Histogram Question

[jmonhollen]

Hola! I was just reading an article on histograms and clipping for Lightroom 3, and was wondering if someone might be able to answer my question. First of all, here is the picture:


IMG_0131.jpg by Judy Monhollen, on Flickr

Next, here is the histogram:


Marti Histogram by Judy Monhollen, on Flickr

I see that there is clipping in the blacks, but I really like the deep blacks in this picture, it really shows the emotions she was feeling on that day. Is the conventional wisdom to adjust so there is no more clipping, which lightens the black of the bench more? Or should I leave it the way it is because I like the effect?

I should also note that eventually I am going to get a print of this picture to frame, and I understand the clipping will be more noticeable on the print rather than on my computer screen because there is always a huge difference in how computer screens are set.

[kirbinster]

Histograms are a technical indicator, while photography is an art form. Put another way, if you like it the way it is, then as the artist you should keep it that way! I too like it and would not change it.

[jmonhollen]

Great, thanks so much for replying! I guess I'll see if I made the right decision when I get the print!

[Photologyst]

There is no such thing as the “perfect” histogram, Judy. Yes, the conventional wisdom is to aim for the S curve. However, rules are made to be broken on either side of that curve. Dramatic photos do not conform to the S curve. Under exposed photos are easier to deal with than over exposed—maybe.

The best thing about histograms, IMHO is that you can see them on your camera monitor. Much better indicator of the quality of the photo for which you are aiming than the LCD, which often cannot be seen at all under certain lighting conditions.

Here is a great article from one of my favorite photo sites: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tut...istograms1.htm

Check out his awesome gallery: http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/cambridge-gallery.htm

The photo looks great! Don’t change it unless you want to play a bit with the recovery slider and the fill light and see if that makes you feel better.

The main thing is to have your monitor calibrated so that what you see is what you will get in print.

[jmonhollen]

Wonderful! Thanks for the links, I will definitely give them a look-see! Also, thank you for the tip on calibrating my monitor, which I haven't done in quite a while. I got the feeling after reading those articles that I would probably use them more in-camera to make sure the quality of the picture is what I'm looking for.

[ravncat]

Histograms are great because they let you know when you've lost detail and if it's highlight or shadow. It's up to you to decide if the detail is important.