Using Histograms

Histograms

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Histograms are very useful in any type of photography. A histogram is a type of graph showing how colors are distributed in an image. Deep shadows are represented on the left of the histogram and bright highlights are distributed on the right. The mid-tones are in between. The higher the tone reaches vertically, the more of that value in the image.

From darkest to lightest a histogram is separated into dynamic ranges. Your camera’s LCD menu can display a histogram after each image.

Histograms are available to help you assess the exposure of your images. Use it to decide if your shadows or highlights need to be enhanced. They are also helpful to ensure that you don’t lose detail in present highlights or shadows. Use the histogram as a tool to help your photography and exposures improve.

Assignments

• The best way to understand histograms is to review a histogram after every image. (You camera should offer an option to view a thumbnail histogram for a few seconds after each shot.) This assignment requires you to take multiple shots in many different light settings. Capture images with highlights, some with overwhelming shadows, and some images with a mix of highlights and lowlights. Look at your histogram after each shot and compare it to the previous. This will also help you read histograms by defining which shades fit where and how you can improve your exposure.