Is a light meter worth it

[jasevk]

As I'm now enlightened, I must say that I'm a light meter convert.

While I'm able to 'chimp' my way along, William was able to demonstrate just how fast it was to measure exposure for the highlights and shadows, then balance with ambient light. Considerably faster than i was able to 'chimp' over the line.

And that's not to mention the fact that if you have a model who's either being paid, or paying for the session, to me nothing looks more amateurish than the photographer fumbling around the back of a camera.

So I'll be buying a light meter this week I think, it just makes everything so darn easy...

[Longshots]

Amd thats what my point is. not trying to prove anyone is right or wrong, but simply what works and what is "useful".

[maccaroneski]

I've been wanting to buy one for a while. Anyone want to save me the research and fuel my laziness with a recommendation?

[jasevk]

The Sekonic L-758DR is a pretty amazing piece of gear! You can calibrate it to your camera/lens combination, and it has a built in wireless trigger compatible with pocket wizard

[viscountvics]

how would I use light meter if i'm only using small strobes? I usually trigger my flashes using the Nikon internal commander mode.

do you think the light meter can trigger my flashes? (sb-600 and sb-900)

thanks for the awesome tips so far

[Darey]

Hey Tony,
I have a Seconic L358 and I think it is well worth having, you are welcome to try it any time.
Pop in on the way home from work and have a nice espresso when you pick it up.

[jasevk]

Hey Tony,
I have a Seconic L358 and I think it is well worth having, you are welcome to try it any time.
Pop in on the way home from work and have a nice espresso when you pick it up.

There you go Tony... How can you knock that back??

[jasevk]

do you think the light meter can trigger my flashes? (sb-600 and sb-900)

The light meters have a sync cord jack, you could hook up to your master unit, or try using a cheap wireless triggering system like the cactus IV, plugging the trigger into the light meter via a small sync cord may work?

[ricktas]

Some light meters can also be set for studio and will take a reading from the 'flash' as well. Mine sits there waiting and when the flash occurs it takes the reading. Nice and easy.

[ricktas]

how would I use light meter if i'm only using small strobes? I usually trigger my flashes using the Nikon internal commander mode.

do you think the light meter can trigger my flashes? (sb-600 and sb-900)

thanks for the awesome tips so far

Huh? You ask this when your website describes you "professional photographer currently based in Melbourne, Australia. I am specializing in fashion and portrait photography." If you do not know the answer to this already, I would be very surprised, as I would think any fashion photographer would need to be very able in the use of lighting.

[jasevk]

Huh? You ask this when your website describes you "professional photographer currently based in Melbourne, Australia. I am specializing in fashion and portrait photography." If you do not know the answer to this already, I would be very surprised, as I would think any fashion photographer would need to be very able in the use of lighting.

Well, perhaps he has mastered the process of 'chimping' we've been discussing? If so, I don't see why being a professional means he should be already proficient in the use of a light meter. The discussion above demonstrates that there are a couple of options to managing studio lights, with the conclusion being that use of a light meter is a more efficient way to balance flash and ambient light... but not necessarily the only correct method.

[Geoff]

I was sceptical for the longest while, but when consistancy is the key I've discovered (the hard way) that a light meter is essential.

I use mine primarily in studio to set a ratio and exposure on key, fill and background lights quickly. Also use it to measure light consistancy across full length portraits (lookbooks typically) - if it's important to have even lighting then it is a big help.

If I'm outdoors, I chimp away. If I'm shooting a personal project that isn't a set of images (i.e. I'm playing around with lighting ideas) then I usually just chimp and note what I think worked.

[BuDWiZe]

after talking to a professional photographer by the name of frank doorhof i went and got a sekonic and im really glad i did it amade things quick adn easy for me. now i just set up, click the meter, get a reading, adjust setting on the ranger r if i need to and start shooting so im happy and it makes things spot on accurate

[JayR]

given im doing portable studio sessions with multiple flashes and balancing with other lighting, i definitely like using a meter to at least begin with.
Shooting in RAW also seems a little more forgiving though.

[Brodie]

It's an interesting topic, I think it just comes down to personal preference now. Works better for some than others, and it can depend on what you're shooting. If you cant afford one though, i wouldnt be worried about one.

I wrote a little article why I dont use one, and included a couple links to other professionals who have written short articles on the topic as well. They are worth a read. Find it HERE.