Histograms, learn how to actually use them.

The hardest part comes before you look at histograms ... having a vision of what you want to achieve before the shutter is tripped. If you don't have it, what happens is you'd wind up editing everything in a very average way, with a bell curve of data each time.

This would be tempting with that landscape, but the more common challenge would be for that bride image. Why? Because a bride dressed or dressing for the ceremony would likely never be in a dark/moody room, right? I'd bet you'd have to CREATE that with some underexposure for background and a speed light for subject ... which would never happen without first having that vision in your head.

I really need to explore both exposure stacking and focus stacking and will be checking out those videos, thanks!

The best video ever made... when ever i ask photographers about the histogram they say "I don't use it."

I've just discovered your channel. Pure gold. Kudos

Martin, I really appreciate your content. Love the calm presentation style of yours!

Excellent! My pro photographer friend told me to do this. The histogram never lies! He said do not rely on the screen to set exposure. Before any shoot, I take test shots using the histogram. Don't forget to lock in white balance!

There's a challenge... ! Id be up for it but I don't bother with Social media. However over the last year I have bought (due to following you on your channel) a 5D, 40D, Olympus ep1 and 2 and just as of yesterday a 6D..! Oh yes I got an RP as well.! Please don't recommend any more cameras or even mention any.. Like a lot of your subscribers, I hang on to everything you say. Love how you challenge stuff.. I dislike those photographers that are more technicians than creative .. think that's what you are meaning..?? More about older cameras please and any ideas about post processing (that's if you do any?). Just been out with my new (old) 6D.. got to say its great and its everything you say it is... its just as marvellous as the 5D,40D,Olympus EP 1&2 and RP.! Just looking at a Nikon D60 its priced at £40..!! Ahhhhhhhhhh!

Brilliant video helped so much

Having just used a friend's 350D for a demo (with a screen like a low-contrast postage stamp) the Histogram was the only way to check the exposure was remotely correct.

Thanks, Martin. I needed a clear and concise lesson on histograms. I’ve a much better grasp on reading them now.

Excellent video Martin. Probably the best video I've seen on histograms...really well explained. I thought I had understood it before, but now, after your video, I understand it more....thanks.

Hello Martin, dif you try the Canon Digital Photo Profesional ? It might be that it is Adobes fault that newer canon cameras do not look as good as 5D mark 1 and 2 and 6D mark 1.

Thank you 🙏

Thanks

Martin, thanks for another great video, this is an area of photography that I know little about, I shoot primarily with a canon 5d classic, so as you’ve explained in a previous video it’s important to understand the histogram over trying to gauge the tonal range from the cameras back screen. Keep up the good work.

I didn't use histogram until I saw one of your earlier videos on it, and now thatss all I really look at combined with the focus plane. It's such a load off my mind to just glance at the curve and move on.

Martin....thanks once again for a very informative video.... thing is... if we as photographers take care of the issues prior to taking the shot... then a lot of the hard work is already done as we again have never had cameras that are able to "help" in so many variations of shot.... but... and I say this coming from a film background... if we also take care of the very basics when composing and setting up the shot.... and getting to learn how the histogram is your friend.. then everything else normally falls into place and the time spent in photoshop and lightroom is vastly reduced... This video although short and sweet is one of the very best you have done to help the community... so thanks for taking the time to explain.... Rgds Yoki..

Thanks Martin! Really clear and helpful.

Solid explanation Martin! Thank you. I have worked diligently to use my histogram when exposing shots. It’s more useful than the light meter in the camera which really helps to get you in the ballpark. I do have a question and maybe it’s not related to histograms but I’d like to know more about gamma. Is there a way to read it on the histogram? I find that when I’m editing photos, if I click to have the gamma point automatically adjusted, the software does a good job and the picture usually looks improved. More balanced maybe? Or maybe more full? Is that a clear explanation? Basically I’m thinking it’s doing something with the black point but I’m sure. Whatever it’s doing, I have a hard time replicating it manually in software. Maybe it’s affecting contrast?

Anyway, I look forward to your next video. I’m glad to see you’re taking the poll responses seriously! I think editing lessons are where I’ll learn the most right now. Shot composure and in camera settings are still something I work on but I have the most trouble when I take the raw photos into Lightroom and try to get a suitable picture out. They’re alright but not great for me. Take care buddy!

Thanks for another great video.
Histogram is an essential tool for those of us that like old crappy cameras. It’s usually hopeless to see anything interesting on the 1D and 1Ds 2 inch screen, but the histogram works quite well. Saves more situations than trying to look at the picture itself.

Definitely want to see the bracketing video

Great explanation