How To Mix Ambient Light And Fill Flash For Outdoor Portraits

When shooting outdoor portraits, it is important to understand how to mix ambient light and fill flash to create the best possible results. Ambient light is the natural light that is available in the scene, while fill flash is a flash that is used to fill in the shadows and create a more even exposure. By understanding how to use these two light sources together, you can create beautiful portraits that are well-lit and flattering to your subjects.

Understanding Ambient Light

The first step to understanding how to use ambient light and fill flash is to understand how ambient light works. Ambient light is the light that is naturally available in the scene, and it can come from a variety of sources, such as the sun, the sky, or even the reflection of light from other objects. The quality of ambient light can vary depending on the time of day, the weather, and the location.

When shooting in bright, sunny conditions, the ambient light will be strong and direct. This can create harsh shadows and highlights, which can be unflattering to your subjects. In these conditions, it is important to use fill flash to fill in the shadows and create a more even exposure.

When shooting in overcast conditions, the ambient light will be softer and more diffused. This can create more even lighting, which can be flattering to your subjects. In these conditions, you may not need to use fill flash, but it can still be helpful to use a small amount of fill flash to add a little extra light to the scene.

Understanding Fill Flash

Fill flash is a flash that is used to fill in the shadows and create a more even exposure. Fill flash can be used in a variety of situations, such as when shooting in bright, sunny conditions, when shooting in overcast conditions, or when shooting in low-light conditions.

When using fill flash, it is important to use the correct amount of flash. Too much flash can create a harsh, unnatural look, while too little flash will not be effective in filling in the shadows. The amount of flash that you need will vary depending on the ambient light conditions and the distance between your subject and the flash.

Mixing Ambient Light And Fill Flash

Once you understand how ambient light and fill flash work, you can start to mix them together to create beautiful portraits. The key to mixing ambient light and fill flash is to create a balance between the two light sources. You want to use enough fill flash to fill in the shadows but not so much that it overpowers the ambient light.

To start, set your camera to aperture priority mode and choose an aperture that will give you a shallow depth of field. This will help to isolate your subject from the background and create a more flattering look.

Next, set your flash to TTL mode and start by using a low power setting. Take a few test shots and adjust the flash power until you get the desired exposure. You want the flash to fill in the shadows but not so much that it overpowers the ambient light.

Once you have the correct flash exposure, you can start to experiment with different lighting angles. Try bouncing the flash off a wall or ceiling to create a softer, more flattering light. You can also use a diffuser to soften the light from the flash.

By understanding how to mix ambient light and fill flash, you can create beautiful portraits that are well-lit and flattering to your subjects.