Some Tips for Camera Setting

To ensure good data and capture with high efficiency, the first step is to select the setting correctly with the following: file format, color space, ISO setting, white balance, exposure, color temperature, auto focus point, metering mode, and lens.

1. File format:

If you feel confident in your setting of white balance and color temperature, you can use JPEG format. With this format, it provides sufficient quality to edit in the PS. Moreover, the portrait photographer often taken in large numbers, if shooting RAW it is unable to contain too much on the memory card and it will take time to upload basket, adjust white balance, and color temperature, converted to JPEG, which reduces the performance of the photographer.

2. ISO setting:

Select the highest ISO that your camera allows without noise. Normally, low ISO has better results, but later cameras like the Canon EOS 20D can shoot at ISO of 400 and still aren’t noise. Take the advantage of this progress, you can get a high shutter speed and fixed (1/125s) to make the camera select a large aperture. (this is necessary when shooting portrait)

3.White Balance:

This factor determines the cardboard color (cold, hot, neutral). Most cameras have auto mode, but we should consider in each case. (See manual instruction for more detail)

4. Exposure:

The auto setting does not always provide perfect exposure, always check the histogram to see the result. If we see a long black stripe along the right side of the chart, which means that the area was "blown-out" (loss of detail); similarly, if there is a dark stripe along the left side means loss of detail in dark areas.

Over Exposure: loss of detail in bright areas

Under Exposure: loss of detail in dark areas

To overcome this, we use exposure compensation. Increase or decrease to balance the light (see your camera's manual to see how to adjust).

5. Color temperature:

Sunny (sunny daylight outdoors): 5200 K

In the shade (shaded areas outdoors): 7000 K

Mostly cloudy, meters protein, or sunset: 6000K

6. Auto Focus Point: In the portrait, one focus point is enough (Canon 10D has 7 focus points). When shooting, always get the focus point in the eyes.

7. Metering Mode: Select Partial Metering or Center Weighted Metering Mode, especially when shooting close up or when the background is too bright. Select evaluative metering when has a nice background.