How to Read a Histogram (Nail Exposure Every Time)
DefinitionA graph showing the distribution of light and dark pixels.
1The Simple Explanation
The left side is Black (Shadows). The right side is White (Highlights). If the mountain is smashed against the right wall, your photo is too bright (Clipping).
2Technical Deep Dive
It is a frequency distribution graph. 256 bars representing values 0-255. 'Exposing to the right' (ETTR) maximizes signal-to-noise ratio without clipping.
Common Misconceptions
Myth: A perfect histogram is a bell curve in the middle. Fact: No! A picture of a snowman should be piled on the right. A picture of a black cat should be on the left.