Get the perfect exposure every time with this light metering crash course

Light metering is one of the crucial aspects of photography, determining the correct exposure for your images. While modern digital cameras have built-in light meters, understanding how different metering modes work can significantly improve your work. In his recent video, Mark Denney guides you through different metering modes we all have on our cameras, helping you choose the right one for your specific needs.

The basics of light metering

Light metering helps your camera assess the brightness of a scene to determine the appropriate shutter speed, aperture, or ISO settings for “proper” exposure. Mark puts “proper” under air quotes because, in camera’s “mind,” the goal is to achieve an 18% gray (middle gray) exposure. Our ideas of “proper” exposure are different in different scenarios, but for the sake of simplicity – we’ll keep with the camera’s choice here.

Types of metering modes

Most cameras have three types of metering: Spot metering, center-weighted, and matrix. Some also have highlight-weighted metering (I don’t have it in the Nikon D7000, but that camera’s pretty old). So, let’s briefly go through each of them:

Spot metering: This mode measures the light from a small area defined by your focus point. You can move the point around the scene, and the camera will calculate the exposure based on that part of the composition. It’s useful for subjects that are off-center or for controlling exposure in specific areas of the scene.

Center-weighted metering: As the name suggests, this mode prioritizes the center of the frame for measuring light. It’s ideal for subjects that are placed near or in the center of your frame, such as portraits or wildlife photography.

Matrix/Evaluative metering: This mode evaluates the entire scene and calculates an average exposure based on those readings. It’s a versatile option suitable for most general photography situations – and often the best option for landscape photography, which is Mark’s area of expertise.

Highlight-weighted metering: This mode focuses on protecting highlights, preventing them from being overexposed. Mark personally doesn’t use it, and I don’t have it so I’ve never tested it – but I see it useful in some situations (shooting under spotlights comes to mind). It can also be used in landscape photography to preserve details in bright skies.

So, which metering mode is right for you?

The metering mode you choose depends on many factors, not just the genre of photography you’re into. However, from Mark’s video, we can figure out some general rules of thumb to make your choice easier.

• Landscape photography: Matrix/Evaluative metering is generally the best choice for balanced exposures across the entire scene.
• Portrait photography: Center-weighted metering works well for subjects in the center, while spot metering can be used for off-center subjects or to control exposure of specific facial features.
• Macro photography: Spot metering is often the best choice to focus on the small subject and avoid distractions from the background.
• Low-light photography: Matrix/Evaluative metering can help balance the exposure in challenging lighting conditions.

What I liked about Mark’s video is that he demonstrates each metering mode as he talks about it. This way, you can see how each works and how the exposure changes with each metering mode. I suggest you grab your camera, play the video, and play with those metering modes to better understand them from hands-on experience.

[This Metering Mode is Ruining Your EXPOSURE! | Mark Denney]

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