Commercial and lifestyle photographer Erik Valind recently answered a question he gets asked all too frequently, “I don’t own a light meter… Do I need one?”
Instead of telling you what you need or don’t need, Erik tells us why he chooses to use one, even with digital:
- Repeatability – Have a lighting ratio you like? With meter readings you can precisely dial it in, time and time again. (Saves Time)
- You take less test/chimping shots, that you’ll have to delete or edit through after the shoot. (Saves Time)
- High Key or Low Key Lighting – Easier to expose for a perfect white or black point when using a light meter. (And you guessed it… SAVES TIME)
- Also it just looks more professional. (Seriously… appearances mean a lot to clients when they’re shelling out the $$$)
Erik meters with a Sekonic L-358, which he loves for its ability to trigger strobes using the optional PocketWizard module. It’s an informative read to learn why Erik Valind uses a light meter.
Read the full article and check out Erik’s photography at erikvalind.com.
