histograms

i know that it goes from dark to light from left to right. underexposed you would have a spike at the left end and overexposed a spike at the right end. what would be an ideal histogram for a good exposed pictured? ive been trying to look at my histograms for pictures and see how i would adjust to make the exposure come out perfect. any tricks that are needed when reading and trying to adjust for a good exposure? thanks!

I try to get my spikes right in the middle, and usually I try to get my shots with a little bit of highlights lost.

Here is a great read on how to use the Histogram:

http://www.photographyreview.com/histogramguidecrx.aspx

There really is not generic 'ideal' histogram. The 'ideal' histogram will change for every single scene/object/whatever you take a picture of and also depending on your goal for that image. Generally you'll want to 'shoot to the right' which means getting the exposure so the highlight detail is as close to the right edge of the histogram as possible without blowing it out.

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Originally Posted by jorgemonkey

Here is a great read on how to use the Histogram:

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Sebastian really did an excellent job with that article. I can't think of anything to add to it, but the concept that there is no one perfect histogram is very important.

I agree that there is no one histogram for every situation. However, that said, the answer to what you're asking is - generically speaking- a bell shape. Relatively few light and dark pixels, and lots of pixels in the midtones.

- Joe U.

A bell shape is a misconception as a photograph with a predominance of one color or tone will not have that shape.
(see an example image)
Feel free to load this one up and look at the histogram.
Many of the DSLR's now include a Histogram that show color distributions as well.

Probably the most important thing is to fill as much of the area of the histogram display as possible to have more data to work with in a well lighted subject. The more of the graph to the right, the more data you will have to adjust or that will be included in the resulting JPEG to have the best tones, colors, and overall dynamic range.

Avoid the graph being clumped toward and touching either the left (underexposed/dark) or the right (overexposed/bright). You may have a beautiful photo that is a spike in the middle of the graph, such as a small bright flower against a dark background.

If you have more questions feel free to ask!!

as to me, try to make the peak in the middle of the histograms, but some times if you want to make some effect or particular pieces, try to believe you eyes.
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Or, in the case where there is a good chance for blown highlights, don't be afraid to send the peak off to one side.

I do it entirely by eye...depending on the mood of the pic..and how each section looks. maybe thats the problem?