Metering Modes: Ask David Bergman

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Today's question, “When you shot with flash in LA at night, what metering mode did you use to get the ambient exposure? No one ever mentions that.”
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Video: Marisa in LA
• Natural Flash at Night...
Video: Light Meter
watch/?v=382...
Products Used:
Canon EOS R Mirrorless Full Frame Digital Camera Body www.adorama.com/car.html?kbid...
Canon BG-E22 Battery Grip for EOS R Mirrorless Digital Camera www.adorama.com/icabge22.html...
Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 L USM Zoom Lens www.adorama.com/car28702.html...
Atomos Ninja 2 Field Recorder
www.atomos.com/ninja
Production Equipment Used:
Canon EOS-1DX Mark II Digital SLR Camera www.adorama.com/ica1dxm2.html?...
Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens www.adorama.com/ca2470.html?k...
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Body www.adorama.com/ica5dm4.html?...
Canon EF 24mm-105mm f4 L IS II USM Lens www.adorama.com/ca241052.html...
Rode Microphones RODELink Digital Wireless System www.adorama.com/rdrodelfmk.ht...
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#meteringModes #askdavidbergman #musicphotographer

[@chepo1956]

Wonderful explanation of the metering modes in layman's terms. I really enjoyed this short tutorial.

[@robertfutrell3973]

Great question and an even greater detailed explanations. Thank you, David!

[@RighteousNacho]

For a new photographer, this video was invaluable. Seriously, it helped SO much!!

[@kenandchristysnarkyshots]

Thanks for giving a very detailed description of the metering modes and how to navigate based on setting/composure.. also thanks for sharing what you do as a norm surrounding metering modes....great help to this beginner

[@paulbernardi2597]

Great video Dave. This is the first time I've seen metering modes demonstrated in real time. Thanks for the demo! Keep them coming.

[@victorialanza3527]

agreed!

[@donho6523]

Once again an excellent explanation! Thanks Dave! I already know this but just enjoy your videos and I wish I saw this 15 years ago before all my trials and errors, haha.

[@reinhardgrossmann8054]

One of the best explanations of the metering modes, thank you👏👏

[@santo7798]

Absolutely beautiful and practical explanation of metering modes. Thank you 😊

[@ihknilsen]

Thank you for all the good pointers!

[@sanysmail]

You are very truthful and straight to the point!

[@faustmaglinao1331]

Very well explained. I now understand what metering modes are. Thank you, David! :)

[@Sr_iRL]

I’ve seen videos explaining the metering modes and after watching this video I finally understand what it does and how to use it.

[@pj2614]

Hey Dave. What a wonderful idea. I never thought of metering in semiautomatic mode then switching to manual mode. Thanks Dave. You the Man😊

[@rvarelagonzaga]

Congratulations! it´s firts time in my life I hear a perfect explanation about metering. Thank you so much!

[@Steve-hb6rz]

Exactly what I was thinking

[@johng5819]

VERY helpful explanation of Canon's metering modes. Thanks!

[@dimiutube]

Thanks for the good explanation!! Will take your advice into account at the next shooting!

[@zavoina]

Loving the videos.

[@robertj4482]

Thanks for posting. I now have a better understanding of what metering does.

[@hippodackl1521]

Great video, well presented and very informative!

[@caseyrice768]

I've watched a ton of videos, and done a lot of reading, and not once has anyone suggested the 'lock it into manual once you've got the exposure' tip towards the end. This would have saved me a lot of headaches! Great video!

[@Mboy556]

amazing explanation! Thank you for showing us how it works in practical use!!

[@BenoitLamarche]

Very good and informative tutorial. You also made a good pitch to shoot in manual. Thanks!

[@videoluvr2]

Thank you very much for sharing this info. I appreciate it. Very good explanations.

[@kbrosphotography6408]

Thnk u sir for such knowledgeable video

[@Roddriley]

Just discovered ur channel.Instructive contents which I've been looking 4 a while!

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Welcome!

[@borisgarcia704]

That kind of explanation is what tell us why some photographers are pro and others like me only amateurs, thanks for sharing it!

[@discoveryself3282]

Ask David Bergman is the best!

[@06AUwing]

Great information in this video. Thanks.

[@Hutch400]

Great timing, getting an EOS R soon😀 Thanks

[@wildlifebrazil1120]

Great content!

[@ToddWhirley]

I'm a Fuji guy but a relatively new photographer. This was very helpful. Thanks

[@REMVPS]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@blackmamba3427]

Brilliant video and tutorial 👌

[@Yalelax]

Thanks David. Since luminosity is the major determinant in metering, is there a method for using a black and white image when composing and metering?

[@bioptimization]

Nice explanation! Even though I was already familiar and didn't need this information the video was greatly done!

