What does it mean to 'meter' in photography?

Metering in photography refers to the process of measuring the light in a scene to determine the appropriate exposure settings needed for capturing an image. This is crucial because proper exposure ensures that the photograph is neither too dark (underexposed) nor too bright (overexposed). Photographers use light meters—either handheld devices or built-in camera meters—to gauge light intensity and then adjust their camera settings accordingly, such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, to achieve the desired effect.

In contrast, developing photographic films relates to the post-capture process and not to the initial exposure determination. Measuring film sensitivity refers specifically to the film's ISO rating rather than assessing light conditions for exposure. Analyzing color balance pertains to adjusting colors within an image to appear natural or aesthetically pleasing, which is different from measuring light to ascertain exposure. Therefore, the correct answer captures the essence of metering as an essential preparatory step in the photographic process.