Lighting & Meters

One important part to photography comes from using the right equipment to get the desired photo. The right camera lighting and meters help illuminate and balance images.

When researching camera equipment, lighting choices can make the difference between washed out, deep hued and undesirable photos. While filters aid in UV and haze reduction, an inside photo shoot that starts with the right camera lighting equipment holds less filter mistakes and fix ups in the long run.

Some cameras are sold with a built in flash. Others need detachable flashes sold separately. Some cameras permit the user to control how hard, soft, or fast the light will flash. Flashes help to momentarily brighten a shot, but are only one of many types of camera lighting available.

Another type of camera lighting comes from floodlights. A floodlight sends an intense and broad beam throughout the area essentially flooding the space with light. Some companies offer motion detection floodlights that turn on when something moves into its path.

Studio lighting is commonly used among model photographers. Other lighting equipment includes moonlights, spotlights, and light fixtures. A professional portrait photographer utilizes one to four spotlights with corresponding light umbrellas to produce a crisp and attractive photo. This method helps to minimize lighting flaws and keeps the attention focused on the subject.

Choose when of two types when looking for a digital camera light meter. A reflective meter measures the light that reflects off an object. All current cameras after the 1970s include this type of meter. An incident light meter measures the light that lands onto the object. A small white dome shows where to move the camera to get a better shot.

Digital camera light meters are included with point and shoot cameras. Fancier and more expensive designs allow the user to choose settings for specific types of day and lighting.

Camera lighting kits cost over a hundred dollars or more depending on the brand name and included accessories. Photographers choose from portable lighting kits like the studio kit by Sakar International, or Cubelite kits from Lastolite.

Some do-it-yourself photographers make a homemade camera lighting kit to photograph small items like jewelry. This includes two to three table top lights positioned over a box tent created from white fabric and wire. White fabric is used to mute and balance the light, while eliminating surrounding shadows.

Find more information by searching online for photographer lighting and meters.