Photography Video Notes: Mastering Metering Modes

Introduction

• Host: Pierre T. Lambert, Travel Photographer
• Topic: Understanding camera metering modes to improve exposure in photography
• Objective: Learn to use metering modes for proper exposure, especially in manual mode
• Special Tip: A "barometer" setting to turn off for better results

Key Concepts

Metering in Photography

• Purpose: Measure light to determine correct exposure
• Built-in Light Meter: Modern cameras have light meters, eliminating the need for manual devices
• 18% Gray: Standard cameras aim to expose images to a medium gray (18% gray)
  • Important to know in high contrast scenes like snow

Camera Settings

• Live View Display Settings: Turn on for real-time effects of setting changes (Sony, Panasonic, Canon)
  • Helps avoid frustration by viewing immediate exposure changes

Metering Modes

• Multi/Evaluative Metering
  • Measures light across the entire scene
  • Common for everyday photography (street photography)
• Center Metering
  • Focuses on the center of the frame
  • Useful for portraits and center compositions
• Spot Metering
  • Measures light at a specific spot
  • Tricky to use, can lead to inconsistent exposures
  • Better replaced by center metering in many cases
• Entire Screen Average
  • Averages light across the screen
  • Not widely used
• Highlight Metering
  • Exposes for highlights
  • Useful for silhouettes and shadow contrasts

Practical Tips

• Preferred Mode: Use multi/evaluative metering most often
• Exposure Compensation: Adjust for desired brightness
  • Important in semi-automatic and manual modes
• Manual Mode Technique
  • Use the light meter to adjust ISO, shutter speed, and aperture for balanced exposure

Advanced Setting: Face Priority Metering

• Issue: Camera prioritizes face exposure over scene
  • Can cause unexpected exposure changes
• Solution: Disable face priority metering for consistent results

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Experiment with different modes and settings
• Resources: Download free photography settings cheat sheet
• Community Engagement: Comment and suggest future topics
• Next Steps: Watch related videos on focus and camera settings

Final Encouragement

• Get out and shoot! Experiment with the new knowledge and see the improvements in your photography.