Metering is an essential tool for photographers to ensure that their images are properly exposed. Metering is the process by which the camera measures the amount of light in a scene and calculates the appropriate exposure settings, including shutter speed, aperture, and ISO. There are several metering modes available on most cameras, including evaluative metering, centre-weighted metering, spot metering, and partial metering. In this article, we will explain what metering is, how it works, and the different types of metering modes available to photographers. 

What is Metering? 

Metering is a process by which the amount of light in a scene is measured by a camera. The camera uses either an internal sensor or the image sensor to detect and measure the light that is reflected off the subject in the frame. This measurement is then used by the camera to determine the exposure settings required to capture a properly exposed image. The process of metering is an essential aspect of photography. This is because it allows photographers to ensure that their images are neither too dark nor too bright, but rather properly exposed. By using the metering function, the camera can accurately determine the correct aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings required to achieve the desired exposure for a given scene. 

How does Metering work? 

The way metering works is by measuring the light that is reflected off the subject in the scene. The camera's metering system takes an average reading of the light in the entire frame. In addition, it can take a spot reading of the light in a particular area of the frame. The camera then uses this information to determine the exposure settings required to capture a properly exposed image. The metering process involves measuring the brightness, contrast, and colour of the scene, and using this information to adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings. The camera's internal metering system can take readings in fractions of a second, which enables photographers to capture images quickly and efficiently. The use of metering in photography is essential. This is because it helps to ensure that images are properly exposed, and it also provides photographers with increased control over the final output of their images. 

What is Metering Mode? 

Metering mode refers to the different ways in which the camera can measure the light in a scene. Most cameras offer several metering modes that the photographer can choose from depending on the shooting situation. The camera's metering system can take readings from the entire frame, a specific area in the centre of the frame, or a smaller spot within the frame. Each metering mode uses a different algorithm to calculate the exposure settings required to capture a properly exposed image. Let's look at some of the different kinds of metering modes below: 

Evaluative Metering 

Evaluative metering, also known as matrix or multi-zone metering, is a metering mode used by many cameras that measures the light in the entire frame and takes into account the brightness, contrast, and colour of the scene. The camera's metering system analyses the scene and divides it into multiple zones, then evaluates the brightness, contrast, and colour of each zone to determine the exposure settings required to capture a well-balanced image. 

Evaluative metering is a versatile metering mode that is well-suited to a wide range of shooting situations. It is particularly useful in scenes with complex lighting, such as landscapes or cityscapes, where there are bright and dark areas within the frame. In these situations, evaluative metering can help to ensure that the final image is properly exposed and has a balanced tonal range. 

Evaluative metering is also useful in situations where the subject is not in the centre of the frame. This is because it takes into account the entire scene and not just the centre of the frame. This can be particularly helpful in candid photography or street photography, where the subject may be moving around the frame. 

Centre-Weighted Metering 

Centre-weighted metering is a metering mode used by many cameras that measures the light in the centre of the frame and gives more weight to the light in the centre of the frame than to the light in the surrounding areas. The camera's metering system calculates the exposure settings required to properly expose the subject in the centre of the frame and then applies those settings to the entire image. 

Centre-weighted metering is particularly useful in situations where the subject is in the centre of the frame, such as in portraits or still life photography. In these situations, centre-weighted metering can help to ensure that the subject is properly exposed and has accurate skin tones. 

Centre-weighted metering can also be useful in situations where the subject is surrounded by bright or dark areas, such as in backlit situations or when shooting against a bright background. In these situations, centre-weighted metering can help to balance the exposure and prevent the subject from being underexposed or overexposed. 

One disadvantage of centre-weighted metering is that it can be less accurate in scenes with complex lighting or where the subject is not in the centre of the frame. In these situations, evaluative or spot metering may be a better choice. 

Spot Metering 

Spot metering is a metering mode used by many cameras that measures the light in a small area of the frame, usually in the centre of the frame. The camera's metering system calculates the exposure settings required to properly expose the subject within the spot metered area and then applies those settings to the entire image. 

Spot metering is particularly useful in situations where the subject is in a high-contrast area of the frame or where the overall scene is too bright or too dark. By taking a reading from a small area of the frame, spot metering can help to ensure that the subject is properly exposed. This is true even if the surrounding areas of the frame are much brighter or darker. 

Spot metering is also useful in situations where the photographer wants to take a reading from a specific part of the subject, such as the face in a portrait. By using spot metering on the subject's face, the photographer can ensure that the face is properly exposed. This is even if the rest of the frame is much brighter or darker. 

One disadvantage of spot metering is that it can be less accurate in scenes with complex lighting or where the subject is not in the centre of the frame. In these situations, evaluative or centre-weighted metering may be a better choice. 

Partial Metering 

Partial metering is a metering mode used by many cameras that measures the light in a larger area of the frame than spot metering, but smaller than centre-weighted or evaluative metering. The camera's metering system calculates the exposure settings required to properly expose the subject within the partial metered area and then applies those settings to the entire image. 

Partial metering is particularly useful in situations where the subject is in a high-contrast area of the frame, but not in the centre. By taking a reading from a larger area of the frame than spot metering, partial metering can help to ensure that the subject is properly exposed. This is even if the surrounding areas of the frame are much brighter or darker. 

Partial metering is also useful in situations where the subject is not in the centre of the frame. However, the photographer still wants to take a reading from a larger area than spot metering. This can be particularly helpful in wildlife photography, where the subject may be moving around the frame. The photographer needs to quickly adjust the exposure settings to keep up with the changing lighting conditions. 

One disadvantage of partial metering is that it can still be less accurate in scenes with complex lighting or where the subject is very small within the partial metered area. In these situations, evaluative or spot metering may be a better choice. 

Partial metering is a versatile metering mode that provides photographers with a balance between the precision of spot metering and the wider coverage of centre-weighted or evaluative metering. It can be particularly useful in situations where the subject is in a high-contrast area of the frame or where the subject is not in the centre of the frame. 

What is metering mode in photography - conclusion

Understanding metering and metering modes is critical for photographers who want to take control of their exposure settings and create well-exposed images. By using the right metering mode for the situation, photographers can ensure that their subject is properly exposed, even in challenging lighting conditions. Whether you are shooting portraits, landscapes, or wildlife, knowing how to use metering effectively can help you to create stunning images. This will capture the beauty of the world around us.