the problem of extreme sunlight

[Jonathan]

No doubt some one will chip in and say being professional is knowing how to overcome those days.

Yep.  And that's why professionals get big money   Saturday before last I was fighting with  incredible sun and ridiculous contrast levels - this week I was shooting at 12 noon at 3,200 ISO with flash.....either way going home without pictures is not an option.

But c'mon.....for shots of the family in the back garden at a time and place dictated by them those pics are fine.  You've done exactly the right thing by positioning them (see the first line in Neil's tute "into hard sunlight").  You could have popped up the flash but with the contrast bump it looks fine.  (Apart from, you know, the background - but that's dictated by the positioning).

Open shade and a bit of off camera (or on camera ) flash can sort out most sun.  BTW - here's last week's very sunny wedding.  http://peoplebyryan.com/weddings/louise-and-mark-a-real-wedding-at-the-knowle - and yes, I really did tell the bride to walk through that patch of shade.........

[Sarasocke]

But c'mon.....for shots of the family in the back garden at a time and place dictated by them those pics are fine.  You've done exactly the right thing by positioning them (see the first line in Neil's tute "into hard sunlight").  You could have popped up the flash but with the contrast bump it looks fine.  (Apart from, you know, the background Smiley - but that's dictated by the positioning).

Thanks Jonathan - that goes down well. The background was NOT good, I know, we were restricted and I was feeling liek sh*t as I said above. The photos are OK, anyway accepted by the family 

Does the combination of high ISO and flash help in such a situation?

[Jonathan]

Does the combination of high ISO and flash help in such a situation?

No.  You actually want low ISO and flash because you'r emore or less limited to sync speed.  The less sensitive your camera is to ambient light the more effect the flash will have.

The 3,200 + flash was indoors.  Bridal suite was one of the darkest rooms I've been in.  MUA literally couldn't see to apply foundation.

[picsfor]

But your D700 can more than happily run with the higher iso if it means getting the shot and a satisfied client Carol 

[Sarasocke]

@ Jonathan - thanks for the explanation, that had me confused for a moment 

@ Andrew - I know my camera can cope with high ISOs, I was just confused with flash + high ISO + sunlight, I didn't realise that Jonathan had taken the shot indoors.

A loose translation fron German "he who can read has the advantage" - I hadn't read your post correctly Jonathan 

I think I'll have an early night