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The Practical Zone System for Film and Digital Photography

Classic Tool, Universal Applications

  • 4th Edition - September 15, 2006
  • Latest edition
  • Author: Chris Johnson
  • Language: English

The Practical Zone System: for Film and Digital Photography 4th edition is an updated version of what has become the classic book on the technique developed by Ansel Adams in the… Read more

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Description

The Practical Zone System: for Film and Digital Photography 4th edition is an updated version of what has become the classic book on the technique developed by Ansel Adams in the 1940's. The zone system was designed to provide photographers with a precise and intuitive way to control the dynamic range of their negatives to produce printable results regardless of the contrast of the subjects they are shooting.

What Chris Johnson has done in this new edition is completely update his approach to teaching the zone system with new film/developer testing data and new illustrations and examples.

Most importantly, he has added an extensive new chapter that provides a detailed explanation for how the zone system's conceptual approach and terminology can help digital photographers achieve the highest possible quality from digital image processes. The emphasis is on subjects that include: optimizing digital camera exposure, color management and a fine printing workflow.

Other important updates include:
* Workflow for fine digital printing
* Contemporary images
* Updated film/developer test data
* New film/developer tests
* Updated Appendixes

Key features

* New full color edition includes updates on workflow for fine digital printing, contemporary images, and film/developer test data
* Save time using the numerous development and film charts and easy-to-follow testing methods in the book
* New emphasis on the role that Zone System concepts can play in digital photographic processes, while keeping all information from previous edition for film shooters

Readership

Beginning, large-format, 35mm, black and white photographers, beginning digital shooters

Table of contents

"Will it Come Out" (An Introduction); Print Quality and Negative Contrast; The Control of Negative Contrast; The Zone; Exposure; Development; An Overview of the Zone System; Zone System Testing: Method 1; Zone System Testing: Method 2; Films, Developers, and Processing; Digital Zone System; Alternative Methods for Extreme Expansion and Contraction Development; Contrast Control with Paper Grades; Developer Dilution; Compensating Developers; Condenