Know a little bit about film lighting, but can't quite grasp the concept of using light meters to measure light for proper exposure? You can't rely on your video camera to accurately capture what you see, so you need light meters to properly and accurately capture what you hav ...more
This cinematography tutorial video provides the basics of working with a photographic light meter as well as how to read the meter. A light and flash meter is nothing expensive. All you need is something that will measure the light and your flash. Most light meters are relativ ...more
A light meter can prove to be an invaluable tool on any film set, allowing you to quickly and efficiently set lights and know the correct exposure values of those lights. Light meters were initially designed for still photographers and cinematographers can easily calibrate the ...more
Mark Wallace explains how to use a light meter, how it works (incident and reflective meters), and what type to purchase. Use this for still or motion cameras.
When reading a hand-held light meter, make sure the ISO setting is correct and point the cone of the meter toward the subject to get an accurate reading. Learn how to read a hand held light meter with the tips in this free instructional video on photography tips from a profess ...more
In this Fine Art video tutorial you will learn how to use a Polaris incident light meter. The meter has a power, mode, ISO control and a multi flash exposure buttons. On the side you have the up / down and the trigger buttons. Power on the light meter. Select the mode, say amb ...more
If you want to get a good exposure on a shot, there's nothing so useful as a good light meter. But, as useful as a light meter can be, it won't do you any good unless you know how to use it properly. Learn how with this free video photography lesson from Kerry Garrison of Came ...more
This short video is of Steve Brunsberg, producer at SPNN, showing us how to use a light meter for video and television.
Not all cameras come with a flash, and not all cameras have the flash you need. That's where external light and flash meters come in handy for dark or low light shooting situations. In this video tutorial, learn how to usa an external flash like the pros.
Explore the universe in your microwave. Measure the speed of light with chocolate. The wavelength of light creates hot spots in the microwave that you can measure to show the speed of light. Chocolate has never been so useful.
This tray of chocolate has been cooked in the microwave. Robert Kramf measures the distance between the hot spots that appeared on the surface of the chocolate to find the half distance between the wavelengths the microwave emits. This can be extrapolated by millions to find a ...more
All waves in the electromagnetic spectrum (light, x-rays, radio waves, microwaves, etc.) travel at the speed of light c=299,792,458 m/s. For any wave, the wavelength times the frequency yields the speed: ?? = c Microwave ovens operate by creating a standing wave inside of th ...more
Measuring the amperage, or number of amps, in an electrical circuit requires a tool called a multi-meter. They are somewhat difficult to use, but fortunately for you this video explains in great detail how multi-meters work and what you need to do to ensure that they work. The ...more
In this video you will learn how to manually white balance a Nikon camera using the Ba-lens. Paul Franklin explains in a few simple steps. First take the lens cap of the appropriate size and put it on the lens. Then go to the camera and set the meter to spot meter he says its ...more
Apple has implemented a new sensor on the rear camera of its fourth-generation iPad Pro, and it's pretty exciting. It's called the LiDAR Scanner, a scanning "light-detection and ranging" sensor, and you may very well be acquainted with it if you follow any driverless car news. ...more
For developers and makers getting started with augmented reality, Intel is lowering the barrier to entry for its RealSense line of sensors. On Tuesday, Intel revealed the RealSense SR305, a short-range depth sensor available for pre-order at just $79. Don't Miss: Mimesys Bri ...more
Solar panels are an amazing invention. Catching energy from the Sun before it even enters Earth's food chain, photovoltaics are like an all-natural nuclear power plant. Unfortunately, the constituted parts of a solar panel are rare, valuable, and subject to the coercive forces ...more
"I'm Rey." That's what a lot of people will be saying again this Halloween, as Rey costumes are sure to be another favorite of trick-or-treaters and cosplayers. Yes, on Oct. 31 we all have a chance to be the scavenger of Jakku who just so happens to be the "new hope" for a Jed ...more
Three new iPhones means you have to make a choice: Do you go with the smaller iPhone XS, the larger iPhone XS Max, or the cheaper iPhone XR? There's lots to like about each model, but if you want to make an informed decision, it's time to learn what each has to offer. Here's w ...more
Apple's successor to the iPhone X is a beautifully made smartphone with much of the same characteristics, including a 5.8-inch OLED screen, two storage choices, and Face ID. But many features set the iPhone XS apart from its predecessor, as well as the other 2018 lineup of iPh ...more
One of the big hurdles when equipping vehicles with sensors for autonomous driving is the cost. For example, the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors that power many versions of self-driving car technology are pricey, currently ranging from around several thousand dolla ...more
