Spot metering example
 

This is a brief example of how different metering will affect a scene.

In the first example I used the standard matrix metering option. In this case the camera tries to evaluate the entire scene and strike an exposure balance as best it can.

In the second example I did a spot meter on the tree on the left. I then used the exposure lock button located near my right thumb, re-composed the scene and shot.

In the third example I did a spot meter on the couple on the bench. Again I utilized the exposure lock, re-composed and shot.

This is exactly why I bought the Nikon D70. My old Minolta 3.4 megapixel camera had true spot metering like this also. I use this feature in exactly this way all the time. I can get several exposures of different areas in the composition and then work from them for the painting. It's much more precise than just bracketing.

Nice example Mike! I'm sure things have changed a little there since these were taken back in 1997. :)

Holly,

Some of the trees around here are amazing. This tree grows from the top down! The seed is blown to another tree where it sends a shoot down to the ground, this starts the tree. From then on it sends roots down from the limbs which dangle in the air until they reach the ground and then they take root. The vertical trunks seen here started by falling from the horizontal limb.

Yes, we were also awed by the size and magnificence of the banyan trees when we first visited Marie Selby.