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Using the Histogram
Jul 18, 2013 06:28:14 #
When I PP a photo the first thing I look at is the Histogram, if the pattern indicates correct exposure I do not adjust the histogram I go on to fine tune the image as necessary.
If the Histogram indicates poor exposure I then make adjustments as follows:
1: Automatically adjust levels, accept if image is OK
OR
2: Adjust the RGB sliders, accept if image is OK
OR
3: Adjust the Red, Green and Blue slider, accept if OK
Or
4: Use the Black Point and White point droppers, accept if OK.
In practice I find the Auto Adjust usually does the trick if not I then proceed to adjust the Red, Green and Blue sliders. The process only takes a a couple of minutes and no further action is needed other than cropping or straightening.
If the Histogram indicates poor exposure I then make adjustments as follows:
1: Automatically adjust levels, accept if image is OK
OR
2: Adjust the RGB sliders, accept if image is OK
OR
3: Adjust the Red, Green and Blue slider, accept if OK
Or
4: Use the Black Point and White point droppers, accept if OK.
In practice I find the Auto Adjust usually does the trick if not I then proceed to adjust the Red, Green and Blue sliders. The process only takes a a couple of minutes and no further action is needed other than cropping or straightening.
Jul 18, 2013 06:56:53 #
johneccles wrote:
In practice I find the Auto Adjust usually does the trick
In practice I find the Auto Adjust usually does the trick
Two bits says you're a Nikon or Sony or Pentax user. I find my Canon's JPG settings are 99.99999% the same as all PP program's Auto settings - it never changes!
Jul 18, 2013 07:04:08 #
Hi Jake, actually I use an Olympus E-PL1 and my superfine Jpeg settings usually are pretty good other than cropping or straightening I don't use PP that much, but when I do I go to the histogram setting first and that usually does what I want.
Cheers JohnE
Cheers JohnE
Jul 18, 2013 07:11:59 #
johneccles wrote:
When I PP a photo the first thing I look at is the... (show quote)
You state if the histogram is okay, you don't touch it, but then go on making fine adjustments...not sure if you realize that any and all fine or otherwise adjustments effect the histogram. Unless I'm missing something.
Jul 18, 2013 07:14:24 #
Ugly Jake wrote:
Two bits says you're a Nikon or Sony or Pentax user. I find my Canon's JPG settings are 99.99999% the same as all PP program's Auto settings - it never changes!
If it never changes...why do you bother with PP at all. (which BTW I find hard to believe).
Jul 18, 2013 07:18:20 #
Ugly Jake wrote:
Two bits says you're a Nikon or Sony or Pentax user. I find my Canon's JPG settings are 99.99999% the same as all PP program's Auto settings - it never changes!
Hey Jake, I would say my Nikon is usually good 99.99999%, I review my histogram on my camera and when something is off on the histogram, it is usually my fault 99.99999%. lol
If I didn't have a Nikon it would be a Canon. Grew up with Nikons and never switched.
Jul 18, 2013 07:18:21 #
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Jul 18, 2013 07:46:04 #
OnDSnap wrote:
If it never changes...why do you bother with PP at all. (which BTW I find hard to believe).
No, it needs changing quite often, but the Auto correct just doesn't seem to do anything - it needs custom work!
Jul 18, 2013 12:36:40 #
For me the histogram is never the final word when it comes to exposure, but rather what my eyes tell me.
Some images need to be on the darker side, while others need to be lighter than average. Some images contain a lot of shadows and silhouettes, while others are almost void of dark shadows. And for some images, a little color blow-out here or there is not a problem.
I think the histogram is great tool to troubleshoot and analyze problems, but corrective decisions ultimately should be based on how the image looks to you.
Some images need to be on the darker side, while others need to be lighter than average. Some images contain a lot of shadows and silhouettes, while others are almost void of dark shadows. And for some images, a little color blow-out here or there is not a problem.
I think the histogram is great tool to troubleshoot and analyze problems, but corrective decisions ultimately should be based on how the image looks to you.
Jul 18, 2013 17:09:39 #
Jul 18, 2013 17:10:06 #
Ugly Jake wrote:
No, it needs changing quite often, but the Auto correct just doesn't seem to do anything - it needs custom work!
Sorry, misunderstood
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Jul 18, 2013 17:10:27 #
johneccles wrote:
Hi Doug, by fine adjustment I meant cropping and straightening etc.
Got it, :)
Jul 18, 2013 18:19:46 #
rook2c4 wrote:
For me the histogram is never the final word when ... (show quote)
100% correct. There is NO WAY you can tell if an image needs no adjustment by simply looking at a histogram. You might be able to tell if you have blown the highlights or blocked the shadows, but overall appearance ? - not unless you like flat images.
Jul 19, 2013 05:54:58 #
Jul 19, 2013 06:01:13 #
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