Use "Fill Flash" to Shoot Like a Pro

Bright backgrounds look great in outdoor portraits, but they often fool camera meters causing underexposure of the main subject. How do you correct this?

Most pros use one of two methods. First, you could switch your metering pattern to "spot meter" and take a reading off he subject's face. This works well, but will often "blow out the background" because the surrounding scenery will now be severely overexposed.

A second method, and an easier one at that, is to use "fill flash." Most modern cameras will balance the flash exposure with the background creating an appealing overall portrait.

If you're not sure how to activate this function on your camera, refer to the owner's manual and look for the "fill flash," "forced flash on," or "flash on." function.

Study at the photos below. The photo on the left was shot in normal "automatic" mode. The flash DID NOT turn on because the camera determined that there was enough light to take the photo. There is of course for the overall photo, but that's based on the bright background. That doesn't mean the subject is exposed properly.

The photo on the right has the flashed turned on. Notice how the subject's exposure is more balanced with the background. Fill flash also eliminates unsightly facial shadows such as dark eye sockets or wrinkles. That's why we use it for shooting brides on their wedding day!