Metering for harsh sunlight?

[Corbus]

I tend to have a problem when the sun is nice and bright when taking pictures of people. For example, taking shots where the sun is behind me and therefore on the face of the subject tends to overexpose the face and is difficult to recover in post processing.

I there a specific way I should be metering for this? If I have my three kids all in the frame, what should I meter for? Should I use matrix or spot? AE lock or not? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[User Name]

Don't take pictures of faces in the sun (it is harsh, unflattering and makes people squint) .
The subject's face(s) should be in the shade. Use spot metering and exposure lock on the face, then recompose, using flash as fill in. You'll need to learn how to use manual mode and balance the flash exposure with the background.
The sun should be behind your subject but not directly on your lens otherwise you'll have flare to deal with too.

 

[ZoZo]

You can get some amazing images from having people in bright sunlight, just make sure you either have them relaxed with their eyes closed (in a pose that works with that kind of expression) or count them in for opening their eyes - but be ready to take the image the second they open them so that you can avoid the squint and the frown.

Spot meter, and under expose.

Oh, and lens flare can work beautifully too

 

[Corbus]

Thanks, the stuff I was doing wasn't posed, it was the kids playing naturally and from a good few meters away. I only have an SB-400 so don't know how to use this manually, only on auto mode. I guess I have a lot to learn!