Originally Posted by BV

I have a bitch of a time shooting outside as well. PLus I don't have anyone to hold reflectors, nor do I want to if I can get away with it.

I'm using a canon d30 with a canon 550ex flash for fill.
Shadows are a problem for me sometimes. Especially when the sun is straight up.

I find that the canon 550ex flash with TTL (Through The Lens) auto light metering does a pretty good job in auto mode.