How much do you go by the manual?

In the manual it tells me that my histograph should ideally be a gentle curve up, highest point in centre and then gentle curve down, like a half-moon shape.

Well I have actually managed to take a photo I like and the graph looks nothing like that!!

I havent put it on the computer yet so, maybe it wont look so good once I do, but so far I'm happy.

Just wondered how much others pay attention to that sort of stuff from a camera manual?

What's a Manual? I think it's what you like, To a Pro my work is Novice but i like it, I take help and advice from the people on YOP Because i'm sure all the problems we go through they went through once, if that makes sence

You can't rely on histograms but should be used as a guide only. Personal choice as to how bright/dark a picture can depend on the " mood " you are trying to portray. You get histograms in camera and in PP so it depends on which one is being referred to.

Bazza

Thanks and yes that makes sense
That would be the histogram then (I wrote histograph)
The one in camera was the one I was looking at. I now have it on the computer and when I look at it in the windows viewer, and make adjustments so that the windows histogram looks more in the centre...., it maybe does look better, but much brighter. idk whether to just leave it or not. But I did like it initially, so think I will probably leave it that way.

Thanks guys.

Well Natalie..there are many 'correct' exposures where your camera will tell you everything was spot on but there is also creative exposure which may not look like the perfect histogram but was the look you were seeking.

Lots of boring pics out there by histogram freaks!

I'm going to post the pic, nothing changed, just how I took it. I like it dark anyway. I just cant seem to get it to show from flickr/to here :-?

pmed you. xx

Thanks Daisy, it's here and you can see it now
http://www.yophotographer.com/page.php?t=16553

Seen and commented on..thumbs up!

Me thinks me made a slight boo -boo. Anyway it can also depend on your monitor, having asked loads of questions about monitors the general concensus is an IPS monitor such as the - Dell Ultrasharp LED IPS 21.5" Monitor- produces the best results for photographic work. Just incase anyone might be interested

Bazza