This tells the D3200 to automatically choose the ISO based on the lighting, but restricts it from choosing an ISO above 100 and a shutter speed below 1/125.īy setting the maximum sensitivity to 3200, I’m ensuring I don’t end up with excessive noise. Next, I set the ISO to Auto, the Maximum Sensitivity to 3200 and the Minimum Shutter Speed to 1/125. Had I raised it to say f/5.6, the chair behind him would’ve probably been in focus. By raising the aperture a bit, you’re effectively lengthening the area in focus. With it set to f/1.8, its possible his nose and lips would’ve been outside the area in focus. In case you’re wondering, the reason I set the aperture to f/2.8 instead of f/1.8 is because I wanted to make sure I got his entire face (eyes, nose, lips) in focus. If you can, try to position the subject so that the background isn’t directly behind them. Adjust your lens between 35mm-55mm and get as close as you can to the person you’re photographing. If you do, you’ll end up with distorted facial features and a larger depth of field (less chance of blurring the background behind your subject). TIP: I don’t recommend shooting portraits between 18-24mm on your kit lens. Had I been using the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens, I would’ve zoomed to 35mm and set the Aperture to f/5 which is the lowest available f-number at that particular focal length.
This will produce smoother backgrounds and foregrounds, making your subject pop off the image. In addition, it will help keep noise levels down while also increasing the shutter speed, ensuring you end up with a sharper image. When shooting in low light, it’s best to use a lens with a low aperture f-number.
#Photography nikon d3200 how to
Watch the video below to learn how to enable Aperture priority and change the f-number on the Nikon D3200. So I started off by switching the Shooting Mode to Aperture Priority (A on the mode dial) and set the Aperture f-number to f/2.8. Knowing that I had a few more seconds, I decided to set everything up manually so I could get the results I was after. Remember, it’s always better to get the shot rather than to miss the shot completely. So I threw on my Nikon 35mm f/1.8G lens, quickly rotated the mode dial over to the Portrait Scene Mode and snapped a photo. Much like I always do, I make sure and grab the shot first because you never know how long that moment will last. If you’re a Mom or Dad, you know what I’m talking about. While he sat in the chair, I realized this would be a perfect opportunity to grab a portrait. To save face, I bit my lip trying not to smile. Once he realized he was on time out, the puppy dog eyes and pouty lips where engaged. Much like a champions parade, he was carried to the “time out chair” to spend a few minutes reveling in his glorious win…or at least, that’s what he thought was happening. On this particular day, my son decided to have a little food fight with a neighboring wall. Low Light Portrait Tips for the Nikon D3200Īs a parent, there’s nothing greater than capturing priceless moments.