Good Article on Using Histograms

[Randy Kadish]

I didn’t understand how to use histograms.

Here’s the link:

http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/key=histogram

[Bob Riggins]

Nice simple article for the novice like me.

[Steve K.]

Finally I understand…..Thanks Randy.

[Colin M.]

Randy great post!

[John Bennett]

Good article

However there are some “subjective” points I think it’s done a disservice to. In an effort to keep it short im just going to paraphrase and wing it per se.

Reading through the article it leaves the impression that “good” photos have histograms that represent  something of an even and consitant graduation from shadows through to the mid tones and then down again to the highlights.

hogwash.

The “shape” of your histogram can be all over the map, there is no right/wrong or preferred shape. If there is a rule (imo) that suggest what a histogram look like is that you strive to have information (data) in your highlight/shadows and avoid clipping either. What shape it takes inbetween is for the most part/arguably/

meaningless.
Who says you want most of your data in the midtones like an “umbrella”???

To whit.
I can gaurantee you the histogram for this shot looks nothing like what they are suggesting people aim for in their photography. Without looking at it I would say its alot of blacks/shadows…midtones…..and alot of highlights.

Nor this

Nor this

and on ad nauseum.

[Mike Anderson]

Exactly what I thought too John. I have my viewfinder set to show blown highlights. If the image in the VF looks like what I imagined when I pushed the shutter button then I’m happy. It’s good to know how to use the HG and I imagine it’s quite it’s useful for shooting events like weddings, but there is no hard and fast rule for how they should look IMO.

[paul rose]

I was wondering if I can take the discussion further on blown highlights. I shoot alot of situations whether it’s the kids outdoors (seems they always wear white)or grip and grins for clients. Blown highlights can be a problem ESP on imprompt shots in varying light. I understand the use 0f flash to a certain degree but could use some tips, tricks and adjustments to try. Histograms, flash,Wb, exposure compensation relationships can get confusing. Thanks

[John Bennett]

Paul for the purpose of this discussion/thread which deals with the use of histograms…The first rule (imo) is to view it like almost anything else….Its a tool (like a flash)…that one can utilise in a couple different ways. no more, no less… The more tools we have at our disposal, the more options we have and thus the more power we have.

Its the power of choice. Just as carrying filters give me the choice to use, not use, expand my options…So to a histogram.

Make sense?
No?

[Randy Kadish]

Here’s another good article on histograms from an very interesting site:

http://www.luminous-landscape.com/tutorials/understanding-series/understanding-histograms.shtml

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