JT Spunk | Photography

Tips on camera setting for portraits in a “home studio”?

I bought the D40 with the 18-55 lens and 55-200 lens. I have been trying my best to practice and get better at photography reading all kinds of articles online including tips on lighting. My question in on what exactly do I set my camera at? I tried to take the same picture with the different setting available. I’m trying to get beyond the AUTO feature. Is the A setting best? Also F-Stops… I’m trying out different settings on this too to see the difference but a lot of times the picture just does not come out like what my eyes see. If anyone can help it would be appreciated.
I also was told that an off camera flash is required like the SB-600… is this a must have?
I’m using the built in flash. I bought three clamp on lights. Two have 100w bulbs and the third a 40w bulb.

You need some basic advice on metering, exposure and exposure latitudes, which you’ll find here:

http://www.image-nut.com

You’ll also find portrait tips there – as you’ve discovered most of the articles you read are really pretty poor! I’d avoid the ‘settings’ approach – you need knowledge and skills, not formulas, if you are to cope with a variety of situations as the pros do.

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