One major component of Level 4 and Level 5 driverless cars is in very short supply. Venture capitalists and engineers from around the world are racing to fill the LiDAR production, price, and performance void. Production of LiDAR sensors is seeing months-long production bottl ...more
The iPhone XR has touched down alongside the XS and XS Max, and it utilizes tried and tested materials found on the iPhone 8, while being molded in the same vein as the iPhone X. The budget-friendlier flagship comes with its own set of design elements to set it apart from its ...more
In this jam-packed October, the Huawei Mate 20 Pro has flown under the radar in the US. Due to Huawei's lack of presence in the States, many are unfamiliar with the second largest OEM in the world. Huawei has continuously put out amazing mobile devices, and this year they rele ...more
What started as an accessibility setting for hearing aids turned out to be a super helpful tool for anyone with a good set of Bluetooth headphones. The problem is that most iPhone and iPad users still don't know about it. If you're one of them, you need to see what this underr ...more
With smartphone cameras and software getting better and better every year, more and more users are getting passionate about photography. So when you're shopping for a gift to get someone, if they have a smartphone, chances are they'll more than appreciate some tools and access ...more
Apple has four iPhone models for the remaining months of 2020, but the most impressive ones are the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. While the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 mini are great smartphones, the "Pro" models offer more advanced features, especially for photographers an ...more
Get better exposures by understanding how your camera's light meter sees a scene, and how this relates to histograms.
This automotive video tutorial will show you how to test an instrument cluster on a BMW E38 car. IT will show you how to activate an instrument cluster test on a 1995-2001 BMW 7 Series (E38). First, you'll need to turn the headlight switch to any position, and hear the sound ...more
Every once in a while you're going to run into an odd meter song, and one of the most common is 7/8 (7 eighth notes per measure). If you listen to a lot of Frank Zappa then odd meter is nothing new to you. If you're not familiar with odd timing, or are having trouble lining up ...more
Solving a Dilemma This is a simple how-to for a cost effective drip irrigation system for your garden. My motivation to set up my garden for drip irrigation was pretty simple. In the summer, it gets to 90+ degrees outside, and my 50’ garden hose didn’t reach the far extents w ...more
In this episode of Digital Photography 1-on-1, host Mark Wallace goes in depth on the subject of light metering and flash balancing. Making use of a Sekonic light meter, Mark shows how to read the light levels in a room, and explains how to interpret those readings in order to ...more
Looking to get your family together somehow? Why not a family portrait? It's both a great keepsake and as an excuse to get everyone together. In this video, learn how to snap a great family portrait. You Will Need: • A large group of family members • A camera • A tripod • ...more
Portraits come in all shapes and sizes, but follow a few basic guidelines and you'll set the scene for a beautiful and professional shot. You Will Need * Work or studio space * A camera * A tripod * A backdrop or natural environment * Lighting equipment (preferably two light ...more
When setting the shutter speed and aperture of a camera, use a light meter to take a reading, then set the aperture or shutter speed, depending on which is more important for the photograph. Set the shutter speed and aperture of a camera with the tips in this free instructiona ...more
This is an absolutely fundamental concept and is important to development as a filmmaker. It's a really simple pice of shorthand that cinematographers and gaffers use to keep track of lighting setups across different shooting days. It's called a lighting ratio or a contrast ra ...more
A spectrometer is an optical instrument used to measure properties of light over a specific portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This video will show you how to make a spectrometer out of a cereal box and a compact disc. This spectroscope is sure to amaze your kids for a n ...more
Learn how to make sparks with steel wool wire and a battery in simple steps. You will need thin steel wool, string wire, a battery with two terminals on top and scissors . First measure a meter of string wire and cut it out using the scissors. Now wrap the string wire around t ...more
Giveaway Tuesdays has officially ended! But don't sweat it, WonderHowTo has another World that's taken its place. Every Tuesday, Phone Snap! invites you to show off your cell phone photography skills. Submit your best shot to our weekly competition for a chance to win an awes ...more
Learn to make a tasty, elegant crab salad dish that's as easy as it is delicious! Add about 8 ounces of backfin cooked crab meat with any bones or cartilage removed to a large bowl. Measure 2-3 heaped tablespoons of light mayonnaise and toss gently with crab meat. Chop about 1 ...more
This video shows you how to measure the length of someone's sleeves precisely. For it, you will need a meter, and to keep your arm straight, near your body. Begin measuring from where the arm starts, where the shoulder naturally begins to curve. Measure straight down the arm u ...more
