[expensive_hobby]

Originally Posted by jfrancho

Though, if you're just centering the meter by adjusting one of the three exposure settings (Tv, Av, or ISO) without metering the different aspects of the scene, then you might as well be in an auto exposure mode, like Av or Tv. At least both allow some creative control with respect to the exposure settings. Couple that with with the ability to shift exposure compensation, and they are powerful shooting modes, especially when capturing the moment is more important than a perfect exposure.

You know, that's how I learned to shoot almost from day one, so when I first found this thread everyone was just blowing my mind with this *technical* stuff. And I do find myself still doing this, such as at my nephew's bday party over the weekend. When the subjects are 4 and under I had no time to ensure exposure was remotely close, let alone spot on.