So many wayward photographers, so little time. Seriously, those of us who think we can get by without a separate meter are kidding themselves. Just ask Kirk Tuck. His recent column in ProPhotoResource.com very methodically, thoroughly and understandably explains why the “no meter” concept is a myth. He goes on and tells you how to profile your camera’s light transmission and dynamic range. Want to lift your quality up to a new level? Read on.
Well…. not so live, but Mark Wallace just posted videos from the show floor. Jump to 2:54 to see Sekonic
Mark and Phil talk about the best light meter for the beginning studio photographer plus radio triggering frequencies in the USA and Europe, and how to identify what you need.
Bill Crawford and Ed Hidden of StudioLighting.net interviewed Phil Bradon, Product Marketing Manager for Sekonic on their popular and informative podcast LightSource. Skip to about halfway through the podcast to learn more about:
History of Sekonic
Balancing ambient and artificial light
Using meters to create lighting ratios
How to use the lumisphere
Why you need a flash meter
Why your camera’s meter does not work for strobes
Sekonic L308 entry level flash meter
Sekonic L358 flash meter
Sekonic L758 features
Advantages of spot meters Sekonic Digital Transfer Software
Why you need a light meter in the digital age
Calibrating your Sekonic light meter
When you use the lumisphere Sekonic Blog and educational content
Color meters from Sekonic
Accurate balancing color with a meter
Mr. D. Rodgers from Ontario, Canada has the right idea. In four simple steps he proved the concept that Sekonic meters can be more accurate than the behind-the-lens meter. No more bracketing! Spouse grateful he didn’t buy a Maserati! Simple, yet works beautifully. Check it out and shout “woo hoo” after you read it!
We seldom think about the still photographer on a movie set. That’s the shooter responsible for images that can be used in advertising, public relations and marketing. They’re critical to the successful campaign promoting a film. Alas, but the role of the still photographer is a tough one. Michael Seto, NY-based photographer, has spent a lot of time on sets and knows whereof he speaks. His second blog on set photography explains how the 358 is an important part of his arsenal. Action!
Mark Wallace, a master of making complicated things look and sound simple, has delivered yet another of his brilliant how-to-videos. Yes, you guessed it. It’s all about lighting ratios. You’ll understand why it’s so important, how to control it and what results you can expect.
You can also see this video on his blog or in HD on Vimeo. How cool is that? As readers know, we’ve featured Mark twice before (here and here), from his “Digital Photography One on One” series. So, set up the your lights, get out the Sekonic, and follow Mark’s sage advice. We’re just kidding about the Martini. You have to stay alert in class.
Digital video, and the HD explosion that has ensued, erroneously makes filmmakers think they don’t need light meters any more. Here are the words of three professionals who explain why that’s a myth. Stu Maschwitz, director, author, and accidental technologist (his words) eloquently explains the consequences of not using a meter at his blog.
J. Van Auken addresses the same subject, focused more on lighting ratios. Both explain concepts very clearly and emphasize the additional problems when transferring to film. And finally, Kendall Miller (via Fresh DV) weighs in on why you need to calibrate your meter and how to do it. Kendall also speaks clearly and with authority. Thank you, gentlemen.
Mark Wallace of SnapFactory made a GREAT video about balancing ambient and flash with the Sekonic L-758DR – very instructional, very detailed. Learn and enjoy. Thanks, Mark! Be sure to browse his blog – it’s chock full of video goodness. He runs a knockout workshop series, too.
Also can be viewed on StudioLighting.net, makers of the (awesome) LightSource podcast, and Vimeo
Sekonic is proudly sponsoring the “Beauty and the Beast” seminar tour with portrait and lighting superstars Hanson Fong and John Woodward. At only $59.95, we think this is a real deal for an all-day seminar. Plus, you get to see Sekonic in action We like that, too.
First date on this 6-city tour is Secaucus, NJ on August 18. We hear seats are selling out fast, so sign up quickly!
Program highlights include:
Lighting Ratio Demonstrations
Metering Techniques
The Art of Posing Family Groups
The Wheel of Self-Assessment
Compositional Study Guide
Facial Analysis
Portrait, Glamour and Modified
Glamour Lighting Forms
Digital and The Power of Raw
Color Management and its Importance
10 Basic Poses
Flow Posing
We like that, too. 
