Why should photographers still use a light meter?

Whenever one hears about light meters, the term comes as something new for most photographers. There are only a few people who know about it. Yet, it is an integral part of photography.

A light meter helps in measuring the amount of light exposure an object is receiving. Now, one might think that using light meters is not a must. After all, we have similar features built-in in our cameras nowadays.

So, let us go through some factors and understand why light meters are still required?

• Dynamic range

The camera that one uses to click a photograph has a range of light tones that it can capture. It is known as dynamic range. We measure this range in units called f-stops. Light meters help in taking a precise measure of dynamic range. Thus, the equipment proves handy in clicking photographs with the desired light ratios.

• Off-camera flash photography

Another domain where light meters prove their usefulness is off-camera flash photography. Photographers often employ portable flash units or studio-style lights to control the amount and direction of light in a shot. In such cases, light meters help the photographers decide the amount of light each place/factor in the shot needs. Hence, they pave the way for a perfect shot.

• Time

Time is an essential factor in photography. With the help of a light meter, photographers can assess the amount of light they require for the desired shot. Now, one might try to understand light exposure by other means, but that could be time-consuming. Thus, light meters help save time (for everyone, be it the cameraperson, personnel concerned with light-setups, the clients, etc.) to set up and execute things quickly.

• Measuring the incident and the reflected light

Light meters also help measure the reflected and incident light in a setting. Knowing the proper amount of light incident and reflected off an object, person, etc., is paramount to capturing the perfect photograph. In this way, light meters again prove relevant tools of photography.

So, it is up to you to decide if you prefer using light meters. But you would have to give it a try to see the difference!