ABSTRACT
When you take a light meter reading of a subject you are taking an average reading between the light and the dark tones you have framed. The meter reading is accurate when there is an even distribution of tones, or the dominant tone is neither dark nor light. It is very important that you ‘compensate’ or adjust the exposure when the framed area is influenced by a tone that is dark, light or very bright. If your subject is in front of a bright light, such as a window or the sky, the light meter will indicate an average reading between your subject and the very bright tone. The camera’s meter will be influenced by this tone and indicate an exposure setting that will reduce the light reaching the film or image sensor. In these situations you have to override the meter and increase the exposure to avoid underexposing the subject.
