How to Use a Light Meter

Light meters, whether used in night photography, film photography or even digital photography, can take the guesswork out of your exposures. Many automatic camera users feel that light meters are obsolete; however, automatic cameras only take an average light reading with varying results, where a light meter will read the specific light sources and subjects you are working with. And best of all, they are a snap to use.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set your film speed on the meter itself so that it knows what exposure to read. The ISO, or film speed, determines how fast the film reacts to light. Most light meters will have a small knob or a digital button to change your film speed setting.

2. Take a general light reading for virtually any type of shot by standing near your subject, or in the direction of your subject if shooting landscapes, and point your meter in the direction of your camera's lens.

3. Meter the light falling on your black or white subject to ensure that your photographs have strong whites and strong blacks by . Hold the meter a few inches away from the subject, point towards the subject. This light meter technique is often used to shoot brides in white dresses, snow scenes, black cars and other subjects that greatly contrast from the surrounding scenery.

4. Read the results on your light meter, a numeric value that corresponds to your camera's shutter speed. Adjust the shutter speed dial at the top of your camera, or on the LED screen of your digital camera accordingly for the perfect exposure.