[g__day (Matthew)]

Andrew - when you say 1/3 of the way along - you mean from the left (dark) end don't you? So you expect you shot to look dim, not dark nor too bright (i.e. like a picture of the sky towards late sunset).

Terry - when you say a perfect flat should be perfectly flat - what do you mean? Saying a perfect egg should be a perfect egg - doesn't help a newbie trying to understand that definition.

Also when you say the average histogram should be half the total possible - I bet you're right - but what does that look like - i.e.

If its done right does the Histogram mountain in Photoshop CS2L
1. 1/2 the height of the box, or
2. half the width of the box or
3. half way along the bow or
4. something else entirely!

I guess I am asking for a lay persons guide to knowing if I got it right!