Just got a new flash unit (Neewer TTL750ii) for my Nikon D3500

I had an Amazon Gift Card as a Christmas present, so I ordered a new hot-shoe flash for my Nikon D3500.  No offense to Nikon, but I can't believe the cost of the real OEM flashes!

There's dozens of aftermarket flash units by Godox, Yongnuo, Neewer, etc... and are incredibly priced versus the top name brand.

What I like about this flash unit, is the TTL function.  I mean, "set it and forget it", as it just knows what to do and works perfectly with the Nikon.  Put on the small 18-55mm lens, and watch the flash LCD screen.  Zoom out from 18mm and watch the flash change its settings to match the camera lens.  Really cool!

Getting to the point, I am wondering about the "M" mode and manually experimenting with the power levels 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, and how that will work with flash photography and taking a nice portrait photo, bouncing the flash upwards off the ceiling.

Do you use TTL or do you mainly stick with the "M" manual setting?  Which is better?

Lastly, please excuse the poor quality photo, as I was using my Samsung Galaxy smartphone and got a little too close, so it's a touch blurry.  Oops....

Manual gives consistent results with stationary subjects. Bouncing, either manual or TTL, from ceiling/wall junctures behind and to the left or right gives more pleasing results than aiming the flash head straight up.

Thank you for the reply... All I know is the the built-in flash on my Nikon D3500 is way too harsh. It's like, BAM! 100% full power, blinding light, no directional capability, etc.. and the subject sees spots in their eyes for the next few minutes. Worse, there's always a shadow or something wrong in the background in the photo.