David wrote: <<This same procedure works for manual flash and for available light:>> Actually, for a controlled arrangement ( a set subject position and constant background ) where in essence the photographer is taking pictures of each of the subjects, one after another, in the same place ... a manually set flash works far more predictably. OK, use the digital camera or a flash meter (it really does not matter which) before the punters start arriving to position the flashes and set thier output [it seems helpful to have an assistant / family member to stand there as a dummy] then stick to what works. If you have measured the illumination (flashmeter) at the subject and background and set the aperture accordingly then it will work. If instead your digital camera produces results with good histograms and no highlight cropping ... it will work. <<2. Shoot the picture at that exposure. >> That's the way to do it. Fully automatic area flashes that control exposure by measuring what reflects back will inevitably respond to what the subjects are wearing: white dress or black velvet. Use an SLR with it's "matrix metering" and you can suffer the same and more (they work fine 90% of the time but can respond "unpredictably). Save them for "on-the-flay" shooting where you don't have time to control the subjects and/or background. Sounds like a doddle to me: compared with getting the orders in that is ;o) B -- Whatever you Wanadoo: http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/time/ This email has been checked for most known viruses - find out more at: http://www.wanadoo.co.uk/help/id/7098.htm
