What’s Your Preference?

Mocha · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2011, 06:53 PM

I have just learned how to use my camera's histogram to adjust exposure. (WOOHOO, love finding out things I can do with my camera!!!) I am wondering if there is any way to see the histogram on the PC after I download the photo? I download to "my pictures" using Windows XP. I also have a FLICKR account and PSE9, neither of which I have delved into too deeply yet because my spare time is taken up with photography classes and practicing what I have learned. My next step will be to get a tutorial-type book for PSE9. But what can I say, I am impatient.

Any help would be appreciated. TIA!!!

Note to mods -- Please move if you think I would get more response elsewhere.

OsmosisStudios · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2011, 08:12 PM

You should be able to see one using one of the windows in PSE9

baycruisers · #3 (**permalink**) 04-10-2011, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mocha

I have just learned how to use my camera's histogram to adjust exposure. (WOOHOO, love finding out things I can do with my camera!!!) I am wondering if there is any way to see the histogram on the PC after I download the photo? I download to "my pictures" using Windows XP. I also have a FLICKR account and PSE9, neither of which I have delved into too deeply yet because my spare time is taken up with photography classes and practicing what I have learned. My next step will be to get a tutorial-type book for PSE9. But what can I say, I am impatient.

Any help would be appreciated. TIA!!!

Note to mods -- Please move if you think I would get more response elsewhere.

To see the histogram in PSE 9 go to Adjust/Lighting or Ctrl-L will bring up the levels dialogue, which will display the histogram. You can adjust it there. My camera consistently underexposes a bit so adjusting the histogram is one of the first things I check.

Two tips: get Kelby's book, "Photoshop Elements 9 for Digital Photographers"and check out the best PSE support forum at Photoshop Elements Techniques, Tutorials, Downloads, Video Tips, Newsletter and more - Photoshop Elements User. The latter is free, although for $59/year you get access to video tutorials.

Mocha · #4 (**permalink**) 04-11-2011, 05:46 AM

Mario,

Using google search, I found where I could see the histogram in PSE9, but not adjust it. I figured that there would probably be a way to adjust, I just haven't had time to check it out yet. Thanks for the info.

As far as study guides for PSE9, I was kind of leaning toward "The Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage because of the amount of detail she goes into with the basics of the program. This is my first exposure to any PhotoShop, and I need to get all the way down to the basics. After that, I was thinking about "Exquisite Expressions with Photoshop Elements 9" by Jim Krause, for the the more artistic side of Photoshop. However, I like the way Kelby writes -- This is what you want, this is how you get it. I may have to re-think about this.

Thank you for your help and suggestions!

OsmosisStudios · #5 (**permalink**) 04-11-2011, 12:30 PM

The histogram isn't there to be manipulated: it's an indicator of the levels of colour and intensity within the photo

If you're working on an image and want to edit a "histogram", then use the LEVELS tool

baycruisers · #6 (**permalink**) 04-13-2011, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mocha

Mario,

Using google search, I found where I could see the histogram in PSE9, but not adjust it. I figured that there would probably be a way to adjust, I just haven't had time to check it out yet. Thanks for the info.

As far as study guides for PSE9, I was kind of leaning toward "The Missing Manual" by Barbara Brundage because of the amount of detail she goes into with the basics of the program. This is my first exposure to any PhotoShop, and I need to get all the way down to the basics. After that, I was thinking about "Exquisite Expressions with Photoshop Elements 9" by Jim Krause, for the the more artistic side of Photoshop. However, I like the way Kelby writes -- This is what you want, this is how you get it. I may have to re-think about this.

Thank you for your help and suggestions!

I think that Brundage and Kelby complement each other. Brundage is more encyclopedic; Kelby is more "how to make the most common fixes." If you can, I'd get both. But then, I'm always happy to spend someone else's money!