How To Obtain Proper Exposure

Histograms convey basic information about the brightness of an image.

When the tones in an image are darker, the histogram will show more data to the left.

When the tones in an image are lighter, the histogram will show more data to the right.

When the histogram shows data at the far left end, it indicates that there will be no detail in the dark portion of an image. This generally indicates the image is underexposed.

When the histogram shows data at the far right end, it indicates that there will be no detail in the lighter portion of an image. This generally indicates the image is overexposed.

Histograms

Histograms convey basic exposure information about an image. Here are some well-exposed images with their histograms.

The histograms show the brightness of the image. Where the tones are darker, the chart will show more data to the left, where tones are lighter the chart will show more data to the right.

Evaluating Exposure using Histograms

These histograms illustrate problems with exposure.