How to Use a Light Meter for In-Studio Portraits

Struggle using a light meter? Well in this video, I show you how simple and easy it is to get started using a light meter for your in-studio portraits.

We are using a Sekonic light meter in this video.

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[GB-AK]

Good video about using a light meter. I purchased one a few months ago for multiple flashes and am glad I did. Good point about what you see on your screen. At first I thought my light meter was not measuring correctly but then in light room I realized it was.

[seemamiah]

Thank you so much, this video (out of all the many I've watched 😅) finally taught me how to use a light meter.

[mhcb]

So glad I discovered your channel! I am watching your videos in chronological order, so this video is where I currently am (9/24/23). I was weened on hand meters as far back as 1972. I purchased a Hasselblad. Since it was strictly mechanical, I bought a hand meter. In 1985 I purchased my first set of studio lights (Novatrons!!), so I also purchased a Minolta Flash Meter IV, which I still own today, and it still works flawlessly. I did buy a Sekonic L-758DR several years ago, specifically since it also had a built-in 1 degree spot meter. For studio work today, I can use either meter, as they're within 1/10 stop from each other. I practice the same metering techniques as you, including "dome in" for precise strobe measurement. And, I agree whole heartedly with all your reasoning and methodology.
Not sure about your L-470, but my L-758 can be programed to measure in full, 1/2, or 1/3 f-stop increments. I set it to 1/3 f-stops specifically so that the meter mirrors the exact same f-stops as my camera, or any modern day camera. This also limits the 10th stop readings to no more than 2/10. After 2/10, the f-stop reading will simply change to the next actual f-stop. My Minolta only reads in full stops, so I get 10th stop readings from 1/10 to 09/10 with it!

That said, I'd like to make one suggestion about this tutorial - and that would be, in the future, to elaborate a bit more on the meter's capability of measuring in 1/10th stop increments. Newcomers to flash meters would not be aware that these meters can actually measure in 1/10th stop increments, and may find your discussion a bit confusing.

[nelsono]

another on point video, Sal. I've been using a light meter since my film days. And you are 100% right when you say that the image on the back of the camera will lie to you. For me a light meter is worth the cost. Thanks

[thecreativeclass]

I’m a light meter novice. It didn’t occur to me that you had to turn off all the lights off except the one you are measuring. Duh!

[JCImagesBehindtheShot]

Did a quick search of how to use a light meter and, not surprisingly, yours was the best. Exactly what I was looking for.

[gamkagan]

Love your explanations. Can you make a YouTube about reading the histogram

[JavRodPhoto]

Finally I can start using mine. But I can’t get it to go to 200 from 250. Do you use yours on 250 ?

[chiragdarji]

PLEASE MAKE A VIDEO WITH MODEL WITH PRACTICAL WITH LIGHT METER IT WOULD BE GREAT HELP THANKYOU SIR

[reneweisz]

I grew up using lightmeters and know how to use them. I don't use them anymore (still have one) Why not? because lightmeters will not give me the mood that I am after. I set my lights one at a time. But that's just me. The best thing is, is what works best for each indivitual.

[godspoweretim]

Wow.... Great information on the usage of the light meter... Tbh I almost skipped the video.😂😂
I have never used a light meter before. I would have to give it a try... Tbanks Sal. I love the video. I hope Sekonic gets you that light meter btw

[kennypringle]

I do use a Sekonic 308 light meter for indoor portraits. I like it👍

[Shotsbyluis]

One thing i learned is that Westcott has an app for the lights that you can use to trigger the lights and more

[Sparty]

Sekonic for studio work here, it would be great to get a video on using a light meter outdoors. Signed,
Grasshopper

[carolinamaristad]

Nice video but I still have 1 question!! I just bought the sekonic L 478Dr Lite master pro. I have godox flashes, but I wonder if it works the same. How can I adjust the parameters of the flash to get a right exposure? I got lost... I have never used a light meter before... hope to hear from you❤❤❤ Hugs from Norway

[ZPOLLAK]

What would those settings look like if you were trying to shoot at 1.2 with your 85mm? Flash output would be way down, I assume? Is it safe to say that, if you have a F stop in mind, you are trying to match the power levels on the flash to trigger the F stop reading you are looking for?

[artetaphotography]

Hi Sal, the video is perfect, but I do have a stupid question. On a multi light setup, the f stop on the camera, after measurements, should mirror the key light, correct?

[vankadaru]

While shooting indoor we will set the exposurex settings to cut off ambient light and then add flash power accordingly how to handle this situation??

[patlecat]

I used a lightmeter since I was 16. It's just a better life with them. But Sekonic is costly alas.

[matthazlettfilms]

Are all the additional lights one stop different than the main light? Or do those very depending on which light