Spot Meter - How?

[rnwhalley]

Landscape Photographers like Joe Cornish seem to swear by using a spot meter. In fact in Working the Light one of his top 5 tips is "Buy a spot meter and learn how to use it".

Well I have a spot meter and know how to point it and take a reading. I can identify areas of tone that I want to come out as a mid tone and then adjust the exposure to control the results. I understand (or think I do) the zone system. But what am I missing?

I have seen some great results using nothing more than available light and good exposure control. Why can't I produce such results and why don't I trust my meter?

Does anyone know of a good tutorials and sources of information about how to spot meter creatively? Or about light meters in general for that matter?

Any help greatly appreciated.

 

[CT]

Sorry - but this sounds a bit like saying "I have exactly the same kit as Joe Cornish (or David Bailey or whoever else your favourite tog is) but I can't get anywhere near the same results"

From your post it sounds as though you do have a grasp of basic metering techniques, so it's difficult to see where your problem lies without some examples?

A Google search on 'Spot Metering Techniques' should throw up lots of good reading for you.

 

[Janice]

There is of course one more piece of kit that you need..... it's called "the eye" !!

 

[simonkit]

I use spot metering on my DSLR frequently & find it's a great way to have a full overview of the lighting across the scene - as mentioned though it's just another tool, doesn't seem to work for me like Joe Cornish either :shrug:

simon

 

[jork45]

I to have a spot meter and would appreciate any members tips,thanks in advance....John