How to Adjust Nikon D5300 Portrait Settings for Portrait Photography
The Nikon 5300 is a camera with 24 Megapixels. It has improved white balance and a wide sensitivity range that lets you shoot stunning photos.
Well, if we compare it with its nearest rival, Canon EOS Rebel T5i, the camera delivers higher resolution sensors with more AF points.
Moreover, the camera delivers the ability to shoot 100/60p video as compared to rebel T5i which only offers 100/30p.
Still, you have to work and research a bit to gain expertise in portrait photography with Nikon D5300 as the camera comes on board with some great features and specifications.
Well, you need not worry as here we are with some handy tips and guidelines to help you in the whole case.
Portrait photography with Nikon D5300
Follow some simple steps to take a good portrait shot with Nikon D5300.
Step 1. Using the flash correctly
Shooting under available ambient light rather than by flash produces softer illumination and bypasses the red-eye impact on the given shot.
To ensure proper lighting, turn on room lights or pose your subject next to a sunny window. Sometimes during the day, flashlights help to illuminate the subject’s face properly.
A flash is especially important when you are taking a portrait using Nikon D5300.
So, once you enter the Auto exposure mode of Nikon D5300, click on the Flash button on the side of the camera to activate the built-in flash.
For a balanced tone in portraits, set the Flash mode to ‘Fill Flash’ and you are all set to get along with the required shot.
Step 2. Adjust the composition
The first thing you can do to adjust the composition is to consider dealing with the background. Examine the entire frame and watch out for background objects that can distract the eye from the subject.
You can replace the position of the subject with an aesthetically pleasing backdrop. You can try positioning your subject at a different angle in your frame for a different view. The default aspect ratio of Nikon D5300 is 3:2.
Step 3. Aperture setting
Nikon D5300 Portrait Settings – Aperture
The aperture of your lens is an indication of the depth-of-field. It, along with composition, is a major factor to direct attention towards the important features of your image.
It determines whether your image will come out sharp or not. To make a subject stand out from the background while shooting a portrait, you can use a large aperture to keep the focus on your subject.
It will ensure that the foreground is in sharp contrast to the blurry background.
Step 3. Accurate Shutter Priority
If you are using flash to click a portrait, note that the maximum shutter speed is 1/200 second. In broad daylight, you will have to raise the shutter speed to avoid overexposing the photo.
The higher the shutter speed, the lesser are your chances to shoot a photo with a motion blur.
If changing the shutter speed makes your photos appear overexposed, you can move the subject into a shaded area instead.
Step 4. Using the zoom lens
Nikon D5300 Portrait Settings – Zoom in Lens
Zoom lenses and prime lenses are particularly significant in portrait photography. Zooming into a longer focal length reduces the depth of field giving a closer look to your subject.
The greater the gap between the subject and background, the greater the depth-of-field. A wide-angle lens with a short focal length can cause features to appear distorted.
A lens with a focal length of 85–120mm is considered excellent for a portrait.
Taking a perfect portrait shoot with your Nikon D5300 is quite easy if you go by the above-mentioned steps and tips.
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