[@gezimgeci4392]

Hi David, I have recently come across your photography videos that you post here and find them meaningful! I have Kenko Flash Meter; KFM-1100, and my issue with it is that I'm a little confused about using or setting the desired F-stop first and then deciding on ISO and Sync Speed. My question is, if I want to shoot at F 2.8, and ISO 100, how do I figure out the amount of light for the above settings? I would appreciate your help regarding this matter. Best regards, Gëzim Geci

[@andreparris6498]

this video was so informative. full explanation.

[@focus1ist]

Great vid!

[@avinash2535492]

Nicely done

[@phizzytfc]

i love this channel

[@albeklik8055]

You are a very good photography teacher haven't seen many like you use it buddy.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Thanks!

[@zarrir]

Beautiful model

[@angelesperez1773]

Great video

[@puluqemil]

Great video, thank you Sir.

[@donaldcrawford5577]

great. metering modes explained in detail.

[@EmpowerED1990]

Great video.What if you are shooting a couple or a group.what the best option to go for to get the right exposure?

[@sagardigitallab]

Very refreshing. Although I knew everything, I enjoyed the video.

[@thesud7]

Thank you for the to the point explanation. Wouldn't Well, locking AEL do exactly the same trick?

[@alste3488]

Thanks. Very helpful

[@Mikon901]

Best video

[@yannaingtun9275]

Thank you.

[@zekirami]

Great vedio. I want to buy fuji 35mm 1.4 but I heard it is old and not good for photos is that true or the lenes just glass ?

[@kennykonig1525]

I have a question. Im sure anyone who has purchased a Canon EOS 5DSr. Inside the Viewfinder I have noticed the metering is not very bright. The meter itself that is green inside the view finder. Especially in Bright sunlight. Is there anyway this can be corrected in the menu to make it more brighter so it can be seen? Thank you ahead of time.

[@sirvongalot]

Can you link your spot metering with the auto focus locations? Meaning, instead of having the metering starting only in the center, is there a way to make it move around with the red dots or squares that are associated with focusing?

[@Totte.Lundgren]

Great explanation of how the metering modes works! I had no idea that my R showed that gray circle which is the metering area xD

[@anghoppi]

Thank you!

[@christophermason7735]

Thank you. I like to photograph wildlife and often do a big crop. So just tried partial metering on some birds in my garden and it's much better than evaluative. Actually I'm using manual with auto iso. My 760D has the disadvantage that I can't change the exposure compensation in manual unless I bracket. So partial seems better. Thanks

[@RickLincoln]

There isn't a real "exposure compensation" in manual. You move your shutter speed, aperture or ISO up or down to increase or decrease your exposure. This is exactly what the auto modes (AV/TV) do for you when you set exposure compensation. But, manual with auto ISO is an auto mode without compensation since if you change your shutter speed or aperture the ISO will change with it automatically.

[@cillyede]

A good one!

[@ChrisParayno]

Don't forget the histogram!

[@gerrykp]

thanks!

[@JosesGarage101]

Hi, would be awesome if you explain how a handhold lightmeter works and why need one. Jose from Sweden.

[@michaelcavanaugh9542]

Hey Dave...great video but have a quick question. When shooting with a Nikon D800 in shutter priority and spot metering, if I focus in on the subjects face and hold the shutter release halfway down then shift the subject in the frame. Doesn’t the focus and the metering stay locked?

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Honestly might need a Nikon shooter to chime in here as each system is different. For Canon, you can set it to lock the exposure on the spot meter, or you can have it stay in the center regardless. Not sure if the half button press will hold it, but there should also be a "flash value lock" function that you can use to lock the flash exposure and then recompose.

[@Fairoz93]

Hi David, why do you aim your flash directly at the subject for your first video. shouldnt you have just used a flash card to make the light softer? would like to understand your thought process thank you

[@MrChrlau]

Hi there. I’m shooting planes and the background changes all the time. What metering mode would you prefer ? Best regards Christian

[@josehijo]

Awesome topic! I also would use spot metering to measure the light where I want it to be and then lock the exposure and recompose my image to the composition I want. This of course for still subjects and when using Aperture priority mode. Hope it makes sense!

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Yea, that works!

[@FLORAMORAITINI]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto Thank Sir for unique explanation. One more question. Will the single point, lock by let go the button, recompose and shoot, it WORK FOR Back Button Focus? on Still subject or only on AF-S mode. Of course withgout changing the distance between the subject and the camera. In such case besides the metering will the original subject be in focus, or the new recomposed point will be the sharp one? Thank you again for your valuable help. Stay Safe

[@PuchoWebSolutions]

Hello from New York City David! At the conclusion of this video, it seems like something is missing from your video presentation. How does the camera's metering mode affects TTL flash exposure of the overall picture? The original question pertained to a photo with both fill flash and ambient light, correct? All in all, its an informative video however. Thank you so much.

