Using a Light Meter

[@michaelwright8581]

You rock, I absolutely love your teaching methodology.. 👍🏻🤓👍🏻

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@koffilyet7914]

Looks like RED with Bruce Willis 🥺 I miss Bruce!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Go, Marisa! Marissa is asking questions that nearly all new photographers have, and is also understanding the answers. Great! (It's fun to watch someone as enthusiastic as Marisa learn.) Good job explaining things to her, Daniel!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Yes, she’s doing great

[@stevewilliamson7264]

Yes, Marissa's questions really help break it down. Exactly, how I wondered at first too.

[@kisut1305]

At this rate, by the end of the pandemic, Marisa will be a fully fledged photographer. Oh btw cool content, Daniel, informative and fun, thank you!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊😊

[@grad-dd9zj]

Thank you ...her questions actually helped me to understand it better. I had similar questions. so good job.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@csaltundag]

These "mentoring" episodes definitely turn all the technical stuff into something fun and simple (not easy but simple:)) Thank you so much Daniel and Marissa! Love from Turkey.

[@csaltundag]

Oh and Dave of course! Good to see him again as well:))

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@jasonbodden8816]

Absolutely fantastic vid. Your explanation of incident metering vs. reflective metering was awesome. I'm always looking for better ways to explain photography things to people and your content has helped me so much with that. Thank you so much. You've seen and heard this a billion times but I'll say it anyway - you and Marisa are an amazing team! You're one of the first photographers I ever subbed to on KZbin and your channel is STILL one of my favorites I come back to over and over again :)

[@matrixate]

I finally got it.

[@manuelbussmann239]

As you measure the light that falls on a person you have the same setting for any person regardless of skincolor. But could it be that someone with very white skin is then overexposed?

[@tonyarnold9784]

Incident light readings are far more accurate because they measure the light hitting the subject. A camera only takes the light reflected from the subject. In 90% of the time reflected readings are accurate but you cannot afford as a professional to screw up 10% of the time.

[@felm.974]

Thank you, so what if you want it to be brighter, do you adjust the flash and do the testing with the light meter again? Isn't it almost the same thing as adjusting the flash and camera settings wi/o the light meter, this is kinda confusing lol

[@kurtsteiner8384]

Daniel and marysa! Question i have the same or simular light meter. Seconic L308 Bii It came with an extra lumo disc . You need to attach it seperately. What do you use it for as i am at a loss what its for.

[@shortyshines3800]

what were you using for your white balance for this shot? I use a Grey card, but now that I have the meter does that affect how I should do my white balance?

[@bruce-le-smith]

this was very useful, thank you! hologram Marisa asked all the questions that i would have

[@leoluzfotografia2789]

Always amazing 🎉 thanks a lot, greetings from Brazil

[@pianoman6639]

This is brilliant demystifying lots of points many thanks

[@masterbillla1434]

KOOOL & very interesting Daniel Norton!!!

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I have a question: will this work for film shooters?

[@marshalltravis3217]

Thank you for the lesson. I have just started using a meter and not only do I look cool and like I know what I’m doing; I actually do 😄

[@acjones225]

Thanks Daniel 🙏 First time I’ve actually understood a light meters function properly 😃 Looking forward to the flash session 👍🏼

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Awesome

[@thefaeryman]

can we use a light meter on a subject area that is too far away to meter like a bear

[@lensman5762]

Good show. If anything, inclusion of a Kodak grey card would have been very useful. Merciful god, you did not venture into luminance values, candle foot, key F stops, etc. Your friend is a delight BTW.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Ha ha yes I will not get into all that stuff when teaching a brand new person About a light meter. If she ever needs that information I will then explain it to her.

