Re: light meter?

The tools and techniques may change, but the principles of light and exposure remain the same. In contrasty situations, if you have the opportunity, a good meter, such as those available from Sekonic, can be used to take an incident light reading (reading the light falling on the subject instead of what's reflected off it) will give you a more accurate reading. In a pinch, and much more economically, go to a good camera store and buy an 18% gray card. Put it in the picture and take a reflected reading off of it, the effect is the same as an incident reading. Buy a couple of cards as they are usually cardboard and will wear out. You can also buy two-sided cards, white and gray, to take exposure and set white balance.

Joel Servetz
RGB Media Services, LLC
Sarasota, Fl
videobyjoel@aol.com