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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Light metering with DSLR question
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AuthorThread
Nikon D700
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 03/10/2011 03:50:24 PM · #1
Hello,

Is it possible to use my D90 metering the way one would use a handheld light meter?

For example: When trying to blow out a white BG while attempting a portrait, one should obviously meter the bg light to be a stop or so "brighter" that the light hitting the subject. I've seen vids of people metering the bg at say...f11 and the subject at f16 to achieve this effect.

Is it possible to do the same with my camera meter or am I just stuck with trial and error each time?

Thanks,

Kenny
Canon EOS-50D
Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0 L IS
 03/10/2011 03:57:31 PM · #2
Ken

Your camera cannot work the same way as a light meter. Your camera reads reflective light off your scene as a light meter reads incident light that falls onto your subject. 2 different light and readings.

The only way is trial and error. Take notes, mental or written, on where your lights are positioned in relation to the background and the power setting. The exposure will be the same when you set it up exactly the same way.

Leo
Canon EOS R5
Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS
 03/10/2011 03:59:42 PM · #3
Sure. The most accurate way is to meter using only the center point, and use a gray card. Meter on the card with it at the subject, and again at the background. Set a manual exposure at the subject, then watch the indicator in the viewfinder to see how far the BG is above (or below) the subject illumination.
Nikon D700
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 03/11/2011 12:32:57 AM · #4
Thanks to both of you.

LVicari...I'm planning on doing some free portraits for family in order to learn the lights and your tips on the re-setting up will come in handy because it may take many sessions to get my family done !

Kirbic....I came home and set up in my garage and used your tips for a photo. Can't show it b/c a version of it will go into one of the next challenges.

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