Using a flash + daylight

Holly, originally uploaded by joseph brewster photography.

Natural light is abundant and easily available for most situations, and many fine portraits have been taken using nothing but sunlight. There are numerous tutorials that advise you to employ your pop-up flash for added fill, but I went a step further in this shot, and I wanted to share with you how I did it.

This shot was taken with a Nikon setup. I used the Nikon SC 29 off camera flash cord to move my SB800 Speedlight below and to the right of the camera. I under exposed the image by about -0.3 to avoid blown highlights since I was standing so close. I had the manufacturer's standard snap on diffuser attached to tone down the severity of the light. All these elements together allowed me to achieve a good exposure with detail and even lighting.

TIP: Shoot in the shade if you want an image like this. Shade can provide a more even and diffused light as a base for the exposure. Beware of unwanted shadows/highlights from leaves and such.