Unit Three : Photography Basics
Time to dip our toes into that bucket of exposure.
We’re not diving head first into our settings, but we will take some time to experiment this week. Like previous weeks, we’re looking for a few photos. We want you to attempt to make three photos, each of which showcases a specific version of the histogram.
Make three photos.
Photo One: This photo should aim to have a histogram that lays heavily to the right. This means you’re looking for bright highlights. We can sometimes call this “high-key” depending on how bright.
Photo Two: For this one, do the opposite. Your photo should be strong in the shadows and the histogram should reflect that by laying heavily to the left. And, you guessed it, we can refer to this as “low-key,” depending.
Photo Three: Aim for a “good exposure” where the histogram makes that pleasing bell curve. Don’t aim for perfection here, just do your best to have the histogram data fall mainly in the middle (the mid-tones).
Load the photos into your photo editor of choice, and find the histogram. Take a screenshot of the histogram and include it in your submission. As this is an exercise in using the histogram while shooting, let’s refrain from any dramatic exposure edits which alter the histogram. Like our previous technical assignments, mentors will not be required to give feedback on your submissions - this gives you the freedom to focus on exposure without worrying about other ‘critiqueable’ aspects. If you’d like specific advice or feedback on your submissions, tag the mentors so they know to check in.