Balancing the ambient

Whats left of St. Nick, originally uploaded by photosorcery.

SB-800 Camera left. This is the most basic flash technique that you'll find the most essential. Balancing the ambient.

STEP 1: Meter for the background scene (Flash turned off). Take a test shot if you are unsure. I included the incandescent lights to symbolize my ambient lighting.

STEP 2: Light your subject (off camera of course). This may require trial and error to get just the right flash power. I used a bounce card to spray some of the light on St. Nicks lovely beard.

Same technique applied on the streets of Hollywood... www.flickr.com/photos/photosorcery/3196989329/