Measuring Light

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We use a lightmeasurer to measure light (duh). Most camera's are equipped with one automatically which makes our work easier. So, before you make a photo, you'll first have to edit the light measurer.

The sensitivity of a film is named as ISO (or the old term ASA or DIN). Low sensitivity is for instance, 50 ISO. That's what we call a slow film. High sensitivity is for instance 800 ISO (ISO goes up to 1600 I believe). In black and white photography, 400 ISO is the most common to use.

The subject you want to photograph is always the point where you measure. If you have a plant in front of a wall and your intention is to get the plant in the picture, then measure on the plant and not on the wall. This is a mistake that is often made and that's a shame because it can cost you picture quality.

Measurement is often influenced by light sources. I made a big mistake once. I had a big lightbuld placed next to my subject. Instead of measuring on my subject, I measured on the lightbulb. Result: A highly over exposed picture.

Most camera's have a little sign in their right corner. Mine gives a green light if the light is good. Some have little meters that tell you the light is good when they are in the middle.

Another good way to measure light, is to use a so called Grey-card. This card reflects 18% light and is the most precise way to determine your lighting.

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