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Step 1
Use the fill flash by itself only in close proximity to the subject and only when necessary. The fill flash is low-powered and designed to fill in minor frontal shadows with light so the details come out. It's good by itself for one or two people or a small scene, but not a group of people or a large scene.
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Step 2
Use a full flash by itself where the lighting generally is good and uniform. Vivitar's full flash units are popular among photographers because they offer wide, normal and telephoto settings and sync with most cameras. For bigger scenes, a Vivitar or other strobe unit on the camera is a good choice. For smaller scenes, of one or two people, the full power of a strobe can wash out the details.
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Step 3
Use the two flashes together to balance each unit's shortcomings. For example, for a group photo of 10 people, place the Vivitar in the hotshoe at the top of the camera and angle the flash head toward the ceiling at 45-degrees. Then pop up the fill flash which will be pointed directly where the lens is pointed. Assuming the shutter speed is set to sync with the Vivitar, the two flashes will go off together; one aimed at the subjects and one bounced off the ceiling to give an overall light to the scene.
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Step 4
Experiment with flash placement. While the fill flash always will be directly aimed where the lens is aimed, the Vivitar or other full flash can be angled to the left or right or bounced off the ceiling, walls and floor. Trying different angle combinations can help you create your signature photography style.
