TWO BIG reasons why you SHOULDN'T use a Light Meter

I’m not saying you can’t use them, I’m simply explaining why for me they are a waste of money and can negatively affect creativity. What are your thoughts on using Light Meters?
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[@peerlessportraits]

There's a huge difference between "I don't use a light meter" and "I no longer use a light meter having acquired the mental database of what light power does in X circumstance over the first half of my career"

[@tsukitohoshi5934]

Thats True xD

[@WatchMeSayStuff]

Also "I no longer use a light meter since I switched to using cameras that are functionally their own light meter."

[@jlesterhealthcare6555]

Totally agree. As a beginner, it's all guesswork and time-wasting to get the right exposure. Having a Light meter is a timesaver especially when you're working with clients who are impatient. In fact, you can set up your light exposure before the client even arrives on the set...Lol

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi, you can use any software such as Lightroom, Capture One or even the basic software that comes with a camera to shoot tethered. You can of course get light values to match exactly by measuring the RGB values at a specific point and then adjusting your lights to make those values again (it's just about 3 times more accurate tethered as light meters only work in 1/10th of an fstop). But unfortunately you have missed the overall point which was simply do you want to 'colour by numbers' or do you want to create? Choosing how YOU light a subject is the creative part and it's much more creative when you make all the decisions based on taste and not a recipe.

[@jzayas5698]

Playing the KZbin click bait game.

[@wdb1932]

So Karl, I understand why you don't use a light meter, but here are a couple of good reasons to use one. They are a good educational tool if you don't have years of experience. Also, it depends on type of photography you are concerned with. In cases like crime scene/forensic photography, it is important to show the scene/evidence as it exists. There should be no creativity, just accuracy. It's good to get that incident measurement. Really like your work and the channel.

[@javierruiz3051]

There's ALWAYS exceptions to to everything... thats a gimme!

[@jimmyhill9591]

As a corporate headshot photographer, that shoots almost exclusively on location, you won't catch me without my light meter. I work anywhere from offices with no windows and horrid fluorescent lights to ones with giant south facing windows. For this reason, other than 'environmental' shots, I always use aperture and shutter speed to kill the ambient and create my own light. Everything is done with strobes and the varying available light from job to job would mean guessing my starting flash output every time. A light meter lets me arrive at a clients office, set up everything by myself as they continue their day to day work and get my lights very close to where I need them quickly before having them step in front of the camera. Lawyers, probably 60% or more of my clients, don't like standing around while you to take 'test shots' and fiddle with lights. That's time they could be racking up billable hours. In my case a light meter is indeed faster, at least from my clients perspective.

[@julioestebanperezescudero6246]

You are absolutely right. I think that Carl Tailor could be right in a studio situation or displaying the image in a calibrated display.

[@eliaspap8708]

If u take the one size fits all approach? Then sure! But Karl is talking about creatIve portraits not production line! or ( school photos)I used to do actors headshots for years & I found different textured skin, different colored skin, different type of skin (oily or dry) required a different lighting approach as well as different face/shapes and considering the look your trying to achieve, i never used any set lighting ratios as they usually made the subject look too generic, For example for Brunettes my kick/hair light was usually twice the power of blonde hair and where on some skin a beauty dish worked well, other skin types it look average and I would need to switch to a soft box or other diffuser, i also used different lenses to achieve a different look. What Karl is talking about is not your generic formal graduation photos but rather commercial/Advertising work for creatives.

[@EdwardKilner]

In your comment, I assume you meant an external handheld meter. Great, I’m sure that works. If your camera has iTTL, it has a built in meter that could save you even more time, perhaps. That’s more money in your pocket. Use the tools that work for you. Joe McNally favours TTL, David Hoby does not. They rented a bus a few years ago and toured the US, kindly making stops near the border for us Canadians, and I learned from both of them.

[@peerlessportraits]

If it can't be measured, it must be magic. That's why I use a light meter.

[@vasil884]

The light meter does not limit your creativity in any way. And it’s a must if you shooting film. Metering incident light gives you better consistency.

[@stefan_becker]

There are people that shoot analog today (again! - Just for the fun and the cool look of film!) and they'll definitively need a light meter 😅

[@rigelfoto]

I'm agree and some of those actually don't shoot film just for fun, many comercial and fine photography is coming from film cameras

[@freeman10000]

When I was a professional photographer back in the day I used a light meter and understood why I was using it. It never inhibited my creativity at all! Now many years later as an amateur photographer getting back into film I am definitely going to re-aquaint my self with the humble, old skool, light meter.

