I don’t really understand this new trend of not using a light meter. Ok, let me back up and explain what I’m talking about:
Recently, several well known photographers have mentioned in their blogs that they are no longer using light meters when they shoot. We are talking about professionals here, not some kid with a rebel shooting kitty cats sitting on the answering machine. These photographers are shooting at very generalized exposures, and adjusting by the look on the LCD screen on back of the camera.
Back to my rant. This practice of non-metering (I’m told) is to prevent the technical “crap” from getting in the way of creative photography. We all go through stages during our constant education on photographic technique where the technical side takes away from the creativity of our work. The challenge in being a great photographer is finding a balance between the two. Truly great photography should be extremely creative, and technically spot on. Check out guys like David LaChappelle. His work is technically superior to many of the professional photographers working today, but his work if freaking off the wall. He is utterly wacky.
Anyway, use your light meter. Get the right exposure. Get it right IN-CAMERA and use photoshop to make a good photo that much better, not a crappy image decent.