[@happylittlemonk]

These equipment cost a fortune so I was thinking about all these and questioned, is it really necessary? I am not a photographer but do very little photography and have a light meter too. When I was a kid, the SLR cameras were just being invented. Films cost a lost and you had to very knowledgeable to ensure that photos are correctly exposed as to see the result you had to process the films and wait a long time. Having a light meter then made sense. But think about it. All the light meter does is tell you which of the 5 options to chose from depending on one of the settings, like shutter speed. The ISO was necessary because the films then had different size grains, hence the sensitivity. You had to choose the right ISO for those films and hence the setting needed to be changed accordingly. So digital cameras do not need to worry about ISOs. The apparatus size gives depth to the photo. So for portraits and subjects that focuses on an object and not the background the apparatus should be as wide as possible. So you have not much choice but the choose the right apparatus. So the speed is the only one that needs adjusting depending on those that limits the exposure. You therefor have only maximum of five choices. So using a digital camera, you can simply take 5 photos first and decide which is the best. I think all these settings are the hangover from the old film era. What do you think?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Saying you don’t have to worry about ISO is just a untrue statement 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@trancer03]

I never used a light meter. I don't own a light meter and I probably never will. It might be because I found that I can work without one and my Photography teachers that used to make images with film use one because film costs money. Making test shots with digital does not cost anything. Nobody ever gave me a good enough reason to use one with digital.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

If you discover a reason, pick one up, if not, don’t 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@b991228]

So if you were taking a plate of black beans, peppers and white rice for food photography could you use the reflective meter to measure the dynamic range of the highlights, midtone and shadows?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Are you asking about a “spot” reflected meter? If so, yes that probably a good process - though using an incident meter would simplify the process

[@meibing4912]

Used light meter in the analog days and for a while shooting digital. But now there's so much flex in the sensors and PP options that I do not bother anymore - just look at the histogram on the camera back (I do however, make my own color spaces profiles which helps a lot in achieving optimal colors, shadow and DR).

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool

[@olgafilozop3222]

Hi Daniel, do you mind telling me the name of seamless backdrop? I assume it’s Savage brand. I am trying to decide which grey to get but still undecided. Thank you

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Focus gray

[@ayugboblessing]

I sub-conciously added ' On set' when he said we see you next time..I so much love watching your videos both here and on Adorama.. but a quick question, I couldn't pick where the light Meter was pointing at in this video.. was it to the light or the camera?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

The light

[@PiDsPagePrototypes]

The variation Skin Tones doesn't matter as much as people worry about it - much of the light isn't bouncing off the top layer of the skin, but all the blood under the surface, and that, is the same in every one of us. This is also why colour Vectorscopes only need one line to indicate where correct skin tone is. Daniel's point about using Incident readings to make people 'look like they are', is pretty important - its far better to have the images be accurate to the person, rather then Hollywoods habit of making skin tones lighter.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@phila6188]

Thank you again for a very informative video. I have watched quite a few videos on using a light meter, I think this is about the best I have ever seen. You presented the information in a way that anyone could understand regardless of their skill level. Marisa is such a gem, besides being very pretty she seems to have such a nice personality. This may not be the place to ask this but, I have a Sekonic 458. I find that when I use it to me the picture looks under exposed (muddy). Could it be my eye just sees the result that way but it is actually a correct exposure. I am looking forward to the flash video. Thank you again.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I would test the meter against another one and make sure that it is not off. Meters can be adjusted if they are

[@andrewgreig1197]

I love my Sekonic 308S, it has worked flawlessly for 5 years no, I too point it at the light source, but then I close down another half stop. It may read the light differently if I pointed it to the camera position, I could do that, but I forget, old habits etc. I use my incident light meter in Daylight mode for landscapes where the light at my position is the same as the light on the landscape, and for my fully manual film camera I rely on it alone.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice!

[@someonewithsomename]

So...I notice small you is holding Marisa's shoulder on thumbnail. Nice touch! (pun intended)

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊

[@billwendry]

That was good! Also, not that it matters, you are a cool guy and she’s a sweet gal. You can tell how old I am by that, can’t you? Har.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊

[@zoomboy57]

No mater if you have a $ 6000 camera it's meter always thinks a bright white wall is the same color as a black one 18 % Gray

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Yup

[@adamlinka9457]

This is just great to watch. And it's also very helpful! To Daniel, Marisa and all the people behind the scenes: thank you, you're awesome ❤️

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@chuckmac3994]

I'd image subject tones would also come into the equation with incident light readings?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

And you would be incorrect. You are reading the light, not the subject.

