Metering Matters

It’s easy to say that you can just look at the back of you screen for metering light, and it definitely gives you a general idea.

However, it’s more like reading the synopsis rather than watching the movie. It’s showing you what’s going on, not telling you.

Whilst your images may be two dimensional the light that you use and how it effects your image is 3D, and you have to think about how that effects your end result.

Your cameras meeting might also be really accurate, especially if you’re using the current generation of mirrorless cameras, or a high end Canon or Nikon body. It’s still only showing you whether the shot is exposed correctly or not, it’s not going to show you where the light is coming from or whether your light source is adding more contrast or intensity or not.

When it comes to natural light, there are many tools we can use to shape the light to look more the way we want it, even if it’s a really bright day, or if the light is flat. A meter will allow you to test the direction, figure out where in your environment would be most suitable, and ultimately use other tools like scrims and reflectors, drop sheets and v flats to adjust and shape it to give you the shot you’re after. Whilst a seasoned pro, will probably be able to do this easily, there is a learning curve one that a meter can help.

There are a variety of light meters available, I went all out on mine, mainly because I really do enjoy using my meter a lot to figure out how to get the most out of a shot:

I don’t believe you need to spend $1000 on a meter like this one, a basic Sekonic meter will do a great job, or this one that you can use with your iPhone is a great option as well