For decades prior to the invention of TTL light metering, photographers relied on handheld light meters to measure the illumination on a scene and adjust the camera’s exposure accordingly. However, with the advent of digital cameras and the LCD screen on the back, photographers now had instant feedback and a more efficient way of working. This made handheld light meters almost obsolete, except for photographers who require precise lighting control.
Handheld light meters come in two types: incident light meters and reflective light meters. An incident light meter measures the amount of light falling onto a scene, while a reflective light meter measures the amount of light reflecting off the scene. Incident light meters are more common, and they are often used by photographers on shoots to ensure accurate exposure. Reflective light meters, on the other hand, provide exposure suggestions based on the tonal values of the objects in the scene, which can sometimes lead to different readings.
In practice, incident light meters are easier to use and understand. They are particularly useful for new photographers who don’t have to worry about compensating for different subjects with varying tonal values. Reflective light meters, also known as spot meters, were popular with landscape photographers in the film era and were used to achieve precise and desired exposures.
To use a handheld incident light meter, first set the ISO and aperture values you want to use and read the recommended shutter speed. If you’re using a flash, make sure your meter is equipped to read flash. Position the meter in the same lighting as the scene you’re photographing and press the button to measure the illumination falling on the subject. For portrait photography, position the meter in front of the subject’s face for a reading. For architectural interiors or window-light portraits, position the meter in various places throughout the scene with the sensor aimed toward the camera.
To isolate the key light and get an accurate meter reading, use your hand to shade the meter from the fill light. If you add reflectors or fill lights to the scene, take new readings after each addition to ensure an accurate measurement of all the illumination. To isolate individual light sources and understand the ratios between them, position your hand or body to block the key or fill light from reaching the meter. You can also turn off other lights to meter one element at a time.
Handheld light meters are particularly useful for portrait lighting, as they allow you to measure the highlight and shadow sides of the subject’s face and determine the contrast ratio. This ensures accuracy and helps achieve a desired lighting look. With a handheld light meter, you can trust that what you see is what you’ll get and avoid surprises or disappointments when reviewing your images.