[@rphotographer]

did you calibrate the meter to your camera?? since every sensor is different, or did you adjust in Capture One?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nope, I never have and haven’t seen any issues.

[@gewglesux]

Great job u 3.... I still like using a meter.. despite the camera's meter.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@JerryMac1125]

Great Job Guys, Nice Dress Marisa, Oh yea, you look OK too Daniel 😉😁

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊

[@tw9535]

This is one of the BEST light meter explanation videos I've seen. Marisa is really getting it. Great series! One reason to point the meter at a light source (as opposed to the camera) is to get a reading that avoids blowing out your highlights- which could potentially happen the more you turn the meter away from the light to get the reading. One cool thing fancier meters do when mixing flash and ambient (like daylight) is give an instant flash-to-ambient percentage (40% 50% 60% etc.) so if there is a particular mix that you like the look of you can very quickly replicate it. I will always love my meters

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

For sure

[@deltadave44]

would a gray background give you the same exposure reading whether you use "incident" or "reflective"??

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

If it were 18% yes

[@DavidVelezPhotography]

Thanks, Daniel, Marisa and David! Always informative.Always learn something new. Marisa, thank you for asking questions. We all learn!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@TheIrishfitter]

This is excellent!!

[@tedebaer1]

Thank you!

[@wanakoplays8874]

metering for flash? heck yeah count me in!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@mauriziofranzini8418]

Bravo. Argomento importante, descritto in modo divertente.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@DianneCulbertsonJacques]

So, I have a question. I make jewelry and need to take photos. I have window in my studio. How would I use the light meter to maintain a fairly similar "look" throughout my different photos. Some days or time of day the light is different coming through the window. Could I use the light meter to adjust my lights? It would sure save me time!

[@chocloditelensman]

Good explanation. I’ve always pointed the meter toward the light source - especially when reading back lights. Even if you didn’t and guy pointed it toward the subject, it’s only going to vary your exposure about a half stop.

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks for watching

[@arupian666]

Is anyone at this point, NOT madly in love with Marisa ? Such and awesome girl, down to earth, great sense of humor, beautiful girl and just plain fun !

[@angusbrown325]

There are many videos teaching photography, but I like your style very much.

[@danbrowning2418]

This was the simplest explanation of the Zone System I've seen. And you didn't even mention it!

[@waynedennyphoto]

Literally just got a light meter in the mail today, and Marisa was asking all the right questions there at the end that I was having trouble grasping. Really great explanations, Daniel! You made this super clear for me!

[@MrJueKa]

Very well made explanations why and how you should use a light meter and a very good series together with Marisa 👍😊🥂 In analog photography, object measurement should be preferred for negative film and light measurement for slide film, basically to get a proper exposure for each film material. The reason for this is that slide film in particular is exposed more to the lights and is therefore exposed with a bit more contrast, which looks quite good in general, but that is also a question of personal taste. But always remember, if you use the diffuser dome for light measurement, point the light meter from the model towards the light source, without the diffuser dome for object measurement, point the light meter at the model from the camera's point of view. This point was somewhat neglected in the summary explanation at the end of the video. I`m still using my "Gossen Lunasix F" for ambient & flash metering (object/light measurement - flash only or plus ambient light - additing multiple flashes), bought new in the early 1980s and it still works fine for me without any issues in all the many years. It still delivers very accurate measurement results and only used three 9-volt-batteries in the entire time until now. The "Lunasix F" was Gossen's last professional meter with a mechanical moving needle display and the last without a microprocessor.

[@carissagracelynnkaur8924]

Thanks for being the first people to explain this simply! Every other video fails to say exactly what the meter is giving you!!! I'm in my second photo class and nervous that I don't know this yet. You have been a great help.