[@geoffcox75]

Help! I have a musician in a fairly dark concert hall where the stage lighting highlights the face. I can use spot metering to take a reading on the face but how do I make sure that the rest of her body is wrongly exposed?! Cheers Geoff

[@oadefisayo]

So if I'm shooting fullanial, I don't need to worry about metering modes?

[@aljarreaudennis]

So this is only useful for any automatic mode or it also works in manual mode?

[@ericfelport]

Hi David, How to i meter without using a light meter ? Does the DSLR have this function

[@elmono3939]

Does spot meter square follow single focus square in Nikon Z cameras ? Or does it always stay in the center ? Just curious. Thank you

[@CodeDeb]

Okay your intro gives me an anxiety attack but your info is great. I’m trying to learn all of the features of my new canon

[@quttuz]

Is that a partial mode more better than spot one because spot is so tiny and couldn't cover faces ?

[@ryancords5149]

Why don't they make partial and spot metering follow the focus point? I always thought it was weird that they chose to fix the metering point.

[@Tinfoilnation]

Some cameras do exactly that, notably the Sony Alphas - your metering can be linked to the AF point the camera (or you) have selected. It's not as handy as you might think though and has some big *gotchas* especially shooting fast action like sports or wildlife - since that focus point might be very dark against an otherwise bright background or vice versa. Or worse - you might nail focus on a Bald Eagle's head which is very bright white, but with a very dark body. You'll end up blowing out the scene one way or the other if you don't plan ahead with a few stops of exposure compensation. tl;dr -- you're still going to have to manually adjust the exposure for your lighting and your subject no matter the metering method or whether it's linked to the AF point or not.

[@rehab1012]

Im confused. Does meter mode not work in manuel? Is that why you say you don't use them?

[@kanishkanr9016]

What happens to other parts of the frame which doest not account for metering values in spot and partial metering modes?? What exposure values those area gets

[@DanielGutierrez-ce6oo]

Finally understand now

[@dannyklesh]

I like your content. New sub

[@jimwlouavl]

This was a good demo. I grew up on center weighted and still prefer it for portraits.

[@xpy1]

So would you recommend center weight For indoor and out door portraits

[@datboycdot]

I love this. I just zoom in and work out if it's right 😂😂

[@mussietube9909]

Will the spot metering work when you are not in the middle with her face but tag her face with autofocus when you shoot full body portrait

[@SedatOnat]

Hi, is there Highlight Priority mode like on Sony?

[@jimslens]

Does Flash Compensation affect metering modes?

[@royaltykidstv]

Can someone explain Metering Timer option on the R6 please?

[@owen9997]

nice

[@juanrmartinez6598]

Great explanation for those who need it, analyzing the video's exposure is uncalled for

[@fuji3164]

Are metering modes used in manual mode.

[@evane947]

From what I understand metering modes help when you are NOT shooting in manual mode.right?

[@audiophocus65]

So the metering modes don't apply to full manual mode?

[@therookiefisherman5234]

I wish I could find someone that can explain everything you do with a Nikon D500.

[@atomikfilmandvideo]

❤️

[@beachbum4691]

Great - I learned lots., but I've just bought myself a studio full of strobes? can you help ? ;)

[@longliveclassicmusic]

John Skiggs Sekonic can…for 600 bucks.

[@floex831]

Had to watch this 3 time, the first time, all I saw was Elizabeth. Second time, I tried listening, but my focus still shifted to Elizabeth. Third time I mostly listen.

[@crownspecialties]

floex831 I was literally going to post the same cheesy comment Hilarious!! 😂😂

[@razerone49]

Same. She’s stunning

[@chibuzonweze3291]

You definitely didn’t listen the 3rd time 😅

[@SilverScreenDudes]

8:20 "I use the screen on the back".. rule 101 of photography... don't rely on your screen. Rely on your histogram. otherwise a very nice explanation!

[@jophoto934]

Much better than FroKnows!!

[@pcfreak1992]

I wonder how many people really use the metering modes. I feel like it's easier to just use the balanced standard mode and then adjust it with exposure compensation. If it's still off a bit, you usually have enough wiggle room by editing the raw image in post-production.

[@vladimirgrabovica2510]

👍

[@razerone49]

Maybe you guys have changed this by now but linking the models social media accounts would be helpful for them to gain followers and book more shoots.

[@drgashi]

Hi David Why not use Matrix metering with single focus point and adjust up or down with exposure compensation? Thanks

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

That's certainly one way to go if you find your matrix exposure is consistently over or under by the same amount. But no guarantee of that happening so I think it's better to use the metering that will give you the correct exposure every single time even if your subject moves or the light changes.

[@Enrique-the-photographer]

This was educational, but you did not mention the flash which was part of the question. Thank you.

[@DavidBergmanPhoto]

Flash is just on TTL and is influenced mostly by the camera's meter.

[@fredlscmb]

@@DavidBergmanPhoto " mostly " ? Can you develop, please ? Thx !