What does a spot meter measure in terms of light on a surface?

A spot meter is a tool used in photography, videography, and lighting design to measure the amount of light that falls on a specific area or surface. It does this by measuring luminance, which is the intensity of light that is emitted from a surface in a given direction.

Luminance is expressed in candelas per meter squared (cd/m²). This measurement indicates how much light is reflected in a particular direction per unit area and is crucial for ensuring that the lighting levels are appropriate for the desired visual effect or exposure settings in audiovisual applications.

The other options reference different measurements related to light but do not accurately describe what a spot meter measures. Lumens per square meter refers to illuminance, which measures how much light is received on a surface rather than the brightness of the light emitted in a specific direction. Nits is another term for luminance, but it is typically used in relation to displays rather than physical surfaces in general measurement. Foot-candles measure illuminance as well, emphasizing the amount of light falling on a surface, which is not the primary focus of a spot meter's function.

Thus, the correct choice highlights the specific context and measurement that a spot meter provides, making it essential for tasks that require precise