[@davidnoels2586]

Totally agree and very good analogy with cooking food BUT ! You stopped using a lightmeter after 11 years of usage. You stopped using it after 11 years of great experience of how light reacts to changes and subjects. It gave you the opportunity to learn, feel and mould your light to your creativity. I still use a lightmeter in my academy classes because from experience it gives confidence to students and some sort of “control” on a set. Once I see that they get that confidence I start to learn them to get creative with the receipe. But I would never say “don’t use a lightmeter”. It is a very useful tool for learning and understanding. Great video and daring insight. 👍🏻

[@jaaxxone]

I totally agree with Karl's comments here, however as a newbie I am using a meter as a learning tool. I use it to measure flash ratios to put in my notes. My strobes are not digital and it can be difficult to dial in a desired ratio accurately. Over time I imagine I will develop the skills, but for now it's a valuable asset to accelerate my understanding. For example, I will set the strobes by eye with test shots, then measure the ratio and put that value in my notebook for future reference.

[@Stacky18]

Ive been an advertising photographer for 30 years now. I havent used a lightmeter since 2002 apart from specific situations. To get a pure white background I need a difference of 1.5 stops difference in exposure from the foreground to background light. This works for both fashion or tabletop shooting on perspex. For me the time of using a light meter in those 2 situations is faster than tethered shooting because I understand the ratio. However thats an infrequent situation and I can do those without a light meter if I have to.

[@mgphoto66]

If you are shooting the same lighting set up at different locations and you want to create the exact same setup I believe a light meter will save you time.

[@scientia_potentia_est]

@@shaolin95 agree, but he's not entirely wrong. Actually, a good practice on studio locations is to set your flash power, shutter speed and F stop aperture (high as in stomped down iris aperture) high enough to cut out all ambient light and have more control of your strobe lighting. Of course, on location, where you usually want to actually capture ambient light, light meters can be more useful to replicate lighting setups

[@jmendezh]

Respectable, I only buy the creativity part, I think the light meter it´s just one part of all the technology we have, and as every of those elements, we need to use it to help our process and not to limit the creativity for not to having one.

[@thethirdman225]

Hi Karl, as one who uses a light meter, I watched this with some interest. I found myself agreeing with what you said in a number of areas, like accuracy and to some extent, repeatability. When I was learning to shoot, I was taught to do basic lighting setups - i.e.: understanding lighting ratios - without looking at a monitor or even through the viewfinder. The reason was that if I could learn to do at least a basic setup by eye, it would save time and all I would need was a single exposure reading. I never used Polaroids and perhaps in the same way as you view light meters, I never understood why others did, even with sheet film. However, while this was simple enough in a studio, it was a different matter outdoors, where repeatability is often a matter of luck. In those cases, even in the digital world, having a light meter is an advantage. In studio, if you’re using a complex system like Profoto, adjusting flash power reliably to one tenth of a stop and checking it on screen is a simple, if expensive, way to do it. Not everyone can do that. Constantly checking the monitor is what I was taught not to do. You have far more control than you do outdoors. I’m not in anyway criticising your work methods or making any claim that what I do is better. You’re a professional and I’m retired and haven’t shot professionally for seven years. Your requirements and your workflow are different from mine. I never had your level of studio setup either. But I find that using a light meter, even in the digital world, still has some value. I also do a lot of low light photography where the viewfinder of a modern mirrorless camera is almost useless. A light meter, especially a spot meter, can be very helpful here for establishing black points, etc.. Yes, you can do it with a test shot, no question. I just prefer the meter process (and no one can see me doing it in the dark anyway!😁).

[@brntgudn]

A light meter is just a tool. It doesn't limit your creativity. You do. I find light meters speed up the process during set-up and helps guarantee accuracy of light output before the camera is set. Professional photographers and assistants constantly use it on set. Yes, a good digital monitor with tethering helps but if you're doing multiple set ups/changes, a light meter helps drastically to save time. Also, light meters should be recommended to aspiring photographers to help them understand light and how to use it.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi Brent, I'm a professional photographer and so are many of my friends, colleagues and peers. We've all worked on big shoots for big companies and campaigns, we never use light meters unless shooting film so that argument just doesn't wash. Each of your other points I've counter argued and proven to be incorrect in this video.

[@DrRussell]

@brent agreed. One size fits all usually doesn’t work but such mental models owe their prevalence to current societal reductionist tendencies. Glad you reminded me of my ownership of my outcomes. Thank you.

[@allnn2552]

Why make it so personal....just relax...

[@xmarxsham]

I meter and shoot tethered. Honestly I’m just to the point where I’m tired of taking test shots....with the meter I can get my exposure in 1-2 shots..looking all in the in the computer screen is bla bla bla. As much as I love lighting I’m finding myself wanting to focus less on it and turn my attention to the execution of the concept and the model emotion. I also pre light so there’s that too. Overall y’all I say keep metering and get the lighting part over with.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

@@shaolin95 I fine tune my shots much faster without a light meter and so do the actual pros I know

[@willworkfor_film]

Definitely thought you were talking about not using one with film. Guess I'll still be using one

[@a124032247]

As a sports/outdoor wear photographer. I don't have the false color or anything can check my images on my camera LCD in a field. And you can try watch the screen on 3000 meter altitude with a clear sky above your head. Let's see how good you are to get the light ratio right. I really really hope camera company gives me a false color check in EVF, so I could seal my light meter for good.

