When it comes to capturing the perfect shot, understanding your camera’s metering modes can make a significant difference.
One such mode, centre-weighted metering, is particularly useful for photographers who often find their subjects in the centre of the frame. But also when you measure the light, freezing the measure by either using the manual setting or holding the AE lock (Hold) – exposure locks at the half press of the shutter button and remains locked even if you take multiple shots, and this way getting the selected exposure. The lock releases after the camera is inactive for a time or releases when the AE-L/AF-L button is pressed again for most cameras.
Let’s dive into what center-weighted metering is and how to use it effectively.
What is Center-Weighted Metering?
Center-weighted metering is a method of measuring the light in a scene to determine the optimal exposure. Unlike other metering modes that consider the entire frame or specific focus points, center-weighted metering prioritizes the central area of the frame. This means that the camera evaluates the light primarily from the middle portion of the image, giving less importance to the edges.
When to Use Centre-Weighted Metering
This metering mode is particularly useful in situations where your main subject is in the center of the frame, and you want to ensure it is properly exposed.
When taking portraits, the subject’s face is usually in the center, or you measure and reframes. Center-weighted metering ensures the face is well-exposed, even if the background is significantly lighter or darker. This method is valid for a lot of my photography and can be adjustred up and down according to the scenery.
