Flash Compensation
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Flash compensation - This option allows for control of the intensity of the camera's flash.
Flash Exposure Compensation - A technique to compensate a measured exposure level against other factors which may render a less-optimal image.
Adjust Flash Compensation
The solution is simple. Tell the camera to reduce the intensity of the flash. By adjusting the flash compensation, you're telling the camera to use a little more or less flash than it 'thinks' you need.
Flash compensation indicator
Viewfinder size
Typically, entry-level DSLRs are equipped with fairly small, cramped viewfinders compared to their more advanced cousins.
Flash compensation should not be used under strong contrast situations like those illustrated here. Unless all you want is a spark or catch light in the subjects eyes.
Flash compensation —127
FV lock —128
Using External Flash ...129
Studio Lighting ...130 ...
When using positive flash compensation, you basically tell the camera that proper exposure is not reached with the normal amount of light, but with more.
For cases like this you might want to dial in an additional minus stop or two of flash compensation over the camera's built-in flash program since you don't want to blast out a ton of fill flash that will wash out the subject's face or cast flash ...
For travel photography though, most situations will call for little flash compensation since most vacationers spend their time outdoors that is already well lit.
Extras to look for are, focus signals (all auto focus cameras have this), frame counter, metering mode indicator, flash OK signal, AE-lock indicator, exposure mode, manual focus indicator, and flash compensation.
For light subjects use plus TTL flash compensation. For dark subjects use minus compensation. Use a 1/2 or 1/3 stop increment if you can while using slide film. Use a 1/2 to one stop increment if you are using print film.
In my Nikon D40 I change the flash compensation levels. Changing the flash compensation level to negative numbers, decrease lighting for the main subject in the picture. Works like a charm.
Today's best cameras include ISO and exposure compensation readouts in the finders for the same reason. Even on my Nikon D40 I can set exposure and flash compensation without removing my eye from the finder.
Very little of the remote light will fall on my subjects face, however, so the speedlite is more than likely going to pick a value that is way too high. So I just dial it down a stop or two by simply changing the flash compensation in my camera.
 See also: Flash, Camera, Light, Exposure, Image
  
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