The topic of this weekend’s photography challenge comes courtesy of my daughter. It’s summer and currently there is no one to play with. Here I sit on the chair in front of the computer, being no help. And honestly, I think kids should be bored once in a while to learn how to deal with it. But my parenting advice aside…
This week’s topis is: Bored.
Along with the Bored subject, this weekend I want you to concentrate on experimenting with various Metering Modes. Didn’t know your camera has different metering modes? It’s time to learn them and what they can do for your creativity.
Post a link to your entries in the comments section below. At stake are 20,000 Totally Useless Points. I know you want them, Josh.
Gosh darn it all! I tried to use the metering modes and couldn’t see any difference in the photos I took. Went back and re-read the blog you did and still didn’t have any success. Does it only work inside? My photo’s were taken outside…I am too embarrassed to post a link to them…THAT bad!
Monstermum,
The metering modes will have the biggest effect when you have a lot of contrast in your scene. Think of a bride and groom, dressed in white and black, standing at an alter. If using matrix or evaluative metering the dress will be less white than it should and the suit won’t be as black. If you use spot metering and point it to the bride’s dress, it will darken the whole scene because of all the white. If you point it to the black suit of the groom, it will brighten everything.
Not all scenes will see a big difference, so don’t be discouraged. If shooting outside, try using spot metering and pointing into a shadow on a sunny day. You will start to see the importance then.
Or here’s an experiment you can try. On a sunny day, have someone wear a baseball hat and stand about 10′ away from them and use matrix/evaluative metering. Then use spot and point it to their face (this works best at noon). You will see a big difference there.
Keep at it!
I also had some trouble noticing the subtle differences between the metering modes. But, I was outside and the lighting was rapidly changing between sunshine, white clouds, and thunderstorms; I image that didn’t help. Nevertheless, I knew exactly what I wanted to be evaluated, so I used spot metering on my friend Josh in this picture: http://yfrog.com/z/kg5z38j
[Details: 1/400, f/4, Spot Metering, -1 exp comp, ISO 400]
Josh,
#1, nice shot. #2, that scene doesn’t seem to have a lot of differing lighting in it and, as you note, doesn’t see much change. Shoot in the middle of the day with some shade around, like on Pearl Street at noon.
Spot metering can be used well in the shot you had to lock on a person’s face, make sure they are properly exposed, and then let the rest of the rock and background do what it will.
#1, Thanks! #2, I’m pickin up what you’re puttin down. I’ll give this another shot on a sunny day & report back.