An understanding of LV numbers allows you to recognize common lighting values and estimate exposures correctly without using a light meter. For instance, the number for correct exposure of a subject under clear daylight is LV15 (The Sunny 16 Rule).
Below are examples of some scenes under common lighting conditions alongside their respective LV numbers.
LV |
Natural light |
16 |
Predominantly white image, e.g. solid, light walls in full sun, a snow scene |
15 |
Bright sunlight (The Sunny 16 Rule) |
14 |
Hazy / afternoon sunlight |
13 |
Cloudy with some light (soft shadows) |
12 |
Very faint shadows |
11 |
Overcast / raining (no shadows) Sky at sunset |
10 |
Full shade, sunny day |
8 |
Inside house, soft shadow |
7 |
Inside house, overcast outside or near sunset |
LV |
Artificial light |
10/9 |
Inside supermarket |
8 |
Inside brightly lit shop / underground train |
7 |
Subway station |
6 |
Illuminated shop window or house window Neon sign |
5 |
Evenly lit home interiors at night |
4 |
Subjects lit by bright street lamp / spotlight |