shooting portraits with sb-800

[flipfrog]

when shooting a portrait of a person, what metering do you use?

matrix vs. spot vs. center weighted

and does your choice change when shooting a portrait with a more colourful or busy backdrop?

thanks

im having lots of problems with under/over exposed pics when shooting TTL with sb800

[Oneputt]

I am interested in this question as well. Come on guys.

[Aussie Dave]

inside or outside ?? Or does it not make a difference ??

[PiroStitch]

I just use centre weighted and if I need to use fill flash, i dial the flash down down to -2/3 or -1.

[Aussie Dave]

I've found when shooting inside, I bounce the flash off the roof, use Matrix metering and dial in +EV on the flash.

Haven't used it much outside, sorry.

[Matt. K]

Matrix does it for me nearly everytime.

[lejazzcat]

I'de say it depends on the key(high or low) of your prefered exposure.
Then the balance between flash and ambient, ratio of forground to background, and what you want in zone 5 etc...

Is you subject centered, or on the side, direct flash or bouncing flash , distance from subject ..., which side are you bouncing off to create key, or are you filling in window light indoors , or filling in shadows outdoor...

To many variables to be able to definatively say "use this single metering system" (predominantly), hence thats why there are three choices!