The histogram feature is the most reliable way to check whether or not you’ve got the exposure right, so it’s a good idea to learn what this unassuming little graph means.  

 

 

Digital cameras make it easy to review your shots immediately but the LCD screen on the back of your DSLR doesn’t always give you the best idea of what the captured files really look like, especially in terms of how well exposed they are.  

 

The histogram is essentially a graph which shows the distribution of tones in the image, from blacks (shadows) on the left through greys (midtones) in the middle to whites (highlights) on the right.  Your ideal histogram should display a fairly even distribution of tones right across the graph.  A chart that’s biased towards the left hand side means the image is underexposed, biased to the right means overexposed.  

 

 

The easiest way to correct this is to use exposure compensation.

Here’s a good tip for those who find their images to be consistently under or over-exposed.

 

Take a well-exposed picture, checking the histogram and highlights screens to confirm this.  Then load the images on to your computer, keeping a copy on the camera.  Display the picture on the computer monitor and the camera’s screen at the same time and compare the two.  If you find that the camera shows it much darker or lighter than the computer monitor, adjust the camera’s screen brightness accordingly.  You probably won’t be able to get an exact match, but making this adjustment to the camera’s screen will at least give you a better idea of the image you’ve captured.