B&W Squirrel

[David61]

Hi folks thought I would go in to town today for a walk around  the Brighton Pavilion gardens,taking some b&w and saw the squirrels running about as normal,so here is one,which I think looks not to bad in mono.

[ChrisLumix]

Works well in mono Could possibly do with darker shadows (via Levels)?

[Guest]

Works well in mono Could possibly do with darker shadows (via Levels)?

+ 1  a bit flat as it is.

[ChrisLumix]

All I've done here is to adjust the histogram - nothing else.

 

[JHFoto]

The edit is much better...

[David61]

Cheers folks,I did make some a bit darker,but this was one that I left.

[John]

the edit looks so much better.

[kev7d]

Nice image with a good edit bringing some instant improvement too!

[Karenp]

Adjust the histogram????? I have a lot to learn.

I must say that I like the edit. It has more definition and enhances a nice shot.

[ChrisLumix]

Adjust the histogram????? I have a lot to learn.

I must say that I like the edit. It has more definition and enhances a nice shot.

 

Every photo has a histogram (you can sometimes see it on your camera's screen) - it's a graph of all the shadow/midtone/highlight areas. If there is a lack of 'peaks' on the left or right or both ends, usually it means the photo is unbalanced (too dark, too light, insufficient contrast, etc). Moving one (or more) of the three sliders can either introduce deeper shadows/more blacks or lighten dark areas, for example. 

 

This website has a good introduction to it:

 

http://digital-photography-school.com/understanding-histograms/

[Karenp]

Thanks Chris. I kind of understand about histograms. But I didn't realise that you can edit a photo by adjusting them. Do you have to have a special programme for this?

[ChrisLumix]

Thanks Chris. I kind of understand about histograms. But I didn't realise that you can edit a photo by adjusting them. Do you have to have a special programme for this?

 

Well I did it in iPhoto, which is a VERY basic editor on the Mac. For PCs, I would guess that Picasa (free download) will also do it? Of course, if you've got Photoshop or Elements or anything like that, you can do it via Levels.

[Karenp]

I don't have any editing software although I use pixlr sometimes. I'll have a look at Picasa. Thanks