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Settings for Nikon D3400 Portrait
Want to shoot perfect Nikon D3400 portraits? In this article, we will take you through to some cool and practical tips that will take your Nikon D3400 portrait photography to next level.
Besides learning about the best portrait photography techniques, you will also get familiar with some stunning features and controls offered by this gem of a camera. Now, let’s take a brief look at some notable specifications of the Nikon D3400.
The Nikon D3400 camera comes as an entry-level DSLR that sports a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a list of other exquisite features like long battery life and a user-friendly interface
Recommended settings and tips for best Nikon D3400 portraits
Step 1. Using the ideal camera settings
No matter if it’s a DSLR, mirrorless, or a high-end camera, you cannot think of clicking some stunning portrait shots without knowing well about the basic camera settings.
All these settings and controls like image exposure, aperture value, and shutter speed will play a key role in the attainment of the desired portrait shot. If you are a beginner, using the aperture priority mode is highly recommended as it would help you to blur the background, while obtaining a sharper foreground.
Besides the aperture, you have to pay special attention to the lighting conditions in the surroundings. It is advisable to shoot the Nikon D3400 portrait shot in daylight, especially if you aren’t facilitated with high-end studio lighting equipment.
While you do that, ensure avoiding direct exposure of the subject to sunlight as that would create unwanted shadows and shades in the image. For best results, you can also use reflectors to direct the required amount of light on the subject’s face and body.
Step 2. Getting the right White Balance
White balance (WB) is surely one of the most critical aspects of Nikon D3400 portrait photography. Using it, you can ensure the removal of all the non-required color casts and make the white object appear as ‘white’ in your clicked photo.
However, the camera’s white balance mode may get tricked by random factors like a light reflection from nearby walls or unwanted color casts coming from lush green gardens.
Well, you can’t even use the Auto white balance mode as that may not be able to derive the desired results from your portrait shot.
To avoid any such issues, you can use a list of add-on accessories like white balance cards, filters, and disks. The usage of these types of equipment and accessories is highly subjected to the availability of light within the surroundings.
Subsequently, in case the white balance isn’t inappropriate to the requirements, using high-quality reflectors can often prove helpful. Also, the location and position of the subject must be properly evaluated according to the white balance and lighting requirements of the portrait shot.
Step 3. Try to opt for a Black and white look
If you are a beginner, using this tip comes highly useful. Likely, you may not get familiar with the white balance and other complicated settings of the camera in one go.
So, just in case you want a perfect Nikon D3400 portrait shot without many troubles, try shooting in Black and white mode. This way, you need not worry about any lighting or coloring issues during the capturing of the portrait shot.
In other cases, if you have already captured a colored image with ‘ not so amazing’ results, you can try converting it into the B& W mode.
It will help you to take care of any color distraction and likewise facilitate the highlight precisely to the subject while ensuring a classic appearance.
Step 4. Picking the right lens
None of the tips and recommendations mentioned above will work effectively if you aren’t using the best lens for portrait photography. Portrait photography is an art in itself and you cannot achieve the desired result without bringing its most vital aspect of the picture.
You may find a random lens in the marketing promising to deliver the desired results. The list includes a medium telephoto lens (like 85mm or 105mm) that facilitates the user to get the required balance between the subject and the background.
Similarly, a wide-angle lens would serve well in capturing a portrait shot while putting the right focus on the subject and the background.
A (70-200mm) f/2.8 telephoto lens can also be used for perfect portraiture. Using it, you can easily zoom in and put the required focus on the subject without any hassles. It further minimizes the number of distractions on display within the background and foreground.
Speaking of the best lenses for Nikon D3400 Portraits, you can try out the most suitable one from the below list.
- Nikon 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6 VR
- Nikon 18-300mm f.3.5-6.3 VR
- Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II
- Nikon 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5
- Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 DX II
The bottom line for best settings for Nikon D3400 Portraits
Once you go through the steps and guidelines mentioned above, you can easily capture the desired Nikon D3400 portrait shot. Please let us know in the comments section if you want us to post some more handy photography tips and suggestions.
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