why so dark?

[ypurcaro]

I took this photo under the four o'clock bright sun in California. Yet, I just don't know why it looks so dark. I tried to adjust the shutter speed and ISO, it is either too dark or too bright (overexposure). What do you I should do? I certainly don't need to turn the flash on.

[Elmo]

Actually you do need to turn the flash on, as a fill light to fill in the dark shadows. I am not sure if your camera has it but dial in flash exposure to minus 1 stop. also throw a clean white hankie over the flash to soften it.

[RudyMiculescu]

the sun reflects from the flower and is to bright , use a reflector to bounce the light in to the shadows or flash to fill light as the Elmo says

[ypurcaro]

Originally Posted by Elmo

Actually you do need to turn the flash on, as a fill light to fill in the dark shadows. I am not sure if your camera has it but dial in flash exposure to minus 1 stop. also throw a clean white hankie over the flash to soften it.

Thanks Elmo! I've never thought about turning the flash light on. Actually, i have a speedlite 270 EX too.

[ypurcaro]

Originally Posted by RudyMiculescu

the sun reflects from the flower and is to bright , use a reflector to bounce the light in to the shadows or flash to fill light as the Elmo says

Thanks for the feedback. If I use the relector, where should I place the reflector?

[RudyMiculescu]

depends on the direction of the light comming from the sun and what you want to fill with light