Fill Flash

[D-Wade]

Dunno if this is right place to post here, anyway mod please if necessary
anyway I'm using D90 + SB 800
been using the fill flash technique
but I'm having a hard time everytime.

with flash off
meter the background (metering is different when flash is on and flash is off)
turn on flash (with reduced power)
then shoot.

then off the flash for metering once again.

is there any easier way?

esp if I'm using Aperture Priority
half press, and see shutter speed (metering is different when flash is on and flash is off)
turn on flash
go manual and set to recorded S
then shoot

1 shot is is okay, but to do this the whole is a pain.

usually i do this when we are traveling, casual portraits, items with shadows, and when the sun is behind my subject.

 

[GRbenji]

I'm not sure about all the other cameras, but my 7D gives a 1 stop different for metering with and without fill-flash when using Evaluative metering. Using Spot, Center-Weighted Average and Partial metering will give same result with or without fill-flash.

 

[D-Wade]

you set your flash to fill flash?
so everytime you do fill flash you offset 1 stop?

 

[GRbenji]

you set your flash to fill flash?
so everytime you do fill flash you offset 1 stop?

Edited my earlier post. Only Evaluative metering gives a 1 stop difference. The other like Spot, Center-Weighted Average and Partial give same meter reading with or without fill-flash.

There is no hard and fast rule in photgraphy. Take a few shot and see if you like what the meter tells you. Then remember your own preference.

 

[D-Wade]

Edited my earlier post. Only Evaluative metering gives a 1 stop difference. The other like Spot, Center-Weighted Average and Partial give same meter reading with or without fill-flash.

oh that answers my question, i like metering to be the same with or without flash attached.
which is on spot, center-weighted metering
with this metering I can use A mode already, adding less powered flash as fill

am I right on my understanding?

 

[GRbenji]

oh that answers my question, i like metering to be the same with or without flash attached.
which is on spot, center-weighted metering
with this metering I can use A mode already, adding less powered flash as fill

am I right on my understanding?

Take note that mine is Canon and yours is Nikon. I'm not sure if Nikon works the same way, so best is test it out yourself. Just select the different metering mode and aim at same spot with and without flash and see for yourself.

 

[D-Wade]

Take note that mine is Canon and yours is Nikon. I'm not sure if Nikon works the same way, so best is test it out yourself. Just select the different metering mode and aim at same spot with and without flash and see for yourself.

Yes, That's what am going to do, atleast I would have some starting point, and know that is is possible.

thanks!

 

[catchlights]

for Nikon user, please read your camera manual and flash manual...

in short, set your flash mode in TTL-BL, it is the fill flash mode, as long your camera meter and exposure the ambient light correctly, the flash will balance the ambient light and deliver the flash as fill light.

 

[D-Wade]

for Nikon user, please read your camera manual and flash manual...

in short, set your flash mode in TTL-BL, it is the fill flash mode, as long your camera meter and exposure the ambient light correctly, the flash will balance the ambient light and deliver the flash as fill light.

I have read this before, but I never really understand it, now somewhat hehe
anyway, on this mode can use any other metering and can use A mode?
it will meter and flash will fill, without me adjust the EV lower?

 

[catchlights]

I have read this before, but I never really understand it, now somewhat hehe
anyway, on this mode can use any other metering and can use A mode?
it will meter and flash will fill, without me adjust the EV lower?

TTL-BL, trough the lens, balance. is the Nikon fill flash mode
by default the output already lowered, to balance with the ambient lights. it works with any camera exposure mode.

 

[D-Wade]

TTL-BL, trough the lens, balance. is the Nikon fill flash mode
by default the output already lowered, to balance with the ambient lights. it works with any camera exposure mode.

ok, we'll try this one later, many thanks.

 

[catchlights]

taken from SB 800 user manual, p37.

Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash: TTL BL
Press the MODE abutton to display TTL BL the LCD panel, and Automatic
Balanced Fill-Flash is performed. The flash output level is automatically
adjusted for a well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background.
(While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no BL appears with cameras in Groups
III and IV.)
• TTL BL indicates “i-TTL Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash” in the i-TTL mode.

 

[D-Wade]

taken from SB 800 user manual, p37.

Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash: TTL BL
Press the MODE abutton to display TTL BL the LCD panel, and Automatic
Balanced Fill-Flash is performed. The flash output level is automatically
adjusted for a well-balanced exposure of the main subject and background.
(While performing Balanced Fill-Flash, no BL appears with cameras in Groups
III and IV.)
• TTL BL indicates “i-TTL Automatic Balanced Fill-Flash” in the i-TTL mode.

wow, thanks for the effort, I remember I have read this before, but don't really understand it, probably due to all the tutorials that I saw, that from current setting add flash with reduced power.

will play on this, thanks! thanks!