How can the histogram help a photographer adjust exposure?

The histogram is a crucial tool for photographers as it graphically represents the distribution of tones in an image. By indicating light and dark areas, the histogram allows photographers to see if their image is properly exposed.

When analyzing a histogram, the left side represents shadows (dark areas), the right side represents highlights (light areas), and the middle represents midtones. An ideally exposed histogram will have a good range of data spread across the graph without significant clipping on either end. Clipping occurs when the highlights are too bright or the shadows are too dark, resulting in a loss of detail.

By examining the histogram, photographers can make informed adjustments to their exposure settings, such as adjusting the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO, to achieve the desired brightness and improve the overall quality of their images. This capability makes the histogram an invaluable tool for ensuring that photographs capture the full range of tones from the scene.