I'd appreciate a little help with flash photography. I've read some on flash
as it relates to people photography and I still end up with questions. I'm
shooting a Minolta X-700 with a Minolta 360 PX flash, though I don't think
my questions are specific to that set-up.

If I go with the program or aperture priority TTL settings, I'm locked into
the camera's idea of correct exposure somewhat. I know I can use exposure
compensation, but I end up sacrificing control of the aperture. So, I drift
towards wanting to use one of the non-TTL modes.

If the camera syncs at 1/60, and I want to keep f /2.8, and provide just a
little fill-flash to an outdoor portrait, what's the best way to do that? My
flash has fully manual capabilities too, and also power settings ranging
down to 1/16. The many variables quickly overwhelm my tiny brain.

I'm also trying to find an approach to flash photography of people at night
time. I was recently taking some shots of my nephew and his girlfriend, and
we ended up out late taking some in the dark with street lights, etc. in the
background. I really had no clue what to do with their fair skin, and nearly
black background.

Any help appreciated.

John