Sometimes, with automatic exposure, we can get good result with night scenic. To be able to control better, we need to work out the best way.

Pick up from testing shots the best one and study it. If the area of neon light etc. summed up to one tenth, it means that the average reading with such proportion can give the neon lights the proper exposure. Keep this in mind, and take other simular shots with the one tenth composition will be the easiest way to get good pictures. Since not every metering system is the same, Image 4 is only an indication.

If there is Exposure Compensation adjustment in the camera, we can adjust to meet different proportion, Image 2 and 3 have a higher proportion of neon lights, the meter would set one stop less, therefore by adjusting for +1.0, then the result will be alright. For more accurate work or covering more situation, continue to read the following.

Since we cannot meter with gray card, we need to work by assumption. Follow what the reading and use bracketing for test. Choose the best one and figure out the proportion of neon lights etc. As the area besides the lights are all black, what the meter has measured is the lights and average to the whole measuring area. Average reading would be better for the testing stage. With experience, we can change to spot reading and re-adjust accordingly.

From the best one, judge the proportion of neon lights and with a certain plus or minus. Keep it in mind and meter with the same proportion the next time, adjust the reading with the previous plus or minus.

Remember that we are taking picture of the light source, the further the distance the weaker it will be. So where you read is where you take.

Spot meter is the best for measuring light. Light source should be three to four stops higher than the middle gray. Adjust by over-exposure with three or four stops to the reading. Electronic meter with memory is the best choice.

There is spot metering in most SLR cameras, though it is difficult to move the camera around looking for small area. The best is to measure first before using tripod and with manual mode to set the adjusted exposure.