How to Use a Light Meter
A light meter is a necessary photography tool in the quest to have properly exposed photographs. Today, most digital cameras have built-in light meters that measure the amount of light; however, handheld photography light meters are preferred over built-in devices. Learn the intricacies of how to use a light meter to produce quality, professional-looking photographs.
First: The difference between analog and digital
A light meter reports results, displayed with either an analog meter or digital meter. An analog meter shows a needle over a scale that sways forwards and backwards with the varying amounts of light, resting on the given reading. Digital meters show the readings in a digitized format and usually include sophisticated computerized extras. Digital meters process the information to give you the correct exposure based on what settings you chose.
Second: The handheld option
Handheld light meters measure light in a slightly different way than cameras with built-in light meters. They measure two types of light; incident light is the direct light that falls on a subject, and reflected light is the light that falls on a subject and reflects off of it. Handheld light meters measure both, increasing efficiency and giving you the best photographs possible.