FIGURE C

The Sekonic L558R DualMaster is a combination light/flash meter. Click picture for a larger image.

Where to use
Exposure meters can be used in virtually any photographic setting where you want to ensure you get the perfect exposure. Ideally, they're suited to studio-type work, but they can be used outdoors, and even in action shots. How can you use an exposure meter in an action shot? It's quite simple actually.

The secret to using an exposure meter on an action shot, and getting that perfect exposure, is to have your shot pre-planned. Let's take for example, a snowboarder getting air off a mogul. You would be in your pre-planned spot, waiting for your subject to come down the hill and grab some air.

Since everything about this shot is controlled up to the moment you're ready to trigger the shutter, you can use a stand-in for your target and take the reading from this stationary substitute. With the appropriate reading, you can now set your shutter speed and aperture to get the perfect shot when that snowboarder comes down the hill and sails over your head. This same technique can be used in any number of situations where you want to make sure you get the right exposure, but only have one shot at getting it right.

An exposure meter is an indispensable tool for any photographer who wants to get every shot right, every time. Which type of meter you get depends primarily on the type of photographs you take. If available-light photography is your preference, then a flash meter won't do you much good. And if you shoot a lot of flash photography, a standard light meter won't fit the bill. If you sample a little bit of both in your routine photography, then a combo meter is clearly the way to go. In either case, a good exposure meter will ensure you get the proper exposure for every shot. Good luck and good shooting.

For more than 20 years, David Gewirtz, the author of Where Have All The Emails Gone? and The Flexible Enterprise, has analyzed current, historical, and emerging issues relating to technology, competitiveness, and policy. David is the Editor-in-Chief of the ZATZ magazines, is the Cyberterrorism Advisor for the International Association for Counterterrorism and Security Professionals, and is a member of the instructional faculty at the University of California, Berkeley extension. He can be reached at david@zatz.com.