Greyflash answered a bunch of my questions in his recent post titled "Jennifer". Uncle Frank posted an example of the same technique that Greyflash used. I tried it and am happy with the results (although I love to hear critique from those with a better eye than me). I metered for the background at -1 exposure using center weighted average. Then I set my flash at -2/3. My daughter got some flowers from her fiance and wanted a photo holding them to use in a wedding slide show. Here is the result. She was standing in the shade with the sun shining in the background. How did I do? Did I turn the exposure down to much in raw conversion? {}
Absolutely beautiful and a good example of what I was talking about. The background is darkened some and your beautiful daughter is great. Do you notice how she stands out from the background? Did you use a diffuser?
Yes, I used the diffuser that comes with the sb800. Thank you so much for your help. Outdoor flash photography is so tricky.
Greyflash is the one to thank. He posted a picture using this technique and I gave it a try today. Thanks for looking and commenting.
Wow - no, the exposure is perfect! Nicely composed too. Great portrait. Excellent use of the technique.
Very nicely done, Terri! Next time, you might want to matrix meter the background instead of using the center weighted approach, to keep the metering from being unduly influenced by a bright or dark areas in the background. But it worked like a charm this time. I did something similar at a shoot this afternoon. I was taking test pictures of a potential wedding client, and did a group photo of her, her mom, and grandma. Maybe it will land me the job. {}
Thanks Frank. That was one questions I asked Gordon and he said that he uses spot or center weighted. It's so interesting how many different ways there are to accomplish something in photography. I appreciate you telling me how you do it. I'll give everything a try!!! Your picture is great. Bet you get the job. Do you like doing wedding photography?
