Create a beautiful and balanced portrait, such as this, using the Nikon D40.
The Nikon D40 digital SLR camera is inexpensive and easy to use, making it an excellent entry level camera for a dedicated amateur or budding professional. Taking a portrait comes naturally using this camera, thanks to a dedicated Portrait mode and the intuitive features, such as autofocus and light metering. These features ensure the best use of lighting and soft, even tones for a natural, balanced looking portrait, without the need for detailed technical knowledge.
Instructions
1. Prepare your Nikon D40 for use. Check the batteries and make sure that they are fully charged--a drained battery can impair the camera's functioning and cause defects, such as grain or stripes on your portrait. Insert an SD memory card into the memory card slot located on the left-hand side of the camera, then turn the camera on using the On/Off dial located on the upper-right surface of the camera.
2. Set the Nikon D40 into portrait mode. Use the dial on the upper right-hand side of the camera body to select this mode--the Portrait icon resembles a woman in a hat. This mode provides soft, even tones and programs the auto focus to treat the closest object as the portrait's subject, softening the background details to help center attention on the subject.
3. Pose your portrait subject. Choose an area with even, steady lighting. Avoid areas with direct light, such as sunlight, or areas with heavy shadows. Position your subject as the closest object to the camera.
4. Compose your image. Press the shutter button halfway to lock the auto focus on to the subject and to set the shutter speed and aperture automatically. Portrait mode is fully automatic, so no input is needed from the photographer. The flash may pop up automatically at this point, if the light provided is insufficient.
5. Press the shutter button on the Nikon D40 to take your portrait. The image will appear on the LCD screen on the back of the camera for your review. Take multiple photos to ensure you capture the best portrait possible.
Tags: your portrait, areas with, auto focus, closest object, even tones
