Most digital cameras feature a histogram function. A histogram, similar to a light meter used for film photography, is a graph of the distribution of light throughout the photo and gives you an accurate depiction of the current exposure of the shot you are about to take. Understanding histogram information can make for better photographs that require less adjustment in the photo editor.
Instructions
1. Frame up your shot the way you want it, with the proper lens or zoom setting, and focus it.
2. Enter the histogram mode to map out the light in your framed shot. You will see a graph. Peaks on the left side indicate pixels that are in shadow, peaks on the right side pixels receiving a lot of light, and peaks in the middle indicate properly exposed pixels.
3. Open your aperture by setting your camera at a smaller f-stop number if you have too many peaks on the left side, to better expose the darker areas.
4. Close your aperture by setting a higher f-stop number if you have too many peaks on the right side, to prevent overexposure and blowing out the shot.
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