METERING MODES

In compact and DSLR camera we get to see metering mode, many a times when a camera is purchased one gets confused that what is the purpose of metering mode, but in reality the metering mode works better in combination with exposure triangle that we have already discussed , this triangle comprises of Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO. Here also light plays a very important role and it is well said one who masters light, master the photography. It means that one should have in depth knowledge of light. Before this we even talked about white balance and in that also we know that light plays a very important role and we cannot ignore the light key role as the whole photography is based on lighting. Light changes the whole story of a scene in a photo. Metering modes are provided in camera for the user to select the most appropriate mode depending on the variety of lighting conditions

When you see the option of metering , you will notice that there are three options :

• Spot metering 

• Center weighted metering

• Matrix metering

Many a times it is seen that there is great difficulty while detecting the colors for a camera and if the object is not evenly lit then it creates all the more problems and therefore to resolve such condition we have different meter modes and they help in getting the right exposure the scene. If in a scene there is light and dark combination like a white house and a black car in front of that in that situation you have to ajust the exposure and if right exposure is not set then either it will overexpose or underexpose.

Now we will see in detail each and every metering concept in detail.

1. Spot metering- 

you can see that when you focus on a subject a focus point highlights and  only that portion is highlighted. This mode is useful when we know that only that portion of our subject we have to highlight. Very small part of frame is highlighted where we keep our focus point in this metering mode. This mode works better when the main subject is more brighter or darker as compared to it’s surrounding. In this metering we can shoot birds, when the brightness is more behind the subject and the moon photography is also possible.To understand this we can see in the image below, how much area of the image it highlights.

 

Spot Metering Exposes the small part

2. Center-weighted metering-

In this metering mode the middle portion of the image is highlighted. This mode is considered good for head shot portrait photography this is even good for still life or food photography. This metering doesn’t consider the whole frame of the image only the center of the image is exposed. To understand this we will see below in the image the center- weighted metering area.

Center-Weighted Metering exposes the middle portion of the image

3. Matrix metering- 

This metering mode is by default and the whole frame is exposed in this metering. This works better where the subject and the environment is evenly lit. This is a general mode which is mostly preferred and it is also recommended to keep your metering on matrix metering because at the time of situation when you are not aware of what metering has to be selected for the scenario, it is better to keep it in matrix only. Below is the image showing matrix metering area.

Matrix Metering Exposes the whole image.

This is a good way to practice on a particular subject shooting under the same light condition with different metering mode and then changing the lighting direction, you don't have to rely on anything just use sun as a light source and arrange your subject accordingly. Then take shots with different metering modes.

Your comments means a lot to me, if you know something more than this or have some suggestion on the basis of your own experience then you are most welcome.