On the Right Track?

[mrod]

OK, here's the scenario: The subject, (3 [squirmy] kids) are posing in front of an off-white, semi-sheer curtain...i.e. they're backlit. So, after a bit of digging in a book, I decided to use spot metering, and take a reading off their faces.

Does it sound like I'm on the right track?

Mike

[Chuck S.]

Originally Posted by mrod

OK, here's the scenario: The subject, (3 [squirmy] kids) are posing in front of an off-white, semi-sheer curtain...i.e. they're backlit. So, after a bit of digging in a book, I decided to use spot metering, and take a reading off their faces.

Does it sound like I'm on the right track?

Mike

Mike, did you do the shot with available light? May be an opportunity for a little fill-in flash as an alternative.

[mrod]

I did end up using a bit of flash. I'm still learning about the concept of fill flash (and finding out exactly how it works on my camera)...is it as simple as firing the flash, or is there a fill-flash setting I haven't found yet?

Mike

[JulieM]

Originally Posted by mrod

I did end up using a bit of flash. I'm still learning about the concept of fill flash (and finding out exactly how it works on my camera)...is it as simple as firing the flash, or is there a fill-flash setting I haven't found yet?

Mike

I'm glad you asked that question, Mike. I've wondered the same thing...

[lexcell]

Mike,
spot metering will give you a proper exposure of the subject you are metering but in this case, the window was likely totally blown out. Another option for available light would be to have the kids facing the window and using the natural light to light them with either a reflector or fill flash to fill in the shadow side just a hair if necessary. Window light can be gorgeous.

[mrod]

Yep, you're spot-on, Laurie (big surprise). The kids looked great, but the window was blown out.

I'll have to do some more experimenting.

Thanks for the suggestions. It's great to have you around!

Mike

[MayBayB]

When you have a harsh (bright) light source to the side or back of your subject it is usually a safe guess to use some sort of fill.. even if it is nothing more than an add on flash to your camera. Even photographing outside in the high afternoon summer sun you will need fill lighting to get rid of the harsh shadows. Try an flood light with the reflective umbrella for an easy inexpensive fix. You can get the umbrellas at Ritz camera for about $30 and any kind of flood aimed into the umbrella will do. Before I got my pro-grade ones I used a cheap floor sitting flood from the auto dept. & sat the umbrella on the floor angled to the subject. Be creative.