55-year-old Peruvian inventor, Eduardo Gold, was one of 26 winners of the "100 Ideas to Save the Planet" competition of 2009. His winning plan? To whitewash a mountain in order to restore it to a glacier. Some consider it a simple yet brilliant solution, others consider it fo ...more
Obtain finely powdered iron oxide (rust), aluminum, and a thin strip of magnesium. Mix them together in a 8:3 ratio (iron oxide: aluminum) in a ratio by weight. [Note that the since aluminum is so light, it will appear that it is about a 50-50 mix by volume]. Pour the mixtur ...more
Scientology Minister Marlene Coates demonstrates the E-Meter, the much discussed electronic instrument used in Scientology Counseling sessions. Ms. Coates shines the light of truth and simplicity on a much misunderstood, yet invaluable tool of the trained Scientology Practitio ...more
Norwegian designers Timo Armall, Jørn Knutsen, and Einar Sneve Martinussen visually capture invisible WiFi signals by light painting signal strength in long-exposure photographs. The trio set up a four-meter long WiFi-detecting rod with 80 LED bulbs to depict cross-sections th ...more
Running on a track might be a little repetitive, but it’s also easy, even and a simple way to measure your pace. You Will Need: * Comfortable running shoes * Athletic clothing * A full water bottle * A standard 400 meter track Step 1: Check when the track is open Check to s ...more
I finally got around to trying out another one of Will's mad science experiments and found out that this one was actually more satisfying (and less frustrating) than my slightly uncooperative jar jet. There's something very pleasing about making potassium nitrate at home in th ...more
In this video, we learn how to use the Solarmeter 6.2 for reptile habitats. This is the most accurate hand held meter on the market. Make sure you use UV blocking sunglasses while using this. This type of light will provide the reptile with needed vitamin D. Make sure you set ...more
This video is from the Dummies video series. The video will describe the process of replacing a standard light switch with a dimmer switch. First you must pick a dimmer switch that has the capacity to control the light fixture you would like to dim. Add up the wattages of all ...more
If you don't work in construction or are a woodworking master, you probably aren't entirely sure what all those marks are on a tape measure. Sure, you likely know the basics, like there are 12 inches to a foot, but what are all those little tick marks for? Don't let all those ...more
Calculating The Area Of A Parallelogram A parallelogram is a 4-sided shape formed by two pairs of parallel lines. Opposite sides are equal in length and opposite angles are equal in measure. To find the area of a parallelogram, multiply the base by the height. The formula is: ...more
National Ignition Facility What is the NIF? Located in California, the NIF is a large facility housing two humongous lasers. The facility is part of the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Basically, NIF's main purpose is to focus lasers on a small, compressed amount of h ...more
Ever thought your flashlights weren't giving out enough light? Well, change that; watch this video tutorial to see how to make the world's brightest LED flashlight. You will need a vohm meter (volt-ohm meter), wire, thermal paste, a Dorcy flashlight, a soldering iron, and a 90 ...more
Why buy lanterns for your backyard when you can recycle empty jars into beautiful ones? This video will show you how to make lanterns out of old jars. Step 1. Wash and dry Wash glass jars in hot, soapy water and let them air dry. Step 2. Make templates Cut templates out of ...more
Okay, so it's a gigantic ad. It still looks amazing. Below, a Tron Legacy skate ramp in Melbourne, Australia, created by interactive agency ENESS: "Each rider is equipped with an ipod and our custom-built app to measure their air time and trigger graphics whilst in the air an ...more
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to use the Digital Lux meter. The meter is packed in a carrying case. Begin by removing the unit and the plastic cover from the sensor. Then install the 9V battery. This device has 3 settings and has a hold function. To use it, move th ...more
Nuts and Bolts present how to lay a west Australian natural stone. When beginning the laying of any tile or stone, it is very important to make sure the first stone is perfectly straight. So, the first step is to measure from two walls and get the dead center of the room. They ...more
For some of us, cooking rice ain't easy. If you're getting gooey rice, you're doing something wrong... but have no fear. Cooking perfect rice is easy once you learn how. Follow these steps for light, fluffy white or brown rice every time. You Will Need: • Long-grain rice • ...more
Taking a group portrait can be a pain. Here’s how to make it go as smoothly as possible. Check out this Howcast video tutorial on how to take a group portrait. You Will Need * A camera * An external flash * A tripod * A group of people * And a large room or space * Wide-angl ...more
Need a way to keep the kids busy on a rainy day? Making a pop-up card is quick, easy, and will entertain them for hours! Watch this video to learn how to make a pop-up card. You Will Need * Imagination * Colored construction paper * A pencil * A ruler * Safety scissors * Mar ...more