Incident Meter vs. Reflected Meter

Attribute	Incident Meter	Reflected Meter
Measurement method	Measures the light falling on the subject	Measures the light reflected off the subject
Placement	Placed near the subject to measure incident light	Placed near the camera to measure reflected light
Accuracy	More accurate in determining the actual light falling on the subject	May be affected by the subject's reflectivity and color
Use	Commonly used in outdoor and studio photography	Commonly used in studio photography

Introduction

When it comes to photography, light metering is a crucial aspect of achieving the perfect exposure in your images. There are two main types of light meters commonly used by photographers: incident meters and reflected meters. Each type has its own set of attributes and advantages, which we will explore in this article.

Incident Meter

An incident meter measures the amount of light falling on a subject, rather than the light being reflected off the subject. This type of meter is often used by portrait photographers, as it provides a more accurate reading of the light that is actually illuminating the subject. Incident meters are typically handheld devices that are pointed towards the light source to measure its intensity.

• Accurate readings of the light falling on the subject
• Less affected by the color or reflectivity of the subject
• Useful for studio or controlled lighting situations
• Helps avoid overexposure in backlit situations
• Requires direct access to the light source

Reflected Meter

A reflected meter, on the other hand, measures the light that is reflected off the subject. This type of meter is built into most modern cameras and is commonly used for general photography. Reflected meters measure the light in the scene and provide a reading based on the tonal values of the subject and background.

• Conveniently built into most cameras
• Provides a reading based on the subject's tonal values
• Useful for quick and spontaneous shooting situations
• May be affected by the color or reflectivity of the subject
• Can lead to overexposure in backlit situations

Comparison

Both incident and reflected meters have their own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different types of photography. Incident meters are ideal for situations where the light falling on the subject is more important than the subject itself, such as in studio portraits or controlled lighting setups. They provide accurate readings that are less affected by the color or reflectivity of the subject.

On the other hand, reflected meters are more convenient for general photography, as they are built into most cameras and provide readings based on the tonal values of the subject and background. However, they may be less accurate in situations where the subject is highly reflective or the background is significantly brighter or darker than the subject.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both incident and reflected meters have their own unique attributes that make them valuable tools for photographers. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific shooting situation and the photographer's preferences. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each type of meter, photographers can make informed decisions to achieve the perfect exposure in their images.