It's been a long time since I shot lighting. Last time was donkey years ago when I was still using film.
This is what I did.
1) set up tripot and switch off the room lights ( at least dimm it down to avoid flare )
2) set cam to "A" ( apt ) mode.
3) through trial and error, at asa 200, f.3.5 usually do the trick.
Note: At "A" mode, shutter speed is depanden on amount of light before closing the shutter so no lighting, not enough light to expose, so shutter remain open.
4) wait for lighting.
5) when lighting strike, check if shutter is closed, if not f. may be too small. Open up f.
6) since now using digital, check LCD.
7) for stronger/brighter lighting using lager f.
8) once you've got a "correctly exposed" shot, you will know what f. is the best to use. You can than set to "M" and do multiple lighting by controlling the shutter speed yourself.
This is using film on a Nikon 801s, should be the same with digital.
Oh, BTW don't forget a comfy chair and a nice cold beer. Lighting scenes are very beautiful.
Enjoy yourself