Why it matters.
Understand why the same subject can look different against a different background.
A closer look.
Metering modes weight different parts of the frame. A broad mode considers much of the scene; spot metering concentrates on a small area. Highlight-weighted modes prioritise bright regions.
Picture this
Keep a person in the same light and change the amount of bright sky in the frame. Watch the suggested settings.
Keep in mind.
A meter proposes a result, not your creative intention. Backlighting and bright or dark subjects may require an adjustment.