Which metering mode?

What metering mode should I use for beach pictures and using fill flash. On my A2's I would have used spot metering.

I shoot mainly portriats. and people outdoors this time of year. I focus on face then compose picture. Can you guys give me your sugestions on which metering mode would work best. Thanks

I would use matrix metering and ettl fill flash.

AFAIK the 550ex you have will expose the flash for the area round the active focus point (someone correct me if I am wrong, please) so the matrix will expose the background and the flash will sort the foreground