High-contrast scenes

Try taking several readings then shoot with the average

01 camera settings

Switch to Manual mode for full control of your exposure and Spot metering. Dial in your desired ISO and aperture. These values will depend on the scene, but start at around f/10 and ISO200.

01 take the readings

Use a manual AF point selection, and start by positioning the focus point over an area of shadow. Note the given shutter speed. Repeat this step to meter the brightest point of the scene.

01 find the average

Find the middle shutter speed between the two readings. For example, between 1/160 sec and 1/640 sec would be 1/320 sec. Shoot at this exposure and then review the image histogram.