How can I get a better balance between ambient lighting and flash for indoor photography, using my D5300 and SB-700 flashgun? Dave Kinnaird, via email
Jason says... Nikon’s TTL-BL (Through The Lens – Balanced Light) flash metering mode works well for this. Indeed, it’s the default mode for the SB-700 flashgun, and the only way to switch to standard TTL mode is to set the camera to spot metering instead of matrix or centre-weighted metering. Even so, you can improve on the results.
Nikon’s Auto ISO setting works particularly well with TTL-BL flash. It raises the ISO setting automatically to create the best possible balance between flash and ambient lighting, while maintaining optimum image quality without an undue increase in image noise. For a more natural effect, try using a curly off-camera flash cord, and holding the flashgun higher and to the side of the camera. It’s also worth using the diffusion dome that’s supplied with the SB-700, as well as the coloured filters for balancing the flashgun’s colour temperature with tungsten or fluorescent lighting.