How to adjust Nikon D90 portrait settings in 5 steps

How to adjust Nikon D90 portrait settings?

It might seem easy, but it can be quite difficult to shoot a still portrait. It is more than just pointing to your camera and clicking. But it can be quite an easy task if you know how to do it properly.

In a perfect still portrait, the focus on your subject will be sharp, and the background will have a soft focus.

This helps to eliminate unwanted background objects and puts the focus on the subject. It is also crucial to use a close-up lens when shooting for a portrait.

Here is how to shoot still portraits with a Nikon D90 camera:

How to Shoot Still Portraits With Nikon D90?

Step 1. Setting The Mode Dial

Nikon D90 portrait settings mode dial

The first step is to set the mode dial right on your camera. You have to set the mode dial on your Nikon D90 camera to A. This option stands for aperture priority auto exposure.

The next thing you need to do is to select the lowest value for the f stop. This step is taken to soften the background.

You have to keep in mind the distance between the subject and the background. The more the distance, the more you get the blurring effect.

If you are not so comfortable with this advanced level of autoexposure, you can also use the portrait mode.

Step 2. Zoom In

You can increase the softness in the background using your Nikon D90 camera. You have to zoom into the picture to increase that effect.

When you zoom in on your subject on an increased focal length, the depth of the field gets reduced.

You should never use a lens that has a short focal length, especially when you are shooting portraits. It can make the features of your subject look disproportionate.

Step 3. Keeping the Flash Off During Indoor Portraits

Nikon D90 portrait settings flash off

It is not a feasible idea to shoot portraits with the flash staying on at all times. You have to select the appropriate flash based on environmental situations.

In the case of indoor portraits, you have to keep the flash off to get a softer illumination and to avoid red-eye. To do so, you have to keep the built-in flash unit closed during the exposure A mode.

This will make your flash disabled. In case you are using portrait mode, you have to hold down the flash button while rotating the main command dial to select the offsetting for the flash on your Nikon D90 camera.

Step 4. Putting the Flash On During Outdoor Portraits

Nikon D90 portrait settings flash on

In case you are taking outdoor portraits, you need to turn on the light. It will add light to your face.

When you are using exposure mode A, you have to locate the flash button on the side of the camera. Click on it to turn on the flash.

When you are using portrait mode, you have to use the fill flash setting. In case you want to shoot portraits during the night, you have to try the slow sync mode or the red-eye reduction correction filter as you will need flash.

Step 5. Focusing and Exposure Metering

Nikon D90 portrait settings exposure metering

You need to locate the shutter button on your Nikon D90 camera for autofocusing and exposure metering. You have to press the shutter button halfway to do so.

Make sure that the active autofocusing point falls on your subject. In case you face difficulty, you can set your lens to manual mode for focus. You have to twist your lens to focus on your subject.

Step 6. Shooting The Portrait

Nikon D90 portrait settings – shooting

When you are satisfied with the settings and feel that you are ready, you need to press the shutter button on your Nikon D90 camera all the way. This is the final step that will capture the picture.

It is a delight to use the Nikon D90 camera for clicking portraits. Not only is it easy but you will also get good results out of this camera!