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Are you struggling to capture perfectly exposed photos with balanced tones, deep shadows, and highlights full of detail? It a common problem that we often address in post-processing tutorials. Today, however, we’re taking a close look at how a camera’s meter-mode setting will greatly impact the look and feel of every image you shoot.

Instructor Jimmy West is an accomplished micro-four-thirds shooter whose goal for this 13-minute primer is to break down Matrix (ESP), Center-Weighted, and Spot metering, and demonstrate how each mode affects the images you capture in different ways. He also promises that learning how to meter with intention will change the way you shoot, whether the subject is a landscape, street scene, or environmental portrait—even when harsh light is the challenge at hand.

West also shares the metering mode he uses most and explains how this one, quick setting “helps me capture more consistent and creative images without relying upon post processing. Sometimes making the perfect shot isn’t about what’s in front of you, but rather how you use it.”

The bottom line is this: The mode you select helps determine how bright or dark your photo will be, and getting this wrong can lead to blown highlights, crushed shadows, or results that don’t resemble what you saw through the viewfinder. The proper choice, on the other hand will quickly solve these problems and others while enabling you to imbue images with the exact mood or effect you’re after.

First up is the camera’s default Matrix mode (also referred to as ESP or Multi-Segment). West explains that this option “measures light across the entire frame, evaluates the scene, and attempts to find to find a balanced exposure for the image.” Most of the time this works quite well, but the camera can be tricked when there are both bright highlights and deep shadows within the frame.

This is where other oft-ignored metering modes are preferable, and West explains when, why, and how to make the right choice. As you’ll see, choosing the most-appropriate mode is definitely not a set-it-and-forget-it operation. In fact, it’s truly an essential consideration for every image you capture.

West’s popular YouTube channel is a great source of straightforward how-to videos that explain a wide variety of common photography techniques.

And on a related note, be sure to watch the tutorial we featured with another experienced educator who demonstrates how to manage high-contrast scenes properly and create balanced exposures when shooting photographs in hard-light conditions.

This short Q&A with Karen Williams contains four insightful gems of advice that might help you fulfill your photographic ambitions to unimaginable levels. Dive in! It’s a three-minute read that could constructively shift your focus and put you smackdab on the track to success.

Karen Williams is a super-successful photo editor and creative director. She’s directed shoots for WIRED, AARP, Masterclass,  Barron’s, Airbnb many others. Karen is founder/CEO of Black Visual Queen, and has written an insider’s guide, The Photo Hustle, that could be your key to breaking into brand photography or expanding your career in enormous ways.

Shutterbug drafted questions we thought you’d ask if given a three-minute conversation with an established and prosperous insider, someone who has experienced the barriers, rejections, successes, and ultimately the achievement of an established career in brand photography. Not a photographer herself, Karen Williams is the tour guide who can explain what you must do to get your proverbial foot in the door.

Q: Shutterbug:  As a leading professional photography success story, who overcame gender and racial barriers, what is the single most important piece of advice can you offer photographers who aspire to become successful professionals?

A: Karen Williams – Know your why. Why photography? What moves you to pick up the camera day after day, even when it’s hard or uncertain? That deeper purpose — the emotional connection to your craft — is what will guide you through the ups and downs of the creative journey. For me, photography has always been about storytelling, representation, and creating space for perspectives often left out. That “why” became my anchor when the doors didn’t open easily — especially as a woman of color navigating a predominantly white, male industry. Your “why” is what gives your work soul and your career direction. It keeps you grounded when things get tough and focused when things start moving fast.

Q: Shutterbug:  What is the single most important action(s) that aspiring photographers should regularly practice to improve their chances of success?

A: Karen Williams – Shoot every day. Even if it’s just with your phone. Photography isn’t just a technical skill  — it’s a way of seeing. And the only way to refine your eye is through consistent practice. Think of it like a musician doing daily scales or an athlete training before a big game. The more you shoot, the more you learn about light, composition, emotion, and timing. The greats didn’t get there by accident — they showed up, even on days when it felt pointless. Build that habit and, over time, your visual style will emerge — and that’s what people connect with. It’s not about perfection. It’s about momentum.

Q: Shutterbug:  Every road to success is obstructed with incidents of rejection and/or failure. What insightful advice can you offer our readers regarding dealing with rejection, beyond the standard “hang in there”?

A: Karen Williams – Rejection isn’t personal — it’s directional. In this industry, “no” is part of the job. And honestly? If you’re not hearing no, you’re probably not putting yourself out there enough. The key is mindset. I’ve learned to reframe rejection as “not yet” rather than a final judgment. Maybe the timing was off. Maybe it wasn’t your client. That doesn’t mean your work isn’t worthy. Keep showing up, keep refining your craft, and keep putting yourself in rooms — virtually or otherwise — where your work can be seen. The right opportunities will find you when you’re aligned with your value and your vision. Persistence is powerful when it’s fueled by purpose.

Q: Shutterbug:  Where can our readers purchase your book?

A: Karen Williams – You can find The Photo Hustle wherever books are sold! It’s available on Amazon, Bookshop.org (for those who want to support independent bookstores), and directly through Mango Publishing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your commercial photo career, this book is your roadmap. It’s packed with insider tips from my years as a photo editor for brands like Netflix and Wired, plus real-world advice on pitching, pricing, building your brand, and navigating the industry. If you’ve ever felt like the business side of photography was a mystery — this book is for you.

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Visit our Gallery section and spend five minutes or less uploading your best shots once a week. You might even become a Shutterbug Photo of the Day photographer!

In the Galleries, you’ll see the incredible work of thousands of photographers from around the world. We encourage you to add your own images to our ever-growing collection. It’s an excellent platform to connect with other photographers and share your knowledge and passion for photography.

(If you’re worried that submitting images to the Photo of the Day gallery might be complicated, it’s not. Check out these short 1-2-3 directions.)

 

—Jon Sienkiewicz

Photo credit, Karen Williams’ portrait:  Katie Thompson.

 

Venus Laowa has just released the 15mm f/4.5 1:2 macro lens available for Nikon Z, Canon EF, Sony E, Nikon F, Canon RF, and L-mounts. Venus is well-known for making a variety of unique macro lenses, and this 15mm f/4.5 macro is another one. It has a maximum magnification of 1:2, which at 15mm will give a distinct look to your macro shots.