Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/14
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Gerry Walden wrote: > > Bob Maxey writes "I guarantee you can't tell he has used > the fill" - if you can't see the difference then isn't he wasting his time? Gerry, Better to realize that if it is "fill" flash done right only the trained eye might detect it knowing that the situation would normally far more contrasty. Think subtle, think slightly more detail in shadows, think slightly more crispness (or slightly less flatness) to the light. Most cameras at zero compensation are too hot. I don't know why they are calibrated that way, but they are. I mostly use serious fill at minus 1.5 or so, but often use minus 2 or 3 stops. Never full fill. Also remember that if you have a scene already lit, you are adding to that, so if you flash at "normal" which assumes that the strobe supplies all the light, then add ambient, you are overexposed. I often do corporate work where I am using 3 to five heads but still balancing to available light, just using the strobes to add character (mostly from side and back light) and to accent areas (so I can underexpose others less important). It is a delicate, artistic endeavor to get it right, so things look natural, but enhanced. If you see polaroids from before and after, you will realize I am not wasting my time. donal - -- Donal Philby San Diego www.donalphilby.com