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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Trust your Histogram??
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 07/08/2009 02:36:59 AM · #1
I'm finding my ability to BS through images is getting a little tired. I'm fascinated by this thing called the "Histogram" and the way it is used during the shoot. After a bit of reading, I understand what it does and actually am relieved it serves a purpose other than getting in the way of my chimping!

Anyhow, now that I understand it, I need to learn how to effectively use it in the field.

Is there a work flow with histograms? Are they an afterthought or a prerequisite to snapping the shutter??

Please share your wisdom with controlled light and environmental scenarios.

Anyone??
Canon EOS-40D
Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS USM
 07/08/2009 02:43:43 AM · #2
I use the in camera histogram along with the meter in camera to get the exposure I am looking for. When I look at the histogram I can decide to adjust my exposure to get the best capture out of camera. The more you use it the less you will have to adjust in photoshop.
Nikon D7500
Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED
 07/08/2009 02:46:53 AM · #3
Put the heap in the middle. Make sure there are no big stacks on either extreme. Tada! Your shot is exposed properly! :)

Seriously, it helps me identify when I am under/overexposing an image. Its a great tool when for controlled lighting when you don't have a flash meter.
One thing I have found and its probably the rule of all things photography: Its a guide not a rule. If you have a lot of black in your scene then of course your histogram is going to tell you your underexposed. Ditto for lots of white.

The other thing of course is that with the histogram you need to get a shot and use the histogram to correct for the next shot.

and one more thing (I am full of these...) Its better (generally) to be a bit over exposed than underexposed so long as you aren't blowing out your highlights. Noise shows up in the shadows so if you shoot slightly overexposed then correct your levels in post, you'll see less noise.

Finally (really!) - read Understanding exposure (//www.amazon.ca/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Camera/dp/0817463003)

And of course after writing all this? I realize I'm not telling Ivo anything he hasn't figured out on his own :)
07/08/2009 02:55:46 AM · #4
Originally posted by Citadel:
Put the heap in the middle. Make sure there are no big stacks on either extreme. Tada! Your shot is exposed properly! :)

Seriously, it helps me identify when I am under/overexposing an image. Its a great tool when for controlled lighting when you don't have a flash meter.
One thing I have found and its probably the rule of all things photography: Its a guide not a rule. If you have a lot of black in your scene then of course your histogram is going to tell you your underexposed. Ditto for lots of white.

The other thing of course is that with the histogram you need to get a shot and use the histogram to correct for the next shot.

and one more thing (I am full of these...) Its better (generally) to be a bit over exposed than underexposed so long as you aren't blowing out your highlights. Noise shows up in the shadows so if you shoot slightly overexposed then correct your levels in post, you'll see less noise.

Finally (really!) - read Understanding exposure (//www.amazon.ca/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Camera/dp/0817463003)

And of course after writing all this? I realize I'm not telling Ivo anything he hasn't figured out on his own :)


On the contrary, I like the simplicity of your referencing and please do not ever think I can figure things out. Most good ideas are shamelessly stolen from someone else. ;-) Guess I want to hear practical uses versus text book. That's the way I seem to learn best. Thanks for your input.
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