Took two photos of this butterfly. Can't decide which is better. Any preference or constructive criticism would be welcome.

Normally, I use my camera in a similar manner - set to Aperture priority and ISO to suit conditions. However, knowing how to use a meter makes you more aware of unusually lighting situations and when to overide the camera. In some cases, incident readings are better than through the camera.

Using a light meter makes you think about exposures, instead of just letting the camera make the decision and hoping it turns out well.

Years ago, I used to shoot wedding on weekends and was using a Hasselblad and a light meter. At one wedding, the light meter died and I shot the whole wedding just estimating what the exposure should be. Not one photo was over or under exposed, because I had learned what exposure was needed for different lighting situations.

I still like to be in control of the camera.

An article on light meters in Popular Photography recommends the Gossen DigiFlash at $189 street price. Good for both reflected and incident readings for both ambient and flash.

Hey, watch it Gramps! That reminds me of a very un-politically correct joke....:)

Not to nit pick, but the noun is "copy" not "search instructions", so it is singular.