In Camera Light Meter

Often times when photographers are learning about exposure in digital photography they neglect to consider how important the light meter is in determining the outcome of your photograph.  This is especially true in many of the auto or semi-auto exposure modes.

Today’s cameras are built with light meters inside.  These handy little computers are used to calculate the light in the scene and adjust settings accordingly.

While the light meters in digital cameras are constantly getting better and better it’s not always ideal to listen to your camera.  There are times when you’ll need to adjust to what the light meter is telling you, or rather your camera, to do in any given situation.

This is one way in which great photographers use technological advancements to further their craft and create beautiful photography.

In full auto exposure mode the camera’s light meter will adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.  It’s purpose is to give you an exact exposure based on the light in the scene before the camera.  In the semi-auto exposure modes like aperture priority the light meter will adjust the shutter speed (and possibly the ISO) because the photographer has locked in the aperture.  Sometimes it’s important to look at the image you’ve just captured and make adjustments.  Perhaps it’s an exposure compensation that’s needed or maybe you didn’t get the effect you were looking for.  Either way, it’s a matter of working hand in hand with the light meter.

Try this:

Allow the light meter to start you off.  Take an exposure reading and get a feel for what the camera is telling you.  Then make adjustments.  Perhaps you need to slow the shutter speed to show more movement.  Put your camera on shutter priority and set the shutter speed to a longer exposure.  The light meter will tell the camera to change the aperture to get the exposure desired by the camera.  Then adjust again.

Paying more attention to your light meter and how it makes your camera function is one way to get a better grasp on exposure in general.

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Related posts:

1. How To Measure Light With Your Camera
2. Finding the Right Creative Exposure
3. The Exposure Equation
4. When to Use Auto Exposure Mode
5. Understanding Exposure Meter Settings