[@chiraz111]

I absolutely love this team. You two work so well together.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@oshcan]

I'm really enjoying these Videos .Thank you

[@PeteEdmunds]

Great double act. Thanks for these great videos !

[@AtlantaTerry]

Over the more than 65 years of being a photographer, I have used handheld light meters from Weston to Sekonic to Wein to Pentax to Minolta and now, back again to Sekonic. Terry Thomas... the photographer Atlanta, Georgia USA

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

Guys, I will brutally honest.. at first I thought..."oh no.. another silly video on light meters..." boy I was wrong! :) First Daniel, besides knowing your field & being talented, you have a "touch" for teaching in a way that is fun and easy to learn! Marisa... besides being simply stunning and lovely, has the perfect attitude getting involved and asking really good questions... love that she is goofy, that is a quality that shows intelligence & confidence! ;). You two make this a really awesome experience... bravo to the two of you! looking froward the next videos! Thanks! mate! cheers!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@alan.macrae]

👊

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻

[@PeterSzaban]

So Marisa- If the light meter says f/2 and the camera is set to f/4 should you move the light closer or farther from the subject for correct exposure? Bonus question: How much does the light need to move from the subject; twice as far? half as far? more? less? :)

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

👀

[@alexanderpons9246]

What a great video very informative, its good Marissa asked many questions that many people who are not familiar with a Light Meter and Light will have! I have to say when I finally bought a Light Meter(90's) it costed me a lot but it was worth it, I still have it and it works great. One thing Daniel Norton when I first got my Meter I failed to understand the Fan between F Stop and Shutter Speed, causing to be slightly over exposed at times because I didn't pay attention to that the Meter read 5.6 with almost a full Fan which means almost F 8. This series of You and Marissa is great, keep it up and thanks for sharing so much in your Channel!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Oh yes! I sent this meter so that it doesn’t do that though, it just reads in 1/3 stops with no fan

[@herreisenmax]

Hi Daniel, i have a question, does the sensor size affect the numbers when aplying the lightmeter numbers readed into the camera??? Best regards and I'm waiting for the next one with flash. Thanks a lot

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

No it does not

[@micronet67]

Awesome!! Thanks Daniel & Marissa!

[@FTropper]

What is the difference between this lightmeter (which cost around 200$) and a cheap one for 30$? Is it accuraracy, useability?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

I can’t say I’ve ever seen a light meter that was that inexpensive, but to answer your question more generally you are typically paying for longevity, accuracy and additional features.

[@almusur1781]

Great video. Very helpful. Marisa, you ask very good questions. Also, you ask them until you understand; which is helpful for all of us.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

For sure

[@marcvloeberghs881]

Hey Daniel and Marisa thanks for this tutorial on using the Sekonic 308 light meter. I have a question for you Daniel you mentioned the older version as I have where you only can set the shutter speed, but these models came with a second head being flattened on the top and I was told at that moment you would use this second head if measuring directly at the various light sources in order to set ratios if needed. Is this second flattened head not furnished anymore, has it lost it's use?

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

This I’m not sure of, I did not receive one with my meter, perhaps at is available as an accessory

[@dominicwroblewski5832]

I'm old and old school and I believe that a light meter is a photographer's most important tools for any kind of studio lighting set ups. There are photographers with You Tube channels out there that tell their viewer not to used an incident light meter. Needless to say I avoid those channels. I'm retired and do photography as a hobby. I use a light meter in my small home studio because I want good results for what ever I'm shooting.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Nice

[@markschwochow2336]

Informative, thank you. You and Marissa are an entertaining team, I always enjoy the two of you together. And Marissa...😍

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@JasonRenoux]

You are the best duo, teaching photography for free, on the world wide web, hands down :)

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks 🙏🏻

[@ernie28ernie]

Hi Daniel, I have the same light meter, used it for some time and yet learned some nuances, I didn't know. Thanks! Martin

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@garyadams5201]

