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As an adjunct to the Tangents blog, the intention with this forum is to answer any questions, and allow a diverse discussion of topics related photography. With that, see it as an open invitation to just climb in and start threads and to respond to any threads.
Pointing a Light Meter to the Camera or To The Flash?
HI everyone!
When using a light meter (with a flash off camera) should I meter towards the camera or the flash?
This would be for a fill flash ( around 30% flash ) outdoors for portraits. My light meter is the Sekonic L358.
Thank you,
Sathler,
Australia
When using a light meter (with a flash off camera) should I meter towards the camera or the flash?
This would be for a fill flash ( around 30% flash ) outdoors for portraits. My light meter is the Sekonic L358.
Thank you,
Sathler,
Australia
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Comments
To the camera. It's the exposure you want overall from camera position and if you have the light off to one side a fair way, then meter for the flash, you will have 'correct' exposure on that side of face precisely and the remainder will be under-exposed, therefore negating the 'modelling' you were after in the first place.
It takes a bit to get your head around it, but 99% of the time you want exposure correct from where you are shooting from.
Exceptions could be a strong side light, with moody under, but generally speaking at the camera's position.
Especially in your case where it's only fill.
Even more so that you're thinking here in terms of fill-flash. Then the exact flash exposure is less important. A teensy-tiny less fill-flash won't make a difference.
But to assuage your concerns - test this, and see how much of a difference there is.