Using flash outdoors...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Ian T
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Ian T

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Are there any secrets/hints for using fill-flash outdoors? I need to take some photos that will be in a fairly dim outdoor environment, but will need to pick out people. How do I balance the flash so that it looks right? Often I either have too much or too little. Is it worth using a diffuser?

I'm guessing the only way is to go and practice more and find out what works best.
 
Something like a sto-fen will make virtually zero difference in outdoor shots. They diffuse light indoors by scattering it in all directions so it bounces back off walls and ceilings. Outside the only thing you can bounce off (unless there are walls nearby) will be the sky or maybe a passing 747. The one big effect it will have is to drain your batteries very quickly as it's wasting so much light.

To get soft shadows the light source needs to be big which is why the diffusers work indoors as the light is reflected back from all directions. Outside, the light source is still just your flash head plus the minimal extra width of the diffuser. If you really want this effect outside you'll need a big softbox.

If you just want to use the flash as fill what settings are you using on your camera and flash at the moment? Depending on the day for fill I've found using Aperture Priority on the camera and setting the flash anywhere between -2(overcast day) to 0(bright sunny day with direct sunlight) works pretty well but you have to experiment a little.

If you want the flash as primary light source (you say it's a fairly dim environment) think about getting a flash cord so you can get the flash off camera. Have a look at strobist for some inspiration.
 
Thanks for the advice. I'm hoping there'll be enough light that the flash won't be the primary light source. I have a sync cord (which I've never used!). I'm planning to have a practice this evening.
 
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