[@xaeroone170]

Thanks so much for this one Karl. Your presentations overall are more than helpful, but when you touch on points like this it lets me know I'm on the right track.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rushabhjain]

Truly agreed and appreciated. The spontaneity and instinct works great for me and being so calculative hits this free flowing process for me. Understanding and Observing together what goes with me to explore my creativity. Thanks for this video.✌️❤️

[@edwincelestino739]

I'm glad you mentioned that what you prefer to do is based on your personal opinion and years of experience in photography.

[@kfung4]

Well I think it depends on what type of photography you focusing on, not all photography is about creativity, such as forensics photography, and I would still use a light meter if I am photographing a 10 by 10 foot art painting for catalogs, so I m sure every parts of it are evenly lit to show it’s true tone, fine retouching or color enhancement is not the requirement for such work. And light meter reading is just a reference, it shouldn’t stop you and make any photography not to be creative, for example, with good use of a meter you can get a good idea what the reflected and incident light ratio which could help out some location shoot for beginners. And the only reason why good and experiences photographers don’t need a light meter are because they have years of experience, they know instantly what they are after, they can even tell what the exposure is the moment they arrived on a outdoor location, which isn’t something a beginner can do.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

If you put 4 small grey cards, 1 in each corner of your painting and use the tethered method measuring the RGB values you could get your exposure values accurate to 1/30th of an fstop instead of 1/10th.

[@kfung4]

Karl Taylor unfortunately it doesn’t work for us, most the time, we aren’t allow to place anything on the object which could worth millions, so it wouldn’t be as accurate. And the slight change of an angle of the grey card can be misleading too. Anyway all I’m saying some tools exist for a purpose, there is always a situation they can make our life easier, even a shutter release, these days we could use timer, wifi sync on our phone, or tether to computer but I couldn’t tell people they shouldn’t use one as there are times they just make life easier such as when we are shooting Aurora at -20 outdoor with thick gloves on etc

[@paulsaxby7579]

After 35 years of shooting professionally I can confidently say that in 95% of all situations I can get my exposure correct without using either a lightmeter, or the LCD screen on the back of my camera. I definitely don't need to use RGB values when tethered shooting. Learning to assess light, by studying where shadows fall, understanding how surfaces reflect and absorb light and also understanding how both film and digital sensors work comes with years of practice and learning. Just because I don't need one, doesn't mean I don't use one. I keep my Sekonic meter with me whenever I go on a shoot. I wouldn't have been able to learn how to assess light as well as I can without it all those years ago and I will continue to use it to help me make the right technical decisions to achieve the creative decision. The creative decision I chose to make, BEFORE I took the meter out of my bag. I use my meter in exactly the same way you use your RGB values when tethered shooting. Stop being so pompous, if you want get a point across demonstrate the pros and cons, and prove a point.

[@davidholyoake5256]

Good if you can afford that gear! Good points, however Light meter is a good starting point. You are coming from many years of experience. All coming through tethered capture. Your point is valid. I use a light meter, doesn't stop my creativity. It's a starting point before a client arrives, once set up then flavour the lighting by adjusting up or down or even move the light and modifier. Using strobes and trigger system that talks to each other you can adjust from camera Position. Good points you made though.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You don't need expensive gear, you could tether almost any DSLR into Lightroom or Capture One and do exactly the same as I demonstrated in this video.

[@Todd_Kuhns]

Totally agree. Sold mine when I realized one day that I hadn't used it in years. However, wish I had it some times when I am trying to teach lighting. Just a good way to show the relationship between different lights.

[@MarkMorrow]

Inspiring line of thought, much appreciated.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers

[@milanpinkava5738]

I'm not born speaker and I really love Your pure English. Understable English which You have during explainig of photography issues and topics. Thank You so much for You work what You do for other peoples to better understanding of photography.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you! 😃

[@stevem.6557]

When I transitioned from film to digital, around 2004, I also quickly stopped using a light meter. Fast forward to just a few years ago when I found out there was a light meter that also can control my monolights wirelessly I was intrigued. It's now very handy to adjust power for each individual head directly from my light meter. I don't consider myself dependent on it, I know what exposure I want for a particular situation it just helps me adjust my lights quicker.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Makes sense. Cheers.

[@didierperrusset]

If you do know where and how to measure the light, precisely, and how to use a flashmeter, this is THE perfect tool.

[@markweiss9771]

I think Karl Taylor is a brilliant and articulate photographer. Granted in today’s digital photography world one really doesn’t need a light meter especially in the studio. However I can’t agree with the principles outlined in this lecture as it applies to landscape photography. This is especially true when photographing in the golden hour. In this circumstance I find a 1 degree spot meter very useful. Required no helpful absolutely.

[@Trish12303]

Thank you for your insight Karl. Your videos are always so informative and helpful. And, your work is amazing!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@AndrewConway]

Fantastic! I started watching this with skepticism and fully agree with all your reasons... TY

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@saubhagya1988]

Internet should be thankful for this video

[@rockartistet]

For Film cameras without meters I need a meter . With my mirrorless I don’t need an external meter.. it’s that simple. I can more or less guess the setting and be in the right range . I can fine tune rapidly without taking a shot. Digital has given me time to be creative.. my film stuff is because I enjoy the gear.

