This sixth edition of The Practical Zone System by Chris Johnson updates the classic manual on Ansel Adams's landmark technique for the digital age. For photographers working digitally or with film, in color or black and white, in the studio or on the go, this simple visual language helps to control contrast and, through a process called Previsualization, provides photographers with the power of free creative expression.
This new edition discusses recent advances in technology and potentials for their use in zone photography, including HDR, smartphone cameras that shoot in raw format and smartphone light meters. Johnson demonstrates how the Zone System is a universal visual and conceptual language that dramatically simplifies the problem of creating and rendering complex lighting setups.
Author(s): Chris Johnson
Edition: 6
Publisher: Routledge
Year: 2017
Language: English
Pages: 374
Cover
Half Title
Title
Copyright
Contents
Preface to the Sixth Edition
Acknowledgments
Why and How to Read this Book
Chapter 1 “Will It Come Out?”
Introduction
What Exactly Is the Zone System?
Why Is Photographic Technique So Important?
Is the Zone System Outdated?
If the Zone System Is So Important, How Were Good Photographs Taken without It?
Do I need a Spot Meter to Use the Zone System?
Isn’t the Zone System Useful Only with View Cameras?
How Does the Zone System Apply to Digital Photography?
Can the Zone System Be Used with Smartphone Cameras?
Can I Use a Smartphone Light Meter Application with the Zone System?
How Does the Zone System Apply to the Use of an Electronic Flash?
Can the Zone System be Used with Color Film?
Chapter 2 Print Quality, Negative Contrast, and Dynamic Range
Subject Contrast and Photographic Papers: A Bit of History
The Photographic Procrustean Beds
Working with Paper Grades
Working with Problem Negatives
Summary
Chapter 3 The Control of Negative Contrast
Expose for the Shadows
Develop for the Highlights
Normal Development
Summary
Chapter 4 The Zone
Print Values
Texture and Detail
The Zones
Previsualization
Measuring Zones
Summary
Chapter 5 Exposure
Light Measurement
Exposure Recommendations
The Meter’s Dilemma
Exercise: How Light Meters Really Work
Exposure Detailed
Place and Fall
With Handheld Meters
With In-Camera Meters
Using Smartphone Light Meters with the Zone System
Summary
Chapter 6 Development
Measuring Subject Contrast with In-Camera Meters
Normal Plus Development
Normal Minus Development
Chapter 7 An Overview of the Zone System
Expose for the Shadows and Develop for the Highlights
Zone System Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter 8 Zone System Testing: Method 1
Introduction
Choosing a Photographic Paper
The Use of Equivalent ISO (ASA) Numbers
Zone System Testing: Method 1
Roll Film
Sheet Film
Standard Printing Time Test
Expansion and Contraction Development Times
Chapter 9 Zone System Testing: Method 2
About the Development Time Charts
Development Time Charts
Film and Developer: Questions and Answers
Chapter 10 The Zone System and Digital Photography
Introduction
A Word about Structure and Understanding
Basic Assumptions
Digital and Film Photography
Other Digital Printing Considerations: Large-Scale and Banner Printing
Pixels: Size, Resolution, Bit Depth, and Quality
Optimizing Digital Image Resolution
The Scanning Process
File Size Calculator
Guidelines for Fine Digital Printing
Bit Depth and Digital Exposure
The Zone System of Digital Exposure
A Summary of Digital Exposure Effects
The Zone System and Digital Contrast Control
Raw Converter Choices
An Introduction to Adobe Camera Raw Utility
Summary of Digital Photography Cardinal Rules
Chapter 11 The Zone System and Studio Photography
About Bill Brandt’s Photograph
Introduction
Digital Workflow and the Power of the Zone System
The Lighting Studio as a Creative Environment
Understanding Flash Meters
The Creative Sketching Process in the Studio
Studio Exposure Methods: Flash Spot and Incident Meters
Understanding the Lighting Studio Zone Chart
Incident Meters Never Lie
The Masterwork Re-creation Process
Some Comments Regarding Equipment and Workflow Equipment
Steps in the Process
Summary of Preceding Steps
The Shooting Process
Appendices
Appendix A Color Management, Profiles, and Color Spaces
Profiles
Color Spaces
Color Managing Your System
The RIP Alternative
Appendix B A Primer on Studio Lighting Photography
Controlling Strobe Brightness in the Studio
The Visual Qualities of Studio-lit Subjects
Appendix C What Is a Pixel?
Pixel Size
Screen Pixels
Digital Image Sensor Pixels
Scanners
Printers
Appendix D Bit Depth
Appendix E Exposure and the Digital Linear Effect
Linear versus Nonlinear
Nonlinearity, Zones, and Human Vision
The Digital Linear Effect
Appendix F Digital Light Meters and the Zone System
Digital Light Meter Settings
The Zone System and Digital Meters
Previsualization, Placement, and Contrast Measurement
Exposure Determination
Appendix G A Primer on Basic Film Photography
Photographic Emulsions
The Negative
The Print
Processing
ASA
Paper Grades
Graded and Multigrade Photographic Papers
The Camera
The Aperture
The Shutter
Exposure
Appendix H Films, Developers, and Processing
The Basics
Developer Notes
Film Notes
Processing Notes
Appendix I The Practical Zone System Film and Developer Testing Method
The Testing Process
Appendix J Film and Developer Commentary by Iris Davis
Appendix K Alternative Methods for Extreme Expansion and Contraction Development
Expansion
Contraction
Appendix L Contrast Control with Paper Grades
Appendix M Developer Dilution
Appendix N Compensating Developers
Compensating Formulas
Two-Bath Compensating Formula
Water Bath Development
Appendix O Inspection Development
Appendix P Condenser and Diffusion Enlargers
Appendix Q ASA/ISO Numbers
Appendix R Filter Factors, the Reciprocity Effect, and Bellows Extension Factors
Filter Factors
The Reciprocity Effect
Bellows Extension Factors
Appendix S A Compensation Method for Inaccurate Meters
Appendix T Zone System Metering Form: In-Camera Meters
Appendix U Exposure Record and Checklist for Zone System Testing
Materials
Materials for Sheet Film
Steps
Roll Film (Alternative A)
Sheet Film (Alternative B)
Appendix V Examples: Zone System Applications
Christine Alicino
David Bayles
Dan Burkholder
Judy Dater
Chris Johnson
Robert Bruce Langham III
Wynn Bullock
Appendix W Suggested Reading
Film Photography
Digital Photography
Technical Resource Books
Creativity and Ideas
Appendix X A Brief Directory of Online Digital and Photography-Related Resources
Some Digital Technical Reference Sites
Digital Photography Resources
Photoshop-Related Applications
General Photography Sites
Some Virtual Galleries and Museums
Documentary Photography Sites
Some Other Art-Related Photography Sites
Photo-Artist Sites
Virtual Magazines and Journals
Appendix Y A Brief Glossary of Zone System and Digital Terminology
Index
