EXPOSURE -Grey card metering versus palm metering

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Spathletics

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Hello Everyone!

Just joined - looking forward to making the most of the forum! :)

Just wondered if anyone had any ideas/opinions about palm metering...

I know that it is possible to use your palm instead of a grey card to meter for exposure settings. Whilst I understand some experimentation will be needed to establish the amount of adjustment needed (ie if you have a particularly pale skinned palm or a dark skinned palm) in general, adjusting the exposure by one stop to compensate for the brightness difference between one's palm and the grey card is said to work.

I can see that in general, this might be a quick way to take meter readings if one is stuck without a grey card, but does anybody find it is particularly useful for their photography?

I take a lot of portraits - I was wondering... if a subjects palm is similar in colour to their face, could one just meter off the face. I guess I need to experiment and just build experience, but does anybody have any of their own experiences in this area? Has anybody found it really useful? I'd be really interested in your opinions!

Thanks in advance :thumbs: Look forward to hearing from you!
 
The idea of using your hand as a grey card is that it is always available. As to whether it is light or dark depending on complexion race etc is not relevant, it is going to be a constant value. It is the constant value that enables the setting of a correct exposure.

To be pedantic, take a reading from a grey card, then your hand and use exposure compensation to get to the same value, then all you have to do is remember that exposure compensation for future reference.
 
Hi Ken,

Thank you very much for your swift and informative reply - very much appreciated!

Katharine
 
A business opportunity comes to mind - a grey card glove ;)

Al
 
Spathletics said:
Hello Everyone!

Just joined - looking forward to making the most of the forum! :)

Just wondered if anyone had any ideas/opinions about palm metering...

I know that it is possible to use your palm instead of a grey card to meter for exposure settings. Whilst I understand some experimentation will be needed to establish the amount of adjustment needed (ie if you have a particularly pale skinned palm or a dark skinned palm) in general, adjusting the exposure by one stop to compensate for the brightness difference between one's palm and the grey card is said to work.

I can see that in general, this might be a quick way to take meter readings if one is stuck without a grey card, but does anybody find it is particularly useful for their photography?

I take a lot of portraits - I was wondering... if a subjects palm is similar in colour to their face, could one just meter off the face. I guess I need to experiment and just build experience, but does anybody have any of their own experiences in this area? Has anybody found it really useful? I'd be really interested in your opinions!

Thanks in advance :thumbs: Look forward to hearing from you!
Click to expand...

Remember that the face tans and the palm does not, which is why the palm is a good constant reference, as well as being handy of course :exit:
 
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