Using Flash Outside

Last Updated on Saturday, 29 May 2010 11:30 Tuesday, 12 May 2009 07:01

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Using Flash Outside ( or with ambient light)

The balancing of strobes in the constantly changing outdoor environment can be challenging, but the results can be very rewarding.

There are two main approaches to working out exposure when balancing Flash with Ambient light

The First method is to work out all the details with meters, readings, multiple tests and chimping.
The main advantage with this method is you get exactly what you want.

The biggest disadvantage is the bride and groom may already have returned from their honeymoon before you get set-up.

The Second method is to let the amazing electronics in modern cameras make all the decisions. 
This is quick and easy.  The biggest disadvantage is your camera is deciding what to expose for.... usually not what you want.  Your camera is working against you.
The important thing when using this method is to use the shotgun approach...take as many images as possible and one or two may work.

So what is a photographer to do?

Use a combination of both methods.

This requires that you understand how to set the exposure properly.

Once this is mastered then you can learn how to use your camera to work for you, not against you

We will start in the studio during daylight, to discuss the theory, and then move outside so that we can work in daylight and as the sun sets into darkness.
If the weather doesn't allow us to go outside we will work inside in simulated conditions.

Bring your manuals! and a way to mark the important parts