[@capturemeinpictures]

I had been getting along without a light meter but had recently been convinced that it was a good practice. Thanks for the alternative viewpoint. You just saved me several hundred dollars!

[@ingowalkerling5141]

As an landscape photographer and working with slide film I mostly use incident light metering. Light conditions change sometimes very quickly. So I get more constant and color correct slides with my Gossen light meters. Some create photos, some calculate them digital and some used trial and error... everyone as he could.

[@crissignori7482]

Very well put together .... Bravo !!!

[@rickstirling7045]

There are a few of us still shooting analog you know. ;-)

[@MysteryManBob]

I really like zone-system metering with a spot meter on location to get a good idea of what I wanna do creatively with my highlights within a limited span of time. it's really useful for shooting fleeting expressions of urban life and other incidental situations that don't get a chance to repeat themselves. some scenes might call for full latitude, others depend upon flattening or boldening dynamic range to really nail a mood.

[@MarkusMischek]

I only use manual focus lenses because the autofocus is killing my creativity. Just kidding. 70% of my work is taking photos of people. I like to have my light set before the model enters the scene. So to set the light without having someone to take a test shot a light meter is necessary. I also need it to set the light ratios that I like. And it’s very helpful to balance ambient light and strobes. I would say in all cases where you need the lights to be set before the model enters the scene you need a light meter. I think it’s too much trial and error just checking the screen.

[@terrywbreedlove]

So you traded your light meter for a tether and a larger screen to meter your image 😝

[@MrPhilbautista]

Terry Breedlove He did mention that you could use the screen on the back of your camera too, if you bothered watching the video to the end.

[@vimalneha]

He correctly said tethering is a better option where it takes less time.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

philaw123 true but on board screens have a life of their own.

[@Skux720]

Yeah lol his answer to light meters is "chimp until you get the exposure right"

[@VisualEducationStudio]

@@Skux720 My answer is to 'look' until you get the right exposure. Teach yourself to actually 'see' in photography and then you won't have to chimp at your light meter.

[@DLMlive]

In a controlled studio with a static subject... and time I have to agree, but a light meter can be invaluable if you are proficient using one analytically and in a hurry. As a teaching/ learning tool, they can answer many questions. regardless, your tutorials are over the top, informative and beyond inspirational! Cheers

[@headbang3r519]

IMO the difference between a pro and an average photographer is that the pro can adapt and adjust accordingly under various circumstances. I personally think it is important to not use a meter when starting out.

[@EdwardKilner]

Well explained. Those with mirrorless cameras can get in the ballpark with iTTL, check their RGB histograms and then concentrate on the creative aspects you spoke of. Your creative process likely began well before the shoot, and so should ours.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Congratulations on your realisation which is absolutely correct. The image is already completed in my mind, the next stages are the execution of that pre-visualisation.

[@rootmetoo]

Agreed , usually only takes a few test shots and I only seem to be getting better at dialing in the light quicker. Keep practicing and it becomes second nature.

[@jjuarez83]

I have a light meter but I don't use it all the time. I will say though that using a properly calibrated meter lets me get the best quality out of my camera. I also don't trust the back of my camera and I don't always have access to my computer screen (nor do I want to view during a shoot). I will say you are right though hinting that most people that do have a meter have no idea how to properly use it (I am still learning). A lot of photographers don't use or understand the zone system so have no idea what their meter is doing and what the actual numbers are.

[@1421hp]

Tengo un Sekonic y nunca lo utilizo. Solo cuando dicto clases de fotografía para explicar cómo medíamos la luz en la era análoga. Gracias Karl.

[@MD-en3zm]

I’m getting back into doing some film photography, so I’m about to get a light meter. Not giving up digital, but adding in some film for fun.

[@CarmenFalkenburg]

I resonate with what his analysis. I'm always playing with the light in images, and deciding if I take the exposure down a stop or 2. I rarely would use a light metre..I love fine art cinematic lighting..

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Exactly Carmen

[@lindakuo88]

You know I didn’t use a light meter until a photographer that I really revere, sings the gospel about light meters so I returned to it. I shoot in very much the way that you do Karl, intuitively. And exactly what you said, I feel is what hinders me. I now refer to the light meter as the rule for which to shoot by and it conflicts with how I naturally work. (The photographer I mentioned shoots film a lot so there’s that) So now I am not going to go back to not using it which excites me. I think using it gave me more anxiety. Thank you so much for this video

[@JR-xn4gl]

Very compelling arguments presented in an engaging, concise and enlightening manner. You have a new subscriber.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks and welcome

[@rainsilversplash4376]

I arrived at your conclusions over 40 years ago, while still using film. Knowledge and experience with the film type, and an understanding of light, informed my exposure choices.

