nanbuff68

I have a new Nikon D7000, one lens (16-85mm) uv filter, polarizing filter, tripod, remote control, manual, & David Busch’s book. Most of the time I turn off the in camera flash as it washes out the photos. (I shoot on auto.) I would like to use the scene settings, such as portrait, at a family get together tomorrow. (The flash will pop up) The family member that usually takes photos cannot attend, and I cannot figure all this out with one day’s notice. Photos will be taken inside and outside.
(page 223 in manual) My camera: e1 Flash sync speed shows 1/250. Lines e2 through e6 shows: This option is not available with current settings. Is this because I shoot on Auto? I would like to turn down the flash, but I am hesitant to make changes when I don’t know what I am doing.
If anyone can help me with this, or have any suggestions, I would appreciate the advice.
The UHH forum has been very helpful to me. It does take me away from work, though!

fotogk Loc: Tuftonboro, NH

If it was me, I would switch to aperture priority, then if you are outside change the ISO to 200, if inside change the ISO 1000. Dial the aperture of your camera to F8 (this will give you a middle range depth of field) keep an eye on shutter speed make sure it does not dip below 1/60 of a sec. This will eliminate then need for flash. as long as shutter speed is 1/125 you will freeze most action and if it falls to 1/60 the person most hold still or pose.

CaptainC Loc: Colorado, south of Denver

In Auto, the camera makes all the decisions - and I mean ALL.
The camera is telling you "You gave me control - now scram."
It is the worst thing to happen to photography in 25 years. If the picture works,you do not know why. If it sucks, you STILL do not know why.

You say "turn down" the flash. What do you mean? lower the power or turn it off?

If you feel you have to let the camera tell you what to do, try P - that is Program Auto and it allows you to make some adjustments. It also will not pop up the flash unless YOU press the flash-up button.

Page 148 of the manual explains flash compensation. press the flash button on the left side of the body just below the flash (the button with the lightning bolt) while you turn the sub-command dial. Note the compensation value in the top LCD display.

I have to tell you though, that the little pop-up flash is not meant for groups. It is fine for maybe up to four people that are relatively close.

I think what you mean is how to defeat the auto-flash. Just use P.

Then get out of both Auto and P and use the modes that make mistakes. You only learn by making mistakes.
Do not make mistakes with the family stuff, however. :-)

sloscheider Loc: Minnesota

between Auto and Scene on the mode dial you will find a lightening bolt with a circle around and a line through it. This is the Auto mode but with no flash. That should get you through tomorrow but then I would listen to the others that have responded and learn the ins and outs of Aperture/Shutter priority and the manual modes.

If you're not interested in learning the manual/semi manual modes you could pick up a SB-400 Nikon flash with bounce capabilities that would yield better results than the popup flash while still providing you full auto operation.

Good luck tomorrow :)

nanbuff68

Thanks to each of you for taking the time to reply. I have not had the camera long so there is a lot to read, try out, and learn. You have given me good pointers to start my journey off “Auto”. Now, back to practicing on the stuffed toys! Have a great weekend.

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

My advice would be to go outside.....early morning or late afternoon so you won't be positioned in harsh sun. Choose aperture priority and shoot wide open. I am not too sure what kind of bokeh that lens will create so pick a pleasing background as it may not be too blurred. You might just pop up that little flash, it may create a little fill but for the most part, those popups rarely create flattering light. But try and see.

If you must shoot inside, run your ISO up to 1600, don't be afraid of a high ISO shot with that camera. Find some window light. Use a tripod and shoot wide open......as in outside, you might pop up the flash to see what affect if any is pleasing. My guess, FORGET the flash.

If you shoot inside, be mindful that your white balance will be affected by whatever artificial light you use. I would shoot RAW so you will have the max control to change in post. If you shoot jpeg, try incandescent with lamp lighting.

Good luck

Edmojo Loc: Manhattan New York

I have the same wonderful camera and love it all of these replys are great tips, you must learn to play with manual and learn the concepts of shooting in different situations. This is the reason you bought an advanced mid level.
One more option is to get the nikon 700 speedlight, with the TTL and adjustments you can make with output, it can't get any easier.

Ed

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

nanbuff68

I appreciate the advice from each of you, and will have some time during Christmas and the new year to go out to practice and learn more about using the features of my new camera. Really awesome photos are posted on here. I have so much to learn, but look forward to the journey.
Have a wonderful holiday season!