Light Meters

Photographers use a device called a light meter to measure light intensity before taking photos. Light meters (or photographic light meters) help a photographer by telling him, or her, the best shutter speed and film speed to use for optimal exposure.

Light meters come in various hand held sizes and shapes, including a digital light meter. Some include settings related to other types of photography meters, such as flash and spot. Some light meters are battery operated. A selenium light meter uses selenium sensors to draw power from the light meter.

How does a light meter work? Basically, there are two different types of light readings on meters, reflective and incident. A reflective reading measures the light coming off an object, or subject. The incident reading measures the light that falls on a subject. Since recording reflective light can sometimes be a hit or miss experience, incident light measurements produce better accuracy ratings.

It is easy to learn how to use a light meter. Most come with basic instructions. When using incident measurements aim the light meter at the light that falls on the subject, not at the shadowed areas. Photographers use this method to record different lighting shades on the subject as they decide the best angle to photograph. One exception to this method comes from taking sunset photos. Aiming at the brightest part will produce an underexposed photograph in which barely any color shows up. Aiming at the darkest portion produces an overexposed photograph where everything is too light. Chose a middle light exposure to get a great sunset photo with the proper color balance and sharpness. Clouds, sun halos, starry skies and snow all need a light meter to read the center brightness for accurate measurements.

A Konica Minolta light meter IV sells for over five hundred dollars. This meter is lightweight and compact. A wide front screen shows both ambient and flash meter readings. It comes with memory and monitoring functions useful to a photographer.

Not ready for an expensive light meter? Find an older model Minolta light meter or Vivtar light meter through online auction sites like eBay or Overstock.

Some photography classes teach students how to build a light meter by using a few items and tools found in the workshop, or garage. Also, search online for "build your own light meter" to find free tutorials with photographs on how to do it yourself.