Thanks Dan + Marissa!! I always use a meter . It has been part of my workflow for two decades. It helps synchronize my workflow. I learned with film, especially chromes (a Fuji Astia 100 fan here). This was fun and informative even though I have been shooting for awhile. Please keep your videos coming! They are great!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@250GTOAJ]

Light meters are still a valid tool of the trade. I use one since 1987 they are handy for tricky situations. She is catching on well, Thanks Daniel and Marisa and Dave!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@kevinsimpson5318]

You all are awesome. Love watching your videos. I always find more inspiration for photography when I do. Cheers.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@js1451]

Daniel you really disseminate information rapid fire. Great work! It shows that you now how to deal with things should they go sideways. I really appreciate you.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@Stone1108]

love this, you teaching Marissa while also teaching your audience and you learning teaching. One big happy learning family, brilliant, keep it coming guys. 💪🏻📸

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻

[@shawnvine4918]

A very nice and clear explanation of how the meter works and the differences between them. Thanks.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@ScottRadfordChisholm]

Marissa is not only a pretty model, but also a talented shooter, she is a quick learner ;) hahahhaa well done Marissa

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@tompwilliams1]

Great explanation of incident metering. Definitely would enjoy one on flash metering.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@Darwenhypnotherapy]

I bought that same meter many years ago,and use it often,especially when metering multiple flash heads,such an ideal piece of kit,great video, love the rapport that you both have.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@damianrobertson9272]

I have never felt the need to use a meter other than a camera one, but this video is the best justification I’ve ever seen of why handheld light meters are useful. Thanks Daniel (and Marisa)

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Cool! Give it a shot, you may find it useful

[@02ajax02]

love the interaction between the two of you quite refreshing, I would be more interested if you are planning to do one where marisa is posing another model in the future and the lanagage/gestures she will use

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Then you’ll be very happy with the next video 😊

[@JimResnikoff]

Very informative.. Nice work guys!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@alangrate5718]

I'm basically a newbie when it comes to artificial light. I've been binge watching your videos to learn technique and get an idea of what gear I should get to start a journey into tethered shots for portraits. I own 2 speedlights, remote wireless trigger, a D850 and a old MacBook Pro. I use LR for editing. I ordered the Tethertools USB cable starter kit and am looking at light modifiers. I want to keep it basic and portable until I see where this goes. I was thinking about a shallow umbrella and a deep umbrella, white, 41" to start. What else should I consider? (I already own 2 Profoto 33" collapsible reflectors - Silver/white and Black/white).

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

The best advice I can give is to shoot with what you have until you reach a point that you cannot do something you want to do. Once you have figured out what it is that you want to do, look for the piece of gear that helps you do it.

[@alangrate5718]

@@DanielNortonPhotographer Thanks!

[@DiegoPereyra]

Is great to see you two, it put a smile on my face. Thanks for the video.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thanks

[@TMM6900]

love this series

[@mattigrafikboi_gametwo]

How long is a light meter?! Great video, Darisa did it again. Love the series.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻

[@mfluder15]

This is good. It’s cool watching Marissa learning new skills.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@srb980]

Very informative Daniel. Thanks

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@paulbivins6483]

Finaly someone to explain how to use a light meter.

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊😊

[@pattymattes7124]

I can't wait until the next video. Thanks!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

😊😊😊

[@alun7006]

A really good explanation - thanks!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@gregarious_one]

Great presentation as always, both of you!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

Thank You!

[@michaelschwaiger2188]

Really helpful - as always. Thank you!

[@DanielNortonPhotographer]

🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@dicklloyd9584]

This is really great content and it's also very easy and entertaining to watch. Many thanks to all involved. Would I be able to use a very old type of light meter with a DSLR and an off camera flash?

[@bruce-le-smith]

i have my grandad's old sekonic from the 1950s or 60s and my cousin who works with cameras in the film industry suggested they can desensitize a bit (i guess like old mechanical shutters can slow a bit?), but he also hinted that you could figure out how to compensate for that. that would be a great / obscure tutorial!