How can you use spot metering to improve your exposure?

1 What is spot metering?

Spot metering is a type of metering mode that your camera uses to measure the light in your scene and set the appropriate exposure settings. Metering modes are different ways of calculating the average brightness of your scene, based on the light reflected by the objects in your frame. Most cameras have several metering modes, such as matrix, center-weighted, and spot. Spot metering is the most precise and selective mode, as it only measures the light in a small spot, usually about 2-5% of your frame. This means that you can ignore the rest of the scene and expose for a specific area or subject.

2 When to use spot metering

Spot metering is useful when you want to expose for a small or important part of your scene, and you don't care about the rest of the image. For example, you may want to use it when you are shooting a portrait, and you want to expose for the face of your subject, regardless of the background. Or, you may want to use spot metering when you are shooting a high-contrast scene, such as a sunset or a silhouette, and you want to expose for the highlights or the shadows. Spot metering can also help you create dramatic or creative effects, such as overexposing or underexposing certain elements in your image.

3 How to use spot metering

To use spot metering, set your camera to the spot metering mode. Depending on your camera model, you may find this mode in the menu, on a dial, or on a button. Once you have selected the spot metering mode, you need to point your camera at the area or subject that you want to expose for. This is usually the center of your frame, but you can also move your focus point to another spot. Then, you need to press the shutter button halfway to lock the exposure, and recompose your shot if needed. Alternatively, you can use the exposure lock button (AE-L) to lock the exposure without pressing the shutter button. Finally, take your shot and check the results on your LCD screen or histogram.

4 What are the advantages of spot metering?

The main advantage of spot metering is that it gives you more control over your exposure, and allows you to expose what matters most in your image. Spot metering can help you achieve accurate and consistent exposure in challenging lighting conditions, such as backlighting, low light, or mixed light. It can also help you create artistic and expressive images, by highlighting or hiding certain elements in your scene. Spot metering can make your subject stand out, or create a mood or atmosphere in your image.

5 What are the disadvantages of spot metering?

The main disadvantage of spot metering is that it can be tricky and time-consuming to use, especially if you are shooting fast-moving or unpredictable subjects. It requires you to be precise and careful with your metering point, as a slight change can affect your exposure significantly. Spot metering also requires you to lock your exposure and recompose your shot, which can slow you down and make you miss some opportunities. Spot metering can also result in overexposed or underexposed images, if you are not aware of the contrast and dynamic range of your scene. It can make your image look unnatural or unrealistic, if you are not careful with your exposure compensation.