Reginald P. Smithers III wrote:
John H. wrote:

Oh. It was a snapshot. Then why worry about it?

I expect my snapshots to have a bit of quality. You know, like the owls.

JohnH,

I am not as experienced a photographer as Harry, and don't use an
additional flash meter and light meter, but am working on more
effectively using the on camera metering options. You have the option of
using a matrix, center weighted or spot metering, at the flick of a switch.

I took a photo class run by a professional photographer
((http://www.nikoniansacademy.com/winstonHall.html) who told me you can
actually use the in camera light meter the same way one would use a
separate light meter, by using the AE-L (auto-exposure lock button)
located on the back of the camera. You take the light reading of your
subject, lock the exposure, than go back and compose the shot.

Again, I am a real rookie who has never used a separate light meter, and
am only basing my comments on a professional photographer recommendation
who owned and used a Nikon D200 in his business, so take my comments for
what they are worth.

I meant to include this link for a simple explanation of the zone system.

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tut...a-metering.htm

I really need to read this often, to refresh my memory.