How to use the exposure meter?

There are five ways to use the exposure meter:

1, flight position photometry

Camera photometry is to measure the light of the subject when the brightness distribution of the scene is relatively uniform, and the obtained brightness value is the average light value of the reflected light of the scene. According to this brightness value, the exposure can be determined, which can better represent the tone of the whole picture. This method is often used to shoot distant or panoramic scenery films.

When using position photometry, we should pay attention to the distribution of scene brightness, so that there is an appropriate proportion of scene brightness within the measurement range. The exposure window of the exposure meter should face the main object and avoid (or at least include) the bright sky or the water surface with strong reflection, otherwise the exposure meter will have a high index and a low actual exposure, which will easily lead to underexposure of the film.

When shooting a backlight scene, it is necessary to prevent direct sunlight from hitting the exposure table, otherwise it will also lead to underexposure due to inaccurate metering. Even if there is no direct exposure meter for sunlight, the exposure should be increased from half to one level according to the contrast of the backlight scene and the size of the dark area.

2. Proximity measurement method

When shooting a close shot (such as a bust) or a part of the scene as the shooting object, move the exposure meter closer to the shooting object for measurement, so that the shooting object can get the correct exposure. During the latest measurement, the exposure meter should be located in the observation direction of the camera, but the shadow of the exposure meter itself should not be projected on the measured part, and the distance between the exposure meter and the object should be 20cm.

Proximity measurement is mostly used when the brightness difference between the subject and the background is large, such as people in the snow. If the contrast between the light and dark of the subject is large, we can measure several representative light and dark places by proximity measurement, and take their average values to determine the exposure combination, so as to properly take care of the tone of the light and dark sides.

When the subject is not suitable for approaching, you can use a point meter to measure the subject to obtain the same effect as the approach method. When there is no on-site measuring instrument, simulation can be used instead of measurement.

3. Standard plate photometry

For color photography, standard photometry has its special significance. It can not only measure the light value, but also shoot to verify the color balance of the exposed film. When measuring light, place the standard board about 60 cm away from the exposure meter, so that it is just included in the angle of the exposure meter.

4, brightness range photometry

Also known as multipoint metering. This photometry measures the brightest part, the midtone part and the darkest part of the subject respectively. Of course, several different parts can also be measured, and then the average value is taken as the exposure index. Although this method is a bit troublesome, the data obtained is more accurate.

5, the incident light metering point

This is to measure the illuminance (intensity of light source) received by the object and calculate the exposure combination accordingly. When metering, put the exposure meter near the object and aim the metering window at the light source (sun or lighting lamp). The exposure meters used in this method include special illumination exposure meters and general illumination and brightness exposure meters. When using ordinary exposure meter to measure illuminance, a milky light collecting cover must be added in front of the metering window.

Extended data:

Photometric skills:

1, partial measurement

Partial metering, also known as central metering, only measures a region in the center of the picture, and the metering range is between 3%- 12%. The specific data is different for each camera. This partial metering mode is designed for some scenes with complicated lighting, such as shooting stage performances or backlight photography.

At this time, more accurate exposure is needed, and partial photometry can be used to get accurate exposure photos of the subject. It can be used in some special harsh shooting environments, which can ensure that the camera processor can calculate the exposure required for the main performance object part in the center of the picture.

2. Try not to face the sky, not to face the darkest place, and grasp the middle value.

According to the subject matter of shooting, make good use of metering modes (evaluation metering, spot metering and central key metering). If you are not sure about metering, try to expose the gray things around you and lock them before shooting.

3. Monotone photometry

It is very important to show the shadows in the picture. We can measure the light according to the dark tone area, and then reduce the exposure combination obtained by measurement by 1~3, so as to display the dark tone area as dark tone.