Lighting discussion- How to go against the light meter.

If you are far away from the subject you will want to put the light meter for whatever is focused in the light.  Normally the light meter will try and work for making the whole photo well light, which will lose detail on the subject in the light.  You should make the shutter speed quicker by two or one clicks to compensate for the light meter.  Additionally, if you can get close to the subject and get the light meter standing closer to him, you can get a more accurate light shot.