Learning Curve: How to Use a Light Meter for Beginners

Are you still relying solely on waveforms and histograms to expose your photos? Don’t overlook the power of a light meter! Once the go-to method for exposing in photography, light meters fell out of favor with the rise of digital cameras. But they’re still a valuable tool for getting a correctly exposed image.

So, what exactly is a light meter? It’s a small handheld device with a semi-circular disk on top. When you press a button on the side, the display shows the amount of light striking the disk and translates that value into an f-stop, so you can correctly expose your camera.

The beauty of a light meter lies in its simplicity. You just need to set it to the same shutter speed and ISO as your camera, and you’re good to go. Filmmakers often use it to double-check the exposure of a scene, in case more complex methods have gone astray.

But the real power of a light meter lies in its independence from the camera. You can use it to check the levels of a light or a location without having to build the camera first, which can save you a lot of time. It’s also helpful for creating desired lighting ratios and maintaining a consistent look from scene to scene.

Don’t underestimate the value of a light meter in your photography arsenal. It’s an inexpensive method to check your reasoning and ensure that your shots look as good in the grade as they do on shooting day. And if you’re interested in more video production tips and tricks, be sure to check out our recommended tracks and articles.