What type of light meter measures the amount of light falling on the subject?

An incident light meter measures the amount of light falling on the subject by capturing the light that illuminates it. This type of meter typically comes with a white dome on the front, which is designed to measure the light from all directions, giving a reading that represents the intensity of light in that specific area. This reading is valuable for photographers, as it helps them determine the best exposure settings for their camera, ensuring that they can accurately capture the scene as intended.

In contrast, a reflected light meter measures the light that is reflected off the subject and into the camera. This can lead to inaccuracies, especially in high-contrast scenes, because the meter reads the overall light reflecting from the subject rather than the direct illumination falling on it. A spot meter is a specific type of reflected light meter that focuses on a very narrow area, which is useful for precise measurements but doesn't directly measure the available light falling on the subject. A matrix meter, or evaluative meter, takes readings from multiple areas within the frame to determine the appropriate exposure, relying on various algorithms to assess the scene's overall brightness. Thus, the incident light meter is the most effective tool for assessing the light that illuminates the subject directly.