Histograms, learn how to actually use them.

In this video I show how to read a histogram so you can actually use them when taking photos.
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[@lead-dog]

First time on your site. Really excellent explanation and demonstration of how to read and use the histogram. Thanks

[@droe90]

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

[@MartinCastein]

Haha thank you!

[@johnnathan2149]

No one explains better... Really! No one!!! I' ve studied graphistic arts and no one explained me the histogram in that way!!! Now I know that not only for my camera how to use the histogram properly, but also this will improove my photoshop skills and my editing of my pics way way further...! Martin, what kind of experience do you hold... how can someone achieve that starting from zero... I know... practice... but... there are so many guys that they are practicing and they just don't know these stuff in that way, they've just never understand them well, they cannot explain you properly... and so they don't use them. Are you a Legend or something...??? Thank you Martin!!! Also your video on Bracketing it is made of pure light in these dark ages of how to do things by your own...!!!!!

[@MartinCastein]

Hi thanks I think it comes from shooting weddings. Once you are put in a position where its constant pressure and problem solving then you learn everything you need to know really. I think its hard but making difficult projects for yourself would probably replicate that. Then time of course. KZbin doesnt attract many working or ex-working photographers. I think what you see a lot of are amatuers with youtube accounts, not that they cant know the same amount too, but there is a depth that comes from pressure.

[@Twobarpsi]

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!

[@lerrynhawke3375]

Wow, as a 40yr old photos for fun guy that started on film, you have the best honest photography channel on KZbin! Don't know why you don't have 1m+ subs.. I'm learning heaps and really enjoying photography again thanks to you... you've relit my passion for it... I can't wait to start on your masterclass's

[@MartinCastein]

Wow, thanks!

[@ThomasEisl.Photography]

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

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you !

[@TheClearwayForce]

Definitely want to see the bracketing video

[@MartinCastein]

Will be coming later too!

[@jeffreysmith8633]

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

[@MartinCastein]

Great Jeffrey glad it was useful!

[@mberggren9768]

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.

[@MartinCastein]

Yeah i had to learn the histogram when i was shooting the 5d classic, its one of the reasons i like that camera or that type for beginners too, it makes you just through so many hoops to get things done.Those older canon cameras were harder to work with but the process was sometimes more fun.

[@wajidqureshi4105]

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.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad it was helpful!

[@pedrotavares3555]

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

[@MartinCastein]

Well thank you Pedro!

[@DaveMuller]

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.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad its useful, once you get used to reading a histogram it really helps and just makes things easier and like you say, only takes a glance.

[@vintagevantics]

Thanks Martin! Really clear and helpful.

[@MartinCastein]

Glad it was helpful!

[@benoit2900]

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.

[@TheClearwayForce]

Great explanation

[@MartinCastein]

Glad it was helpful!

[@keithbuck8252]

Brilliant video helped so much

[@MartinCastein]

Glad you liked it!

[@valentinmikleu]

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.

[@yoki9743]

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..

[@MartinCastein]

Yoki, thank you, i nearly didnt post this as i wasnt sure if it was even good enough, so thank you for this feedback it means a lot!

[@davidpatient5089]

Thank you 🙏

[@MartinCastein]

You are welcome!

[@thenexthobby]

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!

[@johnstaples1606]

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!

[@MartinCastein]

hahhahaha i will find other cameras for you to buy John! But please, dont hang on to everything I say, thats too much pressure!

[@nicktheobald1694]

Thanks

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!!!

[@KerryFreemanMelbourne]

Thanks...

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

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!

[@MartinCastein]

Hi mate! Not 100% sure what you mean by gamma??

[@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures]

@@MartinCastein ya know what? Never mind! I was thinking gamma adjustment was in Lightroom but it’s in Canon’s Digital Photo Professional 4. No need to explain it since I don’t ever use DPP anymore. LOL sorry about that buddy!

[@MartinCastein]

@@FloridaTwoWheelAdventures ahhh ok i was thinking where is that! hahaha ok no worries!

[@gohumberto]

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.

[@MartinCastein]

Yeah you have to use the historgram for that there isn’t really any other way to be sure especially in difficult light.

[@utopiadweller]

1:24. 4:52

[@jefflohse3260]

Thanks

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you !

[@KerryFreemanMelbourne]

Thanks

[@MartinCastein]

Thank you!!!