Tips on camera setting for portraits in a "home studio"?

Question: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.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: 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.

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.

Are you using the built in flash? A hot shoe mounted flash? Ambient light only? Studio lights? Strobes or continuous lights? Softboxes or umbrellas?

There are so many variables that enter into an answer for you, depending on how you are lighting.

I just really do not know where to start not knowing anymore than I do about your "home studio".

steve
some of my "home studio" photos:
http://www.pbase.com/s_parrott/portraitu...