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Photography Question 

Justin Mifsud
 

metering landscapes half lit and half shadowed


How do you meter a landscape that is bright at the top, and quite shadowed at the bottom? Specifically mountains. Is it better to use a handheld light meter, or the one in the camera? Should I be exposing for the highlights or shadows? I used slide film last time and only 1/2 of the picture came out. The shadowed parts were completely black.


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October 31, 2004

 

Ryan Chai
  Well, I am going to assume that you did not spot meter on a midtone aka 18% grey. . .

If you do that, the highlights and shadows should fall into their proper place. UNLESS the highlights are more than about 2 1/2-3 stops brighter than midtone, if that is the case your highlights will be blown and you should use a grad ND to balance the scene.

Am I making any sense???
Hope I helped,
Happy shooting!


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November 01, 2004

 
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