Spot metering is a photography technique that measures the exposure of a specific area in the image instead of the average exposure of the entire frame. The spelling of the word "spot metering" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /spɒt ˈmiːtərɪŋ/. The first syllable, "spot," is pronounced with a short "o" sound followed by a "t" sound. The second syllable, "metering," is pronounced with a long "e" sound, a "t" sound, and an "ing" sound.
Spot metering is a photographic technique used in cameras to measure the amount of light falling specifically on a small area in the frame. It is a metering mode that aims to accurately expose the subject in tricky lighting conditions, particularly when there are significant variations in brightness within the scene.
Unlike other metering modes such as matrix or center-weighted metering, spot metering allows the photographer to isolate a specific area to obtain a more precise exposure reading. The metering area is typically a small circle or dot at the center of the frame, covering about 1-5% of the total area. This small sampling area helps to eliminate the influence of brighter or darker surroundings and ensures that the metering is based solely on the desired subject or spot.
Spot metering is commonly used in situations where the subject is backlit or surrounded by high contrast elements, such as landscapes with a bright sky. By metering the most important part of the image, the photographer can retain the details and tones in the subject without being affected by the brighter or darker background.
To use spot metering effectively, the photographer needs to aim the spot metering circle or dot directly on the subject, lock the exposure by holding the shutter release halfway, and then recompose the image as desired before fully depressing the shutter button. This technique allows for precise control over exposure and is commonly employed by professional photographers to achieve accurate and balanced exposures in challenging lighting situations.
The word "spot metering" comes from the combination of two terms: "spot" and "metering".
The term "spot" refers to a small, specific area or point. In the context of photography, it refers to the practice of measuring the light intensity at a specific spot or area of the scene. When using spot metering, photographers typically select a specific point or spot in the frame to measure the light accurately.
The term "metering" comes from the word "meter", which refers to a device used to measure something. In the case of photography, metering is the process of measuring the amount of light in a scene to determine the correct exposure settings.
Combining these two terms, "spot metering" refers to the method of measuring light by focusing on a small spot or area in the frame, allowing for more precise exposure control in specific parts of the scene.