Light meter readings L-358

[graylane]

Ok, Like so many others who use this forum, I need help.

I am an EXTREME amatuer and have tried through this forum and some publications to begin learning how to take a quality image.

I have purchased a Sekonic L-358 and I am so ignorant, I get better images from trial and error than using the light meter.

I am posting an example result, of setting my camera to the reading from the 358.

As you can see it is overexposed considerably and I think it is because I cannot read the meter or I do not know how to use it properly, the image of the 358, is to show you that are knowledgeable about meters what I was looking at when I captured the image of the linksys box.

I USED THE l-358 WITH THE LUMISPHERE RECESSED, AND NOT REFLECTIVE

The camera was on M (manual) set to ISO 100 Shutter 60 (1/60) Aper 5.6

I am using;
Canon 20D
Sigma 18-125
2 x Stellar 600 w/s monolights at about half dial

Please give me all useful instructions, and ASSUME I know nothing (which isn't far from true)

P.S. any lighting book suggestions would be appreciated.

[snibbetsj]

That's kinda odd because the top half of the box looks like it has a good exposure but the bottom half looks overexposed. So if you metered the top half and got the reading, that looks okay. Strange lighting on the box. I assume you hooked the sync cord into the meter and fired both flashes (I also assume there's an optical slave on the Stellars, I don't know for sure). If so, you're not too far off. First figure out how you got the different lighting on the top half vs the bottom half of the box.

Also, it almost looks like the shrink wrap is still on the box, that'll give off some unwanted reflections and may be the source of the problem.

[Ruffneck]

The shrink wrap is still on the box, you can tell from the way the edges of the box are stretched. That means you got some reflected light back from the angle of your lighting setup.

[RTMiller]

You have the L-358 set to take cumulative readings (2 in this instance). Is this what you wanted to do?

[graylane]

Actually "RT" I don't have it set to Cumulative, the toggle is off, that is indicating the 2 readings in memory, from pressing the memory button (which I have not figured out how to clear) the manual is not made for amatuers, I whish I could find a good lighting "encyclopedia"

[RTMiller]

You're right. My fault...

[snibbetsj]

You might try taking off the shrink wrap and doing another test shot. Also, the lumisphere should be out, not recessed, when using. Point the lumisphere towards the camera lens when taking your reading. The 358 can be calibrated to your camera, I've never done it with mine but it's in the manual.

Look at this book for lighting, I have it and love it. I'm sure someone can recommend others.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0240802756/qid=1140632244/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/002-6415090-0370442?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

[bolantej]

gosh, I would experiment shooting from the side with a reflector on the other. either that or make a light tent with some pvc and a white sheet.