[@jerrysyder]

Welcome back, Karl! Not entirely sure if you were quiet for a while or I was too busy being a photographer but when I was starting off I bought a few of your tutorials and some of the lessons learnt, I still use today. Cheers buddy

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Welcome back! And cheers.

[@harvymckiernan93]

Brilliant! I think this argument holds up well with photographers relying just on the light meters exposure within the camera too. There's Manual mode....... and there's Manual mode.

[@evelasq1]

My teacher has been a photographer since the 1970s and he uses a light meter for our classes. It helps a lot for both film and digital photography. Currently, I own a Sekonic light meter for my photoshoots and it helped me a great deal in ambient outdoor lighting when I am shooting with my Nikon film camera. I was able to nail the shot with and without my Nikon Speedlight.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Well if you're happy working this way you go for it. Mine can stay in a cupboard somewhere as I'm perfectly happy at the work I produce without it!

[@LMoProVisualComm]

All this talk about CREATIVITY, PROBLEM SOLVING, VISUAL ARTS has me thinking that Photographers are starting to think like designers... Keep up the good work

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I hope so although I'm not sure all of them are but I certainly encourage the ones I train to think like that.

[@LMoProVisualComm]

Awesome... Great content as usual

[@pagpapaitim]

bro, this is a great video. i really appreciate your insight on this. gonna refer my light meter sticklers to this video.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful! But I'm not saying people can't use light meters I'm just clarifying why I think they are pointless.

[@rodrigoalmeida2780]

Digital cameras still have metering display for ambient light. I don't fell myself less creative using it. But I appreciate your point of view.

[@gdrriley420]

So this only really applies to tethered photography in a studio. I wouldn’t work on any film or TV set without a light meter. There’s this thing call pre lighting where you don’t have the camera there or it’s doing something else and so having a light meter is key. And most of the light meters now are also spectrometers which are incredibly useful in variable conditions.

[@b991228]

Ages ago I bought a hand meter because I was talked into believing that without it I would not be able to tackle the technique of photography. Now I hardly ever use it. At best it can accomplish 2% of what is needed in a photograph. This is the approximate technical settings of a photograph. Now comes the other 98%, That is the artistic aspect needed the do the final finish on the photograph. In the end it’s the art that makes the photo.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Yes totally agree with that

[@cmichaelanthonyimages2197]

Im old school and lived with a meter, using dome, flat disk, and spot attachment. When shooting in studio, I use it just to get a base f/stop and from there, Im shooting and looking at what I need to add for accent, dimension and detail where needed. I understand the point made here. Back in the day it was very much needed, but so much less today. For new photogs, learn it and when you feel comfortable not using it, you will know it by what you are capturing. I have three, and it is just part of my tools.

[@josephlee784]

A definitive argument, I feel, for why a separate or hand-held meter is redundant in digital photography. I’m not sure that I fully understand how Karl makes an R G B measurement on screen. If someone can explain this to me, it would be appreciated! Pretty much everything else that Karl explained doesn’t need to be expounded further, nor argued against in favour of a light meter as being necessary IMHO..!

[@gregorylagrange]

Already having a light meter, I still use it on occasion. If I didn't have one now that i have a digital camera, I doubt I would get one. You have to learn how to use one based off of what you get from it just the same as being tethered or using the screen. The way that you can look at the monitor or screen and conclude that you need to make whatever adjustments to the lighting you can do the same with a light meter. Measure the light, and based off of what you get, if you want to darken things for a certain mood, you can know what adjustments need to be made to get there. This was a topic for thought and discussion providing one side of it. With digital, you are not behind or lacking if you don't have a light meter. And you are not obsolete, pretentious, or outside of the loop on anything if you do use one. Gavin Hooey still likes to use a meter.

[@markwillride]

I agree with the premise of this video but I still occasionally use a light meter at wedding receptions. A meter can be helpful when the subject isn't in place so there's nothing to test shoot. I often have to setup for a first dance or speech before there's anyone there to test shoot. Being able to go out on the floor myself and set my lights "in the ball park" without the aid of another person to stand there has been helpful. In the end, it usually takes me several shots of the real thing to tweak the lights by appearance and disregarding what the meter originally said.

[@patmat.]

Very clear, informative and convincing. Thank you.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you.

[@vytautasslenderis2702]

Agreed. Light meters are for film shooters (actually, I am considering getting a second hand 645 for fun, maybe meter then would be in order). The only case when I need a meter (and for that I use a free phone app) is when I need to set up light for shooting flat artwork to check how even is the lighting across the whole picture.

[@lamwp8634]

I never used light meter right from the film days. In those days, for ambient light photography, I depended on camera metering mostly using average metering. For flash mounted on top of camera, I learned the flash guide number GN, ASA, aperture, flash syn shutter speed (slower 1/30s to capture the environment mood), the subject distance, and finally the subject's reflectance, in particular light or dark skin tones by actual shootings. Sometimes I used flash's auto aperture depending on the circumstances. It was slow and costly then to learn. The same applies to fill flash, 1/2 to 1/16 power when shooting outdoors. Fast forward to digital photography today, it's so much easier, faster to see the results instantly and then make adjustments for correct exposure. It's day and night difference. For my style of photography - street, travel, sports and action, the light meter has never been and will not be in my mind.

