For Greyflash and Uncle Frank

[Terri French]

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?

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[greyflash]

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?

 

[Terri French]

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.

 

[Benoit G.]

Nice shot Terry. :smile:
Thanks for sharing either the shot and the technique too.
Benoit

 

[Terri French]

Nice shot Terry. :smile:
Thanks for sharing either the shot and the technique too.
Benoit

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.

 

[Chris101]

How did I do? Did I turn the exposure down to much in raw conversion?

Wow - no, the exposure is perfect! Nicely composed too. Great portrait. Excellent use of the technique.

 

[Uncle Frank]

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.

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[Terri French]

Wow - no, the exposure is perfect! Nicely composed too. Great portrait. Excellent use of the technique.

Thanks for your observations about my exposure. I am still trying to learn what is "just right".

 

[Terri French]

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.

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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?

 

[greyflash]

Cute image Frank, I would hire you if I were them.