The Ultimate Guide to Light Meters for Cinematography
Find full-length BTS on Patreon:
The long-awaited light meter video is here! It’s DENSE with tons of info; once you start to understand a concept, re-watch it again. Then 3 times more. I basically rolled up 1.5 of my college cinematography courses in 18 minutes. It’s a lot of info.
I believe this is one of the most in-depth videos on light metering on YouTube. I’ve always been frustrated with the lack of available resources for aspiring visual storytellers (specifically cinematographers) in regards to light metering, so I grabbed a bunch of friends and we made our own. There are plenty of light meter photography videos, but none that cover the vast expanse that is filmmaking. Exposure is so much more than taking a peek at the waveform and checking false color; it’s about understanding how using light can supplement your story.
In this guide, I’ll walk through 5 different ways I utilize my light meter on set including incident metering, spot metering, exposure compensation, ISO 1/2, and ∆ EV.
Check out each individual scene here:
If you have questions, drop them in the comments below. I’m happy to clarify all the technical mumbo-jumbo from the video.
How to read a waveform:
KINETEK:
KY Productions:
Other great light meter videos:
A Tale of Two Meters:
Arthur Woo - Do you need a light meter for video?
Features of the newer L-858:
Using a Light Meter:
Win a Sekonic L-858 Speedmaster
Giveaway details:
HUGE THANKS TO MY AWESOME CAST/CREW
B camera: Jeremy Le
C camera: George Mentchoukov
AC: Fausto Darquea
AC: Tyler Stefanelli
Stills: Mike Paragas
Grip: Blake Gilmore
Grip: Shane-Mark Gallo
Audio: Q
Model: Savanah Joeckel
Model: Danny Shepherd
Gear used in this video:
Sekonic L-858 (Light Meter):
ColorChecker Video (Color chip/grayscale):
Camera
Sony FS7 (A, B, C camera):
a7R III (D camera):
128GB XQD (FS7 media):
Metabones Speedbooster (Lens adapter):
FS7 Extension Unit (Timecode Generator):
Tentacle Sync E (Timecode Generator):
Wooden Camera UMB-1 (Matte box):
Schneider RHOdiums (ND .3-2.1):
HyperCore 150 Gold Mount (camera batteries):
Miller CX8 (tripod):
Inovativ Scout 42 (camera cart):
AFFILIATE LINKS
YouTube Gear
Camera:
Lens:
Microphone:
Key light:
Modifier:
Check out my LUT pack here:
My Favorite Variable ND for 4x5 matte boxes:
(use code ’ISTHATARED’ for 20% off)
My favorite on-set comms:
Video gear I use:
Find me on social media:
#isthatared
1 view
208
54
2 weeks ago 00:43:28 1
Stop Learning French & Start Speaking! | French Speaking Tips for Beginners | Frenchy Tales
3 weeks ago 00:03:30 1
The Ultimate Military Smartwatch: Tougher Than Your Workout, Smarter Than Your Phone! - YouTube
4 weeks ago 00:01:46 2
MARVEL ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 3: The Black Order — релизный трейлер (Nintendo Switch)
4 weeks ago 00:53:11 1
Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On (PBS Documentary)
4 weeks ago 01:27:32 1
The Ultimate Funk Rock Playlist for Road Trips
4 weeks ago 00:00:26 1
Dwayne Johnson dancing with a supermodel in pub at AGT #agt #therock #shorts #ai #americagottalent
1 month ago 00:02:17 2
Ball Drop Madness | Political AI Music Video
1 month ago 00:00:00 5
Relaxing Jazz Instrumental Music & Cozy Rainy Ambience 🌧️ Smooth Jazz for Stress Relief, Unwinding
1 month ago 00:00:00 2
MACRON IRA JUSQU’AU BOUT DU CHAOS : IL FAUT AGIR ! | LA MATINALE GPTV
1 month ago 00:02:00 1
Everest Base Camp Trek: Ultimate Guide to Reaching the World’s Most Famous Base Camp
1 month ago 00:01:24 1
Musical Mayra | Mayra Artist Singer | Mayra Artist Singer Instagram
1 month ago 00:41:23 1
I Took My Teacher to a Deadly Uninhabited Island To Survive
1 month ago 00:03:05 1
Roku Ultra 2024: The Ultimate Streaming Beast – Faster, Louder, Smarter! No More Lost Remotes! - YouTube
1 month ago 00:03:41 1
Action Junkies, Your Ultimate Cam is Here – Meet the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro! - YouTube
2 months ago 01:53:58 1
Decision Of Faith | FULL MOVIE | 2012 | Drama, Inspiring Thriller
2 months ago 00:03:03 1
Brake Job Hassles? NOT TODAY! Meet the Ultimate 4-in-1 Caliper Tool That Does It All! - YouTube
2 months ago 00:03:59 1
P!nk - Just Like A Pill (Official Video)
2 months ago 00:03:37 1
The Ultimate Self-Cleaning Cat Litter Box – Because Scooping Stinks! - YouTube
2 months ago 00:03:30 1
Retro Meets Revolutionary – The Ultimate 70s-Inspired Polarized Sunglasses for Modern Legends! - YouTube
2 months ago 00:02:01 2
🇺🇸 Sunny Day in Miami Beach 4K
2 months ago 00:10:04 1
EDM Club Mix Electric Dream [Future Pulse Remix] |Booster Upbeat Bass 2025|
2 months ago 00:03:26 1
Pack Like a Pro: Ultra-Light, Space-Saving Packing Cubes for Stress-Free Travel! - YouTube
2 months ago 00:32:43 4
Faith & Obedience | World Mission Society Church of God
2 months ago 00:00:00 1
Relax Your Mind with Spa Music 💧 Gentle Water Sounds for Massage, Stress Relief, Deep Sleep