The New Intimacy

Eden Photographers Club Meeting - Tuesday, August 16th @ 7pm EDT (Topic: histograms)

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Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
Can you do this with jpgs or do you need to have RAW files?
You can do it with jpgs, but as with working up all jpgs, anything you do to the photo in the photo processing software is going to degrade the image. Ideally, you'd do this with the RAW file, but it can by done with a jpg.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Vanessa Weiss
I missed it last month - but I'm sure I can go back and look!
Start on this page
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Now that you have a decent idea of how to interpret a histogram, let me throw you a curveball: there is another type of histogram. Whereas the histograms we have been discussing show tonalities, the other kind of histogram (RGB historgram) shows the distribution of red, green, and blue.



This histogram is interpreted the same way as the tonality histogram, and you don't want the histogram to bleed over the edges - particularly the highlight (right) edge. Just keep in mind that although the tonality histogram may show that your image is properly exposed, the RGB histogram may show blown out highlights. This is especially the case with reds, oranges, and yellows.

If you don't have an RGB histogram to look at after you've taken your photo, don't worry too much, just make sure that if your image has a lot of reds, oranges, or yellows in it, you don't have the tonalities in your histogram close to the hightlight (right) edge of the histogram. Just back off your f-stop a half-stop or so (or the shutter speed a half-step) and you should get an image where the tonalities and reds, oranges, and yellows aren't blown out.

Did that make sense?
08/16/2011
Contributor: Wondermom Wondermom
you were right! mine does have a histogram!
08/16/2011
Contributor: Starkiller87 Starkiller87
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Now that you have a decent idea of how to interpret a histogram, let me throw you a curveball: there is another type of histogram. Whereas the histograms we have been discussing show tonalities, the other kind of histogram (RGB historgram) shows the ... more
This one I get. I am always checking this one on my camera. Because I like focusing on certain ones sometimes so Ill take pictures check this and go back and adjust.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vanessa Weiss Vanessa Weiss
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Start on this page
Thanks!
08/16/2011
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Is it likely a camera would have both types of histograms, or just one?
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Wondermom
you were right! mine does have a histogram!
Yay! I imagine you can only access it after you switch the camera from photo to review? If so, it's unfortunate that the camera is set up that way (as it is with my wife's) but so it goes.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Ivy Wilde Ivy Wilde
I need to figure out how to get mine to show histograms. I'm pretty sure you can set it to do so, I just can't figure out how. All it shows is the picture I just took.
08/16/2011
Contributor: sexyintexas sexyintexas
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Now that you have a decent idea of how to interpret a histogram, let me throw you a curveball: there is another type of histogram. Whereas the histograms we have been discussing show tonalities, the other kind of histogram (RGB historgram) shows the ... more
Yes, I am going to California next week with the mister, (driving) and I want to try out some of the things I've learned and see how many awesome pics I can take on the way. There are so many pretty sights when you are driving from here.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
Is it likely a camera would have both types of histograms, or just one?
Entry-level cameras are likely to just have the tonality histogram. Higher end cameras will likely have both. Tonality is usually more important, IMO.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Ivy Wilde
I need to figure out how to get mine to show histograms. I'm pretty sure you can set it to do so, I just can't figure out how. All it shows is the picture I just took.
What camera is it?
08/16/2011
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by Ivy Wilde
I need to figure out how to get mine to show histograms. I'm pretty sure you can set it to do so, I just can't figure out how. All it shows is the picture I just took.
What kind of camera do you have?

I'm amazed, my little Lumix actually has a live histogram. I'm just trying to figure out what it means when it changes color...
08/16/2011
Contributor: Wondermom Wondermom
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Yay! I imagine you can only access it after you switch the camera from photo to review? If so, it's unfortunate that the camera is set up that way (as it is with my wife's) but so it goes.
yes, I have to go into playback mode to see it, which is very complicated
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by sexyintexas
Yes, I am going to California next week with the mister, (driving) and I want to try out some of the things I've learned and see how many awesome pics I can take on the way. There are so many pretty sights when you are driving from here.
Oh, absolutely. The landforms especially are gorgeous. Sunsets too.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Starkiller87 Starkiller87
Ohhhh can we posts some photos weve taken now or no?
08/16/2011
Contributor: Ivy Wilde Ivy Wilde
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
What camera is it?
Canon Rebel Eos XT
08/16/2011
Contributor: sexyintexas sexyintexas
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Oh, absolutely. The landforms especially are gorgeous. Sunsets too.
I love passing Texas Canyon (New Mexico??) the rocks and cacti are phenominal at sunrise and sunset.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
What kind of camera do you have?

I'm amazed, my little Lumix actually has a live histogram. I'm just trying to figure out what it means when it changes color...
A live histogram must be great. That would save me so much time. Hopefully Canon is going to include that in the next camera I get from them.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Entry-level cameras are likely to just have the tonality histogram. Higher end cameras will likely have both. Tonality is usually more important, IMO.
Apparently my 450D has both. You learn something new everyday...
08/16/2011
Contributor: Starkiller87 Starkiller87
Quote:
Originally posted by sexyintexas
I love passing Texas Canyon (New Mexico??) the rocks and cacti are phenominal at sunrise and sunset.
I used to live in new mexico. The sunrises and sets are insane. Take tons of pictures!
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vanessa Weiss Vanessa Weiss
Quote:
Originally posted by sexyintexas
Yes, I am going to California next week with the mister, (driving) and I want to try out some of the things I've learned and see how many awesome pics I can take on the way. There are so many pretty sights when you are driving from here.
What part of California? My partner and I are considering a trip out through the Southwest next spring, I've never driven through that part of the country before. I can't wait
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Petite Valentine
Apparently my 450D has both. You learn something new everyday...
Like I said, it is only likely to be an issue with reds, oranges, and yellows.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
Quote:
Originally posted by Starkiller87
Ohhhh can we posts some photos weve taken now or no?
Interesting you should bring that up. Give me a few minutes on that.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Ivy Wilde Ivy Wilde
Ah, I think I figured it out. But it only shows the tonality histogram, not the RGB histogram. And it only shows it for a second or so.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Vaccinium Vaccinium
It's time to win another gift card. Is everyone ready?
08/16/2011
Contributor: Petite Valentine Petite Valentine
Quote:
Originally posted by Ivy Wilde
Canon Rebel Eos XT
From what I'm finding on the net, you have it in review mode. Zooming out while reviewing might bring it up.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Starkiller87 Starkiller87
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
Interesting you should bring that up. Give me a few minutes on that.
alright gotcha.
08/16/2011
Contributor: Wondermom Wondermom
I will have to fiddle with my camera later, according to my manual it has lots of settings I can play with!
08/16/2011
Contributor: Wondermom Wondermom
Quote:
Originally posted by Vaccinium
It's time to win another gift card. Is everyone ready?
ready!
08/16/2011