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Photography Question 

Henry W. Pyle 		 

blown out histogram


I read something recently that gave me the impression that using a histogram to "see" if the exposure is correct, should not have anything "blown out" either on the right (light) side or on the left (dark) side of the histogram. When shooting, and checking the histogram, I often find that even if I am bumping up against one side of the histogram the other side is blown out. If I try to correct, then the other side is blown out. It would seem that I don't understand using the histogram or what it is telling me.

Bottom line is this: How do I use the histogram to make sure my exposure is correct?


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January 31, 2007

 

John Rhodes 		 
 
  Broadwater Marina
Broadwater Marina

John Rhodes

  
 
Henry, From what I understand, you should try to expose as far to the right as possible without overexposing; that is, blowing out the brights. As far as being able to control both ends of the histogram, that may not be possible. Depending on the light in the scene you are shooting, there may be alot of shadow, even black, in the image which is going to result in a histogram that bumps up against the left side. For example, shooting at sunset with foreground objects that you want to appear as silhouettes.

Let me submit an example that actually bumps against both ends. The darkness of the silhouetted lighthouse on one end and the brightness of the headlights along the distant road. I exposed for the sky, and am satisified with the exposure, so that's what counts to me.

Just remember, if you blow out the brights or underexpose the shadows, you will likely not be able to recover any detail in those areas.

John


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January 31, 2007

 
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