Understanding Histograms, both during digital photo capture and during your post production work flow in programs like Photoshop, will dramatically improve your images. When I am teaching my Digital Photography Basics class I teach you how to interpret the histogram on the back of your camera. I can’t stress enough how important it is to learn how to do this and how much it helps you to capture images that are properly exposed. Practice and experience are the best way to perfect how to read histograms.  A good understanding however of what your histogram actually represents dosen’t hurt.

I recently came across this short video clip by John Paul Caponigro that does a good job of explaining histograms and how to use them. Have a look.

If you are interested in learning more you can contact me for private instruction or keep an eye on the workshops page of my web site for my next Digital Photography Basics class.

You can also buy John’s full instructional DVD that this clip is from titled Photoshop Color Tools on on his web site.