How to Choose A Metering Mode

Even advanced photographers sometimes get a bit lost on how to choose a metering mode to give their shots just the right exposure. Just for emphasis, the metering mode is used to measure the brightness of the shot you want to snap. Advanced photographers know that getting the exposure right can mean a lot between an average photo shot and an outstanding photo shot.

Digital cameras are equipped with auto-exposure metering modes so that the camera automatically measures the light available for the scene, calculate the proper exposure needed, and then make the necessary lighting adjustments for your photograph. The discrepancy arises when the camera is not intuitive enough to select the right exposure while using Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority or Programming mode.

As the photographer you can make manual adjustments to the metering settings on your digital camera so that you get the desired exposure on your shots. The metering modes available for you to choose from will differ based on the camera you are using. Some compact digital cameras and digital SLR cameras are equipped with metering modes such as center-weight average metering, multi-segment, and spot metering.

Here are some tips on how to choose a metering mode that is right for your shot:

Photo by Ettlz

Multi-segment Metering

This mode of metering is also known as honeycomb metering and evaluative metering. It is an advanced through-the-lens (TTL) metering system that assesses simultaneous readings from several areas in a frame then selects the right exposure for the shot.

This mode is more suitable for doing quick shots when the photographer needs to obtain a light reading for a scene that will be snapped in a hurry. Multi-segment metering is also suitable when shooting scenes where there is a lot of light and shadow contrast. Some digital cameras are able to use this mode to address lighting issues such as backlighting so that it automatically does the exposure adjustments.

For cameras with this mode connected to their autofocus system, the multi-segment metering mode is able to identify the exact location of your primary subject in the frame.

Spot Metering

This metering mode is suitable for taking shots of back-lit subjects. Weighting is done based on the center of the shot you wish to make. This mode is best used for achieving exposure on specific areas of a scene when the background lighting is brighter or darker than the subject of your shot.

Tip 3. Center-weighted Average Metering

This metering mode is suitable for capturing subjects that are brightly lit for which you want to gain the correct exposure in relation to its surroundings. Center-weighting does not correct backlighting, so the photographer will need to take more care when using this metering mode. Advanced photographers tend to favor this mode as it allows them to comfortably apply their own exposure compensation knowing the camera will not counteract their settings by trying to auto-adjust.

Partial Metering

This metering mode takes up approximately 10 percent of the viewfinder, and can be considered as a less accurate version of spot metering. The area covered is not as small as that covered in spot metering. Partial metering mode is an excellent choice when taking shots where the lighting around the subject is lighter or darker than the subject itself. The exposure will be spot on once the lighting for the subject is not too light or too dark.

Autoexposure Lock

Autoexposure lock (AEL) mode is an excellent choice when shooting scenes with a high contrast between light and dark areas. You can address that contrast by locating an area of the scene with midtone brightness, then point the camera at that area. Activate AEL, allow the camera to focus and lock the area of midtone brightness.When that is done the scenes you snap will have that exposure until you decide to unlock it.

AEL makes a great combination with partial and spot metering mode when addressing the metering mode for a small area in a scene. It is also good to use in situations where the lighting may fool the camera’s metering system.

Once you have learnt how to choose a metering mode that is best suited for the shot you want to make, you will find it easier to snap fantastic pictures.