Using a Flash Meter in a Photographic Studio

Why does using a flash meter cause such fear and trepidation with amateur photographers when they decide to use a photographic studio? So much so I know of guys that work with continuous lights rather than flash because of their fear of the dreaded flash meter.

I assume a lot of this apprehension is generated when they read books on studio lighting, or watch ‘How To use a studio’ type DVD’s. The truth is that it really isn’t that complicated at all and anyone can use a studio flash meter easily and simply thus allowing you to take great pictures.

I know that with your digital camera you can see the pictures in the view screen on the back, but when working in a studio it’s hard to see exactly what you are taking unless you upload them onto your laptop. The truth of the matter is you should still use a meter which will get you to the right starting point so you should be able to control shadow and highlight detail. So for those of you that want to know read on.

Flash meters come in many makes and then each make has many different models, however that doesn’t matter as long as you know how to alter the settings on the unit and fire it. In use they all do the same thing. The flash is fired and the meter gives you a result, which tells you what setting aperture you should set your camera too.

First you will need to set the ISO on the meter so it is the same as your camera, next you need to set the shutter speed and I always suggest for the beginner set this to 125. That is all the settings you need to make. All flash meters have a white dome which you point toward the light with the back of the meter close to your subject. Then fire the flash and the meter will now tell you what aperture you should set your camera at.

It really is as simple as that and not a mystery at all, of course the trick to great studio pictures is setting the studio lights up so you produce the modelling of light and dark you require. If you have a simple 2 light set up – to start switch on one light only and fire the flash adjusting it until the flash meter reads f11 as your aperture setting. Turn this light off and turn your second light on and set this one so your meter reads f5.6 a two stop difference. This basic setting will give you super pictures to get you started and help build your confidence in a studio. Naturally you can move on from there and there are lots of simple tips and tricks pro’s use to keep it all simple.

Paul Tyler has been writing articles on the subject of using photographic studios and working with models having been working as a successful glamour photographer for over 30 years. You can read his book that explains how you can take great glamour pictures with your Digital SLR without all the jargon. http://www.bookofglamourphoto.com/bookof.html.

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Blog dombowerphoto.blogspot.com In this video i give my review of the flagship nikon portable flash head the sb900 speedlight(SB-900). I have had this flash for over 3 months now and think i have had enough experience to give a good balanced review hope this helps regards dom bower www.dombower.com
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