoid hot spots. Under angled beach umbrella at the shore. Assuming they have legs, etc... haha.

Second choice is either reflector, if you have one and assistant. Since I do not, and can not since most stuff is candid, my seconnd choice becomes auto daylight reduced fill flash with camera on M. Most PJs use flash in bright outdoors, even at sporting events, precisely because they have no control over where the subject is. I use the Lumiquest pocket bouncer a lot to broaden shadows.
Jack

How would I set my 580EX up for fill flash? I have 300D...is that a dumb question or what?

Anyway...any help?

Not stupid at all. Canon does not "document" it's approach to flash well. You don't have to do anything. E-TTL in auto mode, in any medium to bright ambient light IS. It automatically assumes you want auto-reduced fill flash. Sometimes, when ambient light is borderline, you end up with a black background. Some like it. Some don't.

It's time for you to go read Canon Flash bible at PhotoNotes.org.

J