[@JonLeeSongs]

Very helpful and inspiring -- thank you!!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@phynx2006]

I love it Karl, tell it like it is, 100% agree with your thinking. You don't need a light meter, but I feel to be a better photographer it's very important to take an interest in understanding light💡⚡

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thank you and yes understanding light is the most important thing, I have another video on that coming soon.

[@TechnikMeister2]

As a studio portrait photographer of fashion, I have to deal with clients who want their garments to have punch and great colour. The face of the model is only important because I go against the trend and I ask the model if she feels good wearing that garment. So a natural smile is an asset. To me, things like aperture and film speed are fixed, like f5.6 of f8 and 200/s, So my only adjustments can be ISO and flash power. I like to have everything close to correct, in focus front to back, even before the model takes position. I can't waste their time buy taking lots of test shots. So I use a light meter on the dress beforehand to get in the ball park. They might have 12 garments to model in a shoot and a good model is costing $500 an hour just to be there.

[@kohutracing]

Oh this is so true! Great arguments. I agree

[@WadihSaghieh]

That's why a pro is called a pro. Not because he has some fancy equipment but because he gives good advice that he himself follows. Hat's off.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers.

[@f0t0b0y]

After college for fine art photography; I assisted for around 6 studios, all shooting medium format film etc. We used a light meter pretty much as you described. I can’t tell if you were physically abused by a light meter in the past and I agree that your method doesn’t need a light meter. I just like to use one for getting a quick idea of ratios before setting up my camera or my camera and tether in the beginning of a shoot. It’s fun and some of the art directors I work with join in the fun occasionally. It definitely adds to my history of learning light, and I’m not will to say goodbye and it adds just a right amount of nostalgia to any shoot. Especially with younger clients now a days. Pretty sure I have tons of hipster cred because of it. 🤓 Look, digital readouts on a computer screen is far more accurate and seeing the light with our eyes is just fine and I’m not trying to tell anyone what’s right or wrong. I just disagree with your “shouldn’t” opinion. Lastly, I’ve been doing more DP work with a director friend and as someone completely new to constant lighting, it’s super helpful with working with T-stops, FPS with cinema cameras. So, wow, light meters may still have a home in our craft. 😉

[@skamarfire]

It all comes down to bad advice, the idea that a flashmeter will kill creativity is just nonsense... just imagine relying on a LCD display to shoot outdoor locations...

[@GreenRC24]

Thank you so much Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

You are very welcome

[@philliphickox4023]

There is one really good reason to learn how use a light meter, and that is it teaches you about the relationship between, ISO, shutter speed and aperture. Sure I do what Karl does, I look at the monitor and make my adjustments according to what I see. Give me a manual film camera and light meter and I am able to use it. With my modern DLSR, I use all three modes, shutter priority for fast moving objects, aperture when I want to control depth of field and manual when I want to control it all. I don't particularly like auto focus and I would much prefer for my viewfinder to have the old fashion split prism.

[@OnPortraits]

If the values a light meter gives away takes away "one's ability to make decisions based purely on the emotional reaction," then certainly the RGB values you pulled up on the screen would do the same. You seem to be contradicting yourself.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi OnPortaits, I don't. I measure RGB values to check colour or to check the values of highlights if it's critical. Everything else is done by eye. In the video I showed how you could use the RGB values if you wanted to measure your light with 3 times the accuracy of a light meter or if you wanted to save the measurements if you had to repeat the same shot. I don't do that either but I thought I should point it out in the video as it seems to be a favourite argument for using a light meter.

[@gabequezada2066]

very good video and informative.. I have to admit that I had a preconceived notion prior to watching this video but at the end he is correct.. Saving time and being efficient is also important and I have to agree with that..

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers.

[@gsrox2007]

I had a top of the line Sekonic L-858 for a year. Used it on 3 shoots, 1 digital and 2 on film. The film effort was temporary and for digital I much prefer just eyeballing it for speed. I know how each of my cameras behave with shadows and highlights and ETTL/ETTR accordingly. Haven’t missed the Sekonic since I sold it.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Exactly! :)

[@grahamcorley8156]

Great video, I was considering buying one as I take more portraits with flash now, but I realise that taking 5-6 test shots with my blinkies turned on does the same thing for free.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamespc46]

Interesting thoughts, I am pretty much a newbie to photography and am trying to learn. I caught up with some more experienced photographers over the weekend, where we used strobes. They all used light metres. I understand Karl's reasoning, and I assume, with experience the use of a metre while using a strobe will become more or less redundant. At least I hope so.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It doesn't even take any experience to work the way I showed James. Think of setting your lights like setting your volume on your music, you turn it up or down until it sounds right.

[@rogiervanoostrom6467]

I totally agree, and that is exactly why I *do* use a light meter... ;-) I use a lot of film (because I think it is fun and because I like the workflow, I am not a pro so speed and costs are a different consideration). However, when I'm using a digital camera (mostly for macro), I definitely don't need a light meter, as the result (i.e. 3 RGB histograms) can be seen immediately after making a photograph. But when I go out with my Mamiya M645 1000S, I do bring a light meter, because it might take a few days before I developed the film. Putting my opinion aside, I do think that Karl made some very good points about creativity, speed and emotion that can be impaired by (supposedly very important) technique. The immediate visual feedback and evoked emotion in the digital photography process is very valuable, and actually the biggest pro as compared to film.

[@jaypoly]

I don’t use light meter anymore either...yet when I did it was a ‘ballpark’ device...I’d maybe check the balance on two speedlights or ambient on a composition then put it away and let the eye and mind carry on with the creativity....if using the light meter it doesn’t have to tie you down.

[@gewglesux]

This makes a lot of sense. I mean when i shot film I used the meter in the camera and an external. I have to admit that using a Meter did help me to learn Exposure. It also taught me to manage light. There are times when i still use it, but I have to say that the days when on set remembering that i forgot my meter i no longer fear that.

[@PhilTaylorPhotog]

I would suggest to you that per-visualizing a shot requires you to creatively place scene values at various gray values in the frame. A light meter does nothing to limit that creativity, it is a meter which puts a number on various elements of the per-conceived intent. As a scientific photographer both making images in extremely challenging light conditions and training complete amateurs to do so, I can assure you that very few people out there understand the concept of modifying scene dynamic range to fit the camera's abilities. A light meter wont do that itself, but by focusing peoples attention on it, and practically moving in and around the subject with a simple handheld device, they can to begin to understand why it is so important. Also, your RGB values are not necessarily the actual RGB values in your raw data. Many software apps actually read these from the screen as a luminosity picker rather than from raw data. The image you see on screen is not raw data, it is a recipe which does not give a true representation of what your camera has captured. It's flawed and in applications where absolute values are needed (e.g. high-speed spectroscopy readings from a camera), these values are not enough.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

I agree with all of your points based on the sphere you are operating in. I also said in this video there are scenarios where a light meter is essential, I used one with film for 15 year. This video was about visual perception and understanding what looks good and making assessments of that. In images where such visual perception is important then there is no need to do anything other than adjust the lighting until the subject looks good, where the subject looking good is the ultimate objective.

[@dhirajrai5817]

Glad I watched your video! It’s so interesting and helpful. I totally agree with you and I’m going to return my seconic light meter which I felt Like just waste of money. Thanks for sharing this info❤

[@B-Bonn]

And for sure you will feel bad about that decision, I bet!

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Totally agree that creativity is the answer on how you want your lighting to be (not depending on light meters). Will the image be high key or low key? will you have localized lighting enhancements to draw viewer in to the main focus area of the image, as brighter areas of the image will draw in the viewers eye. With multiple strobes, setting them at different power levels to emphasize areas with main light and secondary areas with fill light or spot light grids for emphasis. It is complex, and with checking on screen or by tethered monitor, decisions can be made quickly to save time in post production. Another great photographer Joel Grimes, uses light to lead the viewer through the image to the main focal area, by enhancing/brightening areas and darkening others areas (usually adding some dodge and burn in post), but getting the lighting close first, in setting up multiple lights at different outputs and clicking test photos. I also stopped using light meters in early 2000s with digital. Great video topic Karl.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Exactly Adrian.

[@MikeWeeks]

It all depends whether you are a slave to the meter or it is just another tool that you have mastery of IMHO

[@VisualEducationStudio]

It's not a tool that has any requirement to master if shooting digitally. It's a bit like using a separate tyre pressure gauge when your car already measures them and displays the pressure on your dashboard with 1psi accuracy. Additionally what can you expect the light meter to tell you? It says 'set your lights to this' - when you can just look at the result on screen and set them to what will looks best for the mood or emotion you are trying to convey.

[@MikeWeeks]

Karl Taylor all depends on your setup, on your studio setup you are tethered to high end computers, not everyone works that way as in not everyone has the built in digital tyre pressure but I get exactly what you are saying

[@badhabit714]

@@shaolin95 lol..Its just Photography guys. What works for one doesnt work for another..find your path and follow it. You want a Light Meter get it..you dont want a Light meter don't get it. My car doesn't display the my Tire pressure so I have to get a handheld one until I can afford a car that digitally Displays my car tire pressure.

[@marvelchuruk7052]

@@MikeWeeks In the video Karl mentions he stopped using light meters with his first digital camera...he wasnt (I suppose) as much much hight tech equipped back then as now, but the point is, you should not reject what your eyes like, because the light meter says otherwise....Today, we can see the photos we take instantly on the screen - you either like it or don't. What happens if the light meter tells you OK, but your feeling/eyes says NOK? You discard the photo?? I can understand the other side, but for me (still being a novice though) I tried to rely on the light meter, but actually can't find a reason to...it reads evaluated estimations, which I often don't like and actually I have a different perspective for the photo then the meter...its OK I'd say, in my limited knowledge, to have it as an estjmate if you want to use one, but being crucial....I don't know...🤷‍♂️

[@artlopez1311]

Let my people go

[@lgude]

I used the 4x5 Polaroid test shot in the 60s and used Kodak XX sheet film because it had same ASA, so I didn’t have to change the aperture or shutter speed. But wow I agree completely with you about creativity. I found using the Zone system killed my creativity because I was overly focused on technical control and lost my right brain based ability to see. If you open up to the infinite possibilities and freely interact with them then the technical control assumes its proper role of serving the process of visual discovery and photographic capture.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Absolutely, we mustn't forget to see.

[@p-r-i-v-a-t-e]

I definitely agree that you don’t need to use light meter to setup lights and you should use your eye to judge. But if you are professional photographer and use extremely precise lighting you still need one handy to check the lights and different modifiers such as acrylic panels and also check the output of the packs. This is necessary for repeatability. I am shooting a lot of make up products and I use it during color match process. For me even more important tool is spectrometer.

[@ClareMcCahill]

I only really started to rely on a light meter when I moved to digital. Interesting comparison.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

That doesn't make any sense, especially if you shoot tethered.

[@jamespatterson1433]

I'm just trying to are a picture of a painting I've done to make prints. I plan on taking pictures from my paintings from here on, so this is great help. I do not own a camera right now, except what I have in my smart phone for now. I know this must sound ridiculous but you have to stat somewhere.

[@gaarakabuto1]

I know that a lot of people only consider professional photography to be in studio with a medium format camera with a bunch of controlled lightings,multiple background options,flashes etc. Honestly i feel like nowadays that's around 10%.

[@johnleighdesigns]

awesome stuff great arguments and detailed notes coming from a pro thats used meteers in the past because you had to - and ive resisted even trying a light meter happy with the test shot approach rather than standing next to actors and models with a meter

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks John.

[@vimalneha]

Perfect advice!

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks for watching

It's been years now that I calculate myself exposure using intuition for my analog photography: 250 f/11 in the sun -4 stops in the shadows, when cloudy : -1 to -4 depending on the clouds. -6 to -8 under canopy, and so on... I can't say I miss some exposures, but I get many right. Sometimes I can't understand photographers spending minutes metering in changing light conditions just to settle on a -2 to get more shadow detail. Often times I know that already while driving by. That said artificial light and studio is another story. As is night photography. But I have a lot of fun trying to calculate by myself before getting my Lunalite to check if my guesswork was right or not. I think beginners would gain a lot by making themselves a table of their usual lighting conditions and the corresponding exposures values at their preferred iso rating, and test it out in the field.

[@RyanL]

Good stuff. I have had this very convo with photog friends who live & die by their light meter.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Good, send them this :)

[@anta40]

Hehe the title is so click-bait. I mostly agree with Karl, though. When I'm on digital cameras, I very rarely use external lightmeters. Set the metering mode into spot meter, take a test shot, examine the histogram, and take another shot with some adjustments Well, I'm not a studio photographer with all lightning gears and displays/LCD are calibrated, though. 90% of my shots are outdoor: sometimes street photography, sometimes landscape, ocasionally portrait. But when I'm with 35mm or medium format film cameras, my Sekonic/Gossen is always ready. I don't want to mess with Polaroid backs. So far, lightmeter helps me because I always start with visualiation in mind, then consult the lightmeter how to achieve that. Well perhaps after I gain more experience, I can ditch it? :D

[@CertainExposures]

Karl, I’ve been a fan of your work for a while now. I know why you made this video so I won’t take the bait 😂. It would be cool to see a video from you on E6. I’m planning to do some large format studio shoots with flash on E6 once things blow over. I’ve done it successfully in the past but it never hurts to see another method.

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Hi, when you say E6 I'm guessing you are referring to transparency or slide film. E6 is the name of the chemical process to develop transparencies, I know because I used to process lots of them as well as print Cibachromes from them. In terms of using transparency film then a light meter is a must because you are shooting blind and you have very little latitude for error compared to negative film. There is no method with large format other than knowing about Schiempflug and taking your time to load your dark slides (in the dark) and making sure your light meter is accurate. Polaroid tests were always reassuring back in the day too.

[@edwardrodriguezphotographe2103]

I don't agree. In my case i get my exposure simply in one shot. First all I meter the key light; highlights and contrast and after i will shot tethered to calibrated screen but when im shottin in outdoor and I cannot control or I'm not sure about the brightness of the screen, here the light meter becomes the perfect tool and Friend.

[@R0dan]

I respect your knowledge and opinion 👍

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Thanks

[@josediazh3890]

Muchas gracias.

[@robertlindner5968]

Using my Leica IIIF a lightmeter is very usefull ;-).

[@sondos006]

Totally agree with every word !

[@VisualEducationStudio]

Cheers Yazeed.