How to Use a Nikon SB800 Flash With a Nikon D200 for a Fill Flash

Anytime the background is brighter than the subject, shadows will appear on the subject's face which detract from the picture. Fill flash can eliminate the shadows that occur under the eyes and the nose by putting just enough light on the subject to lighten any shadows that may be present. The Nikon D200 is equipped with Nikon's Creative Lighting System, which enables the camera and the SB800 to take perfect fill flash photographs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Nikon D200 with lens
• Nikon SB800 flash

1. 
    
   Image with no flash

   Connect the SB800 to the D200 by first ensuring both units are turned off. Slide the locking lever to the left on the SB800's foot and slide flash on to the D200's hot shoe. Slide the flash's locking lever to the right to mount the flash. Turn both camera and flash to the "on" position.

2. 
    
   Image with full flash output

   Set the camera to the "Programed Auto" mode or "P", with the Exposure Mode Control dial. Choose "Matrix Metering" for the camera's exposure mode. Push the "Mode" button on the flash and set the flash mode to "TTL BL". Ensure the subject is somewhere within the flash distance range that is displayed on the flash's LCD panel.

3. Compose your subject and take a photograph. Check the photograph on the camera's LCD screen to make sure the shot is well exposed. The ready light on the flash will blink if the lighting was insufficient. Move closer to the subject, recompose, and take another photograph. Take several pictures until you are pleased with the result.

4. 
    
   Flash set to "TTL BL"

   Follow Step 2, set the camera to "P" and then set the flash mode to "TTL". Press the "SEL" button on the flash and the flash output level display will start blinking. Adjust the output level with the "+" or "-" buttons that are located above and below the "SEL" button.

5. 
    
   Flash output set to "-1.7"

   Start with a setting of "-1.7" for flash output. Take a photograph and check the result in the camera's LCD screen. Vary the flash output setting up and down from the "1.7" setting in "1/3" steps. Compose and take several photographs at each setting till the photographer is pleased with the result.

Tips & Warnings

• Try both methods and see which one works best for the photographer. Take lots of pictures. Digital photography frees the photographer from expensive lab bills. Making note of the camera and flash settings will help make you a better photographer.