DSLR
APS-C
Nikon D3500 — Settings for Portrait Photography
Here are the recommended camera settings for portrait photography with the Nikon D3500. These general values work as a great starting point — for settings tailored to your specific gear, try the wizard.
Recommended Settings
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| ISO | 100–400 |
| Aperture | f/1.8 – f/2.8 |
| Shutter Speed | 1/125s – 1/250s |
| White Balance | Auto / Daylight |
| Focus Mode | Single AF, Eye Detection |
Tips for Your Camera
- Your Nikon D3500 has a 1.5x crop sensor. For stronger background blur, use your longest focal length and move closer to your subject.
These values are general recommendations. The wizard gives you values optimized for your Nikon D3500 and lens — plus step-by-step menu paths.
Camera-Specific Tips
- The Nikon D3500 has a Guide Mode on the mode dial that can help you understand different settings while you're shooting in Manual mode. Use it to get familiar with how changing settings affects your photos.
- Use the 'i' button on the back of the Nikon D3500 to quickly access and adjust key settings like metering mode and autofocus settings without diving into the main menu.
- The D3500 has a dedicated exposure compensation button (+/-) near the shutter button. Use it to quickly adjust the exposure if your image is too bright or too dark while in Manual mode.
Get Camera-Specific Guidance
These are general recommendations for this scene. The wizard can show you exactly where to find each setting in your camera’s menu system, plus values optimized for your specific gear.
Start the Wizard
Get settings tailored to your Nikon D3500 for portrait photography — including menu paths and lens tips.