Whats the best onboard metering mode for portraiture?

Hi Gang,

Firstly thanks to those who replied to my post about south east asian skin tones. Have since bought a grey card and done some practise.

My next question for which i seek some advice. What would you suggest as the best on camera metering mode for portraiture?

The conditions, unforunately will be mid morning, outdoors in sunny Singapore. I will be aiming to utilize as much available shade as i can. With the sunlight behind the model. Later that afternoon the shoot will continue indoors.

My gear will consist of the following: Canon 40D, EF 85mm F1.2L II USM, EF24-105mm F4L IS USM, `2x 580 EXII strobes and ST-E2 Transmitter, Suntech Silver/White reflector, Softening filter.

Thanks in advance, and i hope to receive various replies and opinions.

NicholasBB

This usually works for me: Try manual in those tough conditions. First set the f-stop & shutter speed you need. Then adjust the ISO. Need an exposure crutch?
How the subject affects the exposure & why manual keeps me worry free: Post #47

For inspiration: Angeline outdoors

I agree with the above post. Keep it in manual so your exposure isnt jumping around so much, unless it is cloudy and the conditions are constantly changing then us AV mode. Maybe slightly underexpose so that you dont get any blowouts in the sky and then use some fill flash for the subject.

manual mode most of the time for me

Thanks gents, and ill go over those links in detail for sure.

NicholasBB