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Is the fill flash contributing too prominently? Does it make the

picture look too flat? Thanks.

Personally I like the way you shot this.  I really don't see anything that screams fill flash.  It does almost have a more studio feel to it, as opposed to an outdoor shot, because of the lack of shadows.  I think maybe a little more soft shadowing might be nice, but it would all depend on the sun at the time.  As far as lighting, I have no complaints.   

Fill ratio is fine and well-balanced. It could have been diffused a bit, which would have helped. Good shot in any case.

Thanks for the feedback, Lacey, Les. I've stared at this for so long that it became difficult to be objective.

This was shot on a very overcast day so it appeared to me that the fill flash dominated. Diffusion is a great idea; wish it occurred to me at the time - I use a crude foam card taped to the flash. The thing is, by the time I think of all these things and do it all, the moment's gone. I'll just have to learn to pre-plan and work faster.

Nice and interesting physiognomy and expression, well chosen angle and nice mild B&W tones, just great!

PDE

Thanks for dropping in and leaving a comment, Pierre. Here's the color original where I've been struggling with skin tone - still working at it. 

skin tones look great, Michael.  She's very cute, no wonder you were staring at it for so long....

Thanks, Doug; she'a  load of fun to work with too. More to come, hopefully soon.

Certainly the sauciest of the bunch. I agree with Pierre that the expression is what moves this one and in that area you get an A+.  As for the fill, one should always go with the gut.  I think you are correct in assessing the fill as a tad too hot.  Just a tad, mind you.  For an overcast day I think I would start with flash compensation of about -2 stops under ambient,  just enough to brighten the features and put a catch light into the eyes.  The trouble is if you are bracketing the fill level you may not ace the shot with the perfect expression.  So I guess it takes experience to know for sure, in advance, what to expect, then do the whole series like that, aiming for a winning expression.  Humble opinion.  Best, LM.

Thanks for dropping in, Len; yes, lesson learned.

I had a bare bones kit and left my DIY foam-core deflector at home, you know, a bent piece of foam tied to the flash with rubber band - it might have helped.

A helper would have been nice too, someone to hold a reflector. Maybe next time.

It's the POWER of the fill that determines the fill ratio.  Modifies only soften (shoot through umbrella) or harden (grid spot) the light.  You'd get closer to the desired result with the proper fill LEVEL, modified or not.  A reflector on the camera axis would certainly help, especially with the catch lights but no dire need for extra troops yet.  (they may even interfere with the subject's spontaneity, at least until one gains more confidence in this area)  Best, LM