spot metering with d40 question

[JHunt012]

Sorry, I have moved added this post to the composition forum, and can't figure out how to delete this one.

In spot metering mode, the camera seems to meter off of the spot that it focuses on. On the d40, there are 3 possible focal points. Can someone please share some advice on what to do when the focal point that the camera chooses is not the spot that I want to meter off of. When I am able to meter off a specific spot, I like to lock the exposure and re-compose.

The focus mode where this tends to happen to me is the "closest subject" mode. Sometimes I feel this is the appropriate focus mode to be in, but it makes it tough if there is a specific spot that I want to meter off of.

I am new to all of this, so if this question sounds ridiculous, I apologize.

Thanks for your time.

[zona5101]

In closest Subject mode spot metering is on the focus area. In all other modes the spot metering occurs in the center regardless of the focus zone the camera (or you) select. If you know the area you wish to meter is not within the focus zone for closest or in the center for all other focus modes, then meter using the spot meter zone and use your AF/AE lock. If you do not want the focus locked along with the exposure you can reprogram that button to only do AE lock.