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Settings for Nikon D3400 Portrait
Want to shoot perfect Nikon D3400 portraits? This article will provide some cool and practical tips that will take your portrait photography to the next level.
Besides learning about the best portrait photography techniques, you will also get familiar with some stunning features and controls this camera gem offers. Now, let’s briefly examine some notable specifications of the Nikon D3400.
The Nikon D3400 is an entry-level DSLR with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and exquisite features such as long battery life and a user-friendly interface.
Recommended settings and tips for the best Nikon D3400 portraits
Step 1. Using the ideal camera settings
Whether you use a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or high-end camera, you cannot take stunning portrait shots without knowing the basic camera settings.
All these settings and controls, such as image exposure, aperture value, and shutter speed, will play a key role in achieving the desired portrait shot. If you are a beginner, using the aperture priority mode is highly recommended, as it helps blur the background while obtaining a sharper foreground.
In addition to the aperture, you must pay special attention to the lighting conditions in the surroundings. Shooting the Nikon D3400 portrait in daylight is advisable, especially if you don’t have access to high-end studio lighting equipment.
While you do that, avoid directly exposing the subject to sunlight, as this would create unwanted shadows and shades in the image. You can also use reflectors to direct the required light on the subject’s face and body for best results.
Step 2. Getting the correct White Balance
White balance (WB) is undoubtedly 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 from lush green gardens.
Well, you can’t even use the Auto white balance mode as it may not be able to derive the desired results from your portrait shot.
To avoid such issues, you can use a list of add-on accessories like white balance cards, filters, and disks. These types of equipment and accessories are highly subjected to the availability of light within the surroundings.
Subsequently, if the white balance isn’t inappropriate for the requirements, using high-quality reflectors can often prove helpful. Also, the location and position of the subject must be adequately evaluated according to the white balance and lighting requirements of the portrait shot.
Step 3. Try to opt for a Black and white look
This tip is handy for beginners. You may not become familiar with the white balance and complicated camera settings in one go.
So, if 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 while capturing the portrait shot.
In other cases, if you have already captured a colored image with ‘ not so amazing’ results, you can try converting it to B&W mode.
It will help you take care of any color distraction and 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 the 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 (85mm or 105mm) that allows 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 proper 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 distractions on display within the background and foreground.
The best lenses for Nikon D3400 Portraits are listed below. You can try the most suitable one.
- 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 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 more handy photography tips and suggestions.
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