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Digital Photography 1 on 1
By Mark Wallace
October 3, 2010
In this episode Mark explains just what the histogram is and how you can use it to ensure a correctly exposed picture.
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Mark Wallace is the host of AdoramaTV videos
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Reader Rating and Comments
Thank-you for explaining the histogram like you did. I have been trying for several years to understand the histogram and finally you have taught us how to view the histogram in a way that anyone could see it and know what its telling you about your image.
by Bev in Pennsylvania on April 10, 2012
very good video and it was explained extremely well.
by w.j in louisiana on March 2, 2012
fixed lighting with, no variable in the auto flash would have been great, would have his point more.
by mbh retired profession photographer in 48462 on December 14, 2011
The explanation of what a histogram is indicating is easy enough to understand, but an explanation of how or why to adjust your exposure is not clear at all. He should have used photographs of scenes instead of a black and white chart. I am very disappointed in this presentation.
by Hogchoker in Williamsburg, VA on September 25, 2011
Great explanation.
by DJK PHOTOGRAPHY in Scottsdale AZ on July 29, 2011
I dont know what uuglypher is talking about. Sounds more like envy. I have watched many of these episodes and I must say that they are extremely well done from a pedagogically view. Mark Wallace is an excellent teacher, it is rare you find such a good presenter. It really makes my want to do more photography.
by Slasher in Sweden on May 25, 2011
Clearly spoken in basic terms
by bb in tucson on October 7, 2010
I think one of the comments given here by" uuglypher" was too critical. I thought the analogy of the school grades was well done, as was the other info. The idea is to stimulate interest and not go overboard into technology.
by timeslice photo in Connecticut on October 6, 2010
Very good explanation of the basics. Thanks.
by Dick in New Jersey on October 6, 2010
The histogram shows distribution of all the pixels according to how many registered"hits" each pixel experiences with the exposure. No mention is made that the meter's job is to average the scene for "middle gray". The term "Correct exposure" is used without stating what "Correct exposure" is in terms of instructions given to the meter in terms of characteristics of the (presumably correctly) metered scene! This may relate to comments made in another presentation on exposure compensation, but as a stand-alone presentation, this one's sadly lacking in substance and is more likely to confuse the novice than to aid understanding of the histogram's utility.
by uuglypher in South Dakota on October 6, 2010
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