Achieving small depth of field outside with strobe?

[pawel_m]

I'm trying to figure out how to achieve a shallower depth of field when shooting

outside with a strobe...

 

My shutter speed is 250 and to get reasonable exposure light meter suggests

aperture of 13-20.

 

Is there a way to achieve this effect under these conditions or is the only way

reducing the light - probably shooting in a shaded location or when sun is low?

 

thanks

[hunghang]

Use the FP/High Speed sync option on your flash if available, or use an ND filter.

[ellis_vener_photography]

Which flash? Which camera?

[beauh44]

Assuming a relatively new camera with TTL/ETTL flash and available light, I'd just put it in Av mode, open up the aperture and shoot. You may want to add or subtract flash exposure compensation. I usually end up subtracting a stop so the flash isn't very noticeable.

 

If it's getting dark, use M mode on your camera, open up your aperture, set shutter speed and again, dial plus or minus fec as needed.

[dan_fromm2]

Hung is part right. The only way to shoot at a larger aperture than ambient illumination will permit is to use a neutral density filter. Or use slower film.

 

Pawel, yes, to get the result you want you'll have to turn the lights down.

[picturesque]

ND filters. Look at the following.

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00M8uC