Hello and Metering setting question for outdoor portraits

[rickp1]

Hey guys and gals,
First of all, I would like to introduce myself, my name is Rick and I just joined the forum.

A few months back a purchased a Canon 50D and i'm learning how to use it. I’m not a professional photographer by any means, I’m just a guy that enjoys taking pictures and viewing the different results that can be accomplished.

So my first question is, what is the best metering mode when taking portrait pictures on a beautiful sunny day? I noticed that sometimes, (depending on distance and zoom) the face of my subject will be a bit dark. Should I change my metering setting to spot, or should I just increase the exposure?

I'm trying to understand when I would use the 4 differnet metering modes.

Thanks in advance and I look forward to learning a lot from the site.


R.

[Elmo]

For the exact condition you specify I might suggest use spot metering and meter on the face. for a "White" person this will give a consent exposure. The prob is it will be about a half stop off I forgot whether it is high or low but you can check it.

.Your prob is not on the zoom etc. It is due to the amount and brightness of the remaining area being metered. You are expeiencing dark faces the background is most very bright. You could get light colored skin if the background was very dark.

[kencaleno]

Portraits require centre-weighted metering-use a reflector or fill-in flash to get face right.

[rickp1]

Elmo,
I think you're right, the metering is picking up the really bright areas and compensating. I'll give the spot metering.

kencaleno,
I'll also give centre weighted metering. I guess it's a matter of playing with the camera.

Thanks guys
R.

[darker1985]

I usually use Spot or Centre Weighted Metering for people shots just to make sure my subject is perfectly exposed. I used to worry so much about Metering as well as what I mentioned in the Histogram topic. But the main thing is to look at the subject and make sure you get the subject spot on exposure wise. With practice it becomes easy, the only thing you then have to focus on is your composition.

[denja]

For portraiture I always meter with a handheld meter, either incident or flash, depending on the lighting being used. A handled meter is much more accurate than the reflected light meter in your camera.