Exposure mode using flash

[digitaljoe]

Shooting portraits I usually use spot metering (face). Which is the best metering mode with flash?

[Curtis N]

The metering modes on the camera (evaluative, CW average, partial, spot) affect only the ambient light metering.

The camera's E-TTL metering system is evaluative, though some cameras have a custom function to switch this to average metering. The FEL button uses either partial or spot metering, depending on the camera.

If you need further explanation, please tell us what camera body you're using.

[Wilt]

Shooting portraits I usually use spot metering (face). Which is the best metering mode with flash?

Don't point at the face, point at something that is about the tonality of an 18% gray card (which the face is NOT!). Your exposures will be closer to correct more of the time! This is true of any exposure. For flash, Curtis is correct about full frame is evaluated with ETTL, either in evaluative mode or in averaging mode (controlled with Custom Function setting).

[digitaljoe]

Thank You Curtis and Wilt for your response. I am using a 5D set to Average.