Jump to content

Metering Question


Mike Dale

Recommended Posts

I'm getting back into film photography with Hasselblad 503CX. I started metering using an iPhone app which seemed reasonable but I wasn't doing something right so I bought a Sekonic L-758DR. I watched a few video's and read a bit and mostly I'm getting it right. Flash I find is great, I bounce of the ceiling or walls (the flash that is not me) and take a reading and it works out great.

 

What I'm unclear on is Sunrise and Sunset photography. Do I reverse the meter so the dome is facing the sun or is the best way to use the Incident meter pointing to the side of the brightest part of the sky or something else entirely?

 

Cheers

 

Mike

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The L-758DR is a great meter, it serves nearly all metering needs. Are you shooting into the sun, for sunrise and sunset? Or shooting subject lit by the rising or setting sun?

 

If the actual sunrise or sunset is the subject (shooting into the sun), I would spot meter the sun, sky area away from the sun, and important shadow areas in the image. Chances are there will be a large contrast range, and you will need to make a decision on how to fit the scene to the film capability. If shooting a subject lit by the rising or setting sun (shooting away from the sun), I would use incident metering from the camera position, with the dome pointed along the camera axis, provided the camera is in the same light as the subject. If the subject is lit the by the sun, and the camera is in shadow, then I would spot meter like the first example.

Wilmarco Imaging

Wilmarco Imaging, on Flickr

wilmarcoimaging on Instagram

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...