Another old trick to get a correct light reading is to meter the palm of your hand. Ethnicity is irrelevant. All people's palms are approximately 18% reflective. (Keyword: 'Approximately') It's important though to orient the palm of ones hand so it received the same light, from the same source and from the same direction, as close as possible, as the main subject. btw, excellent mini tut Michelle, clear and to the point.