CAPTURED - Weekly Newsletter

The Camera Setting You’re Not Using (Yet)

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Hey Reader,

Something small’s been making a big difference in how I shoot lately.

Not a new lens. Not editing tricks. Just one camera setting I’d ignored for years.

It’s helping me create photos that feel more thoughtful, more moody and way more me.

I shared this in yesterday's YouTube video, but I wanted to break it down here too, with a bit more context and a few ideas you can try yourself.

Let’s dive in!

What It Is...

Most cameras have three main metering modes:

Multi / Evaluative

This is the default.

It measures the whole scene and tries to balance the light. It’s perfect for quick shooting and balanced exposures.

Centre-Weighted

This mode puts more emphasis on the centre of your frame.

Great for portraits or when the subject is in the middle. I don’t use it much tbh, but it has its place for when you want a bit more control than multi!

Spot Metering

This is the one that’s changing how I shoot!

Spot metering tells your camera to expose for a very specific part of the frame, usually wherever your focus point is.

So instead of the camera deciding how to balance everything, you’re saying, “Meter this exact light porfavor.”

Why It Mattered!

Before using spot metering, my images were bright and clean… but a bit flat.

In hotel shoots or interiors, I’d lift shadows too much, trying to expose the full scene.

Technically, it worked, but the shots didn’t feel how I wanted them to.

I’d see other photos with deep contrast and streaks of light and think: damn, that hits differently.

However, once I switched metering modes, things started to shift.

I slowed down.

I looked at light more intentionally.

I stopped avoiding tricky lighting and instead leaned into it.

It even changed the type of work I was making.

You can go see my IG right now for yourself, but my recent images are warmer, darker and more atmospheric!

And this change is actually helping me attract the kind of clients I’d like to be working with.

How to Try This

Every camera is a bit different, but the steps are generally the same:

Go into your Metering Mode (or Photometry if you’re using Fuji)
Select Spot
Move your focus point around...this is where your camera will now meter light
Use Exposure Lock (the AEL button) if you want to meter, then reframe your composition
Add metering to your My Menu or a custom button so you can toggle between Spot and Multi quickly

I use Spot when:

There’s harsh or directional light (e.g. light streaking through a street or window)
I want a more intentional, moody look

I stick to Multi when:

Light is soft and even (cloudy days, shade, interiors with no direct light)
I’m shooting quickly and need speed over control

You don’t have to choose one over the other forever.

It’s just about knowing which tool to use and when.

Final Thought

If I'm being honest, this one setting has completely shifted how I shoot.

It’s helping me create images that feel built, not just snapped.

It’s sparked a side of photography I thought I was losing... and made shooting fun again.

If you're looking to shoot more intentionally and build your confidence behind the camera with settings like this, check out my course 'Capture to Keep'.

Catch you next week,

Matty 📷 🚀

Whenever you're ready, there are 3 more ways I can help you:

🚀 Free Training – If you’re ready to grow your brand & start making money with photography, this is for you.

🤔 Not quite there yet? Start here:

📸 My Photography Course – Learn the fundamentals & take pro-level shots with my beginner course.

🎨 Level Up Your Edits – Make your photos pop instantly with my Lightroom presets.

Matty Loucas

Barcelona, Spain