Graphics Programs Reference
In-Depth Information
pure black or pure white without image detail, meaning that the image is
becoming “blown out” as if it were over- or underexposed.
Important Note:
Whether the exposure
translates to a “good” or
”bad” exposure actually
depends on the image
itself.
Clipped Shadows
The histogram below indicates clipped shadow information, or lost detail
in the shadows of the image. Notice the slam of data on the left wall of the
histogram, indicating that the data exceeds the dynamic range of the camera
in the shadow values. Highlight information is preserved, as we can see the
data clearly ends before the histogram wall on the right.
Clipped Highlights
The histogram below indicates clipped highlight information, or loss of
detail in the highlight values. Notice the slam of data on the right side of the
histogram. Shadow information is preserved, as we can see the data clearly
ends before the histogram wall on the left side.
Whether this is “good” or “bad” exposure depends again on the corresponding
image. If the histogram represented an image of a white l ower, then this
would be poor exposure because the detail in the highlights is lost. However,
if this same histogram represented an image where highlight detail is not as
important as preserving the shadow information, then this would indicate a
good exposure for the corresponding image.
Clear as mud right? Do not worry if you are not seeing it all quite yet.
Understanding histogram information and how to read and interpret the data
for image capture requires looking at lots of images and their corresponding
histograms in order to properly read and interpret the information they
provide.
Clipped Highlights and Clipped Shadows
The following histogram indicates both clipped shadows and clipped
highlights within the same image. The isolated spikes on the right and left
indicate loss of both shadow and highlight detail.
This would indicate a great exposure for a “blown out arty” fashion magazine
shot, while simultaneously indicating a poor exposure for an image hoping to
Search WWH ::
Custom Search