Measuring light

To calculate correct exposure the intensity or level of light has to be measured. Light is measured
by a light meter. Understanding the metering techniques of both hand-held light meters and those
found in most cameras using their own metering systems is an important skill. All light meters
inform the photographer of the amount of light available to obtain an appropriate exposure. This
information can be used to set aperture and shutter speed settings in a variety of combinations.
Each combination will give different visual outcomes whilst retaining the same overall exposure.
Aperture will determine depth of field, shutter speed will determine motion blur. Working in
a creative medium such as photography ‘correct exposure’ can sometimes be a very subjective
opinion. The photographer may want the image to appear dark or light to create a specific mood.