How to measure light in photography

The metering system of digital camera generally measures the brightness of the reflected light of the subject, which is also called reflection metering. According to the location of metering elements, metering methods can generally be divided into external metering and internal metering, and metering is a process of measuring appropriate exposure. Only by measuring the correct exposure can we get satisfactory photos. The following are three commonly used measurement modes:

1, average metering: calculate the average metering value of the whole scenic spot, which is the default basic metering mode of general cameras and the most common usage rate. In the case of relatively uniform light and little contrast between light and shade within the framing range, a satisfactory photo can almost be taken.

2. Center average photometry: calculate photometry value for the framing range of 10-30%. When the subject to be represented is in the middle of the framing range, and there is a big difference between the ambient light and the subject, the center average metering is selected, and only most areas in the center are measured, so that the exposure of the subject can be more accurate.

3. Spot metering: also called focus metering, measures the area of 1%-5% within the framing range. Spot metering mode is rarely used and difficult to master, but it can play an important role in some cases. Knowing when to use spot metering and using spot metering correctly can make the exposure of the subject accurate on the one hand and make use of "sensitivity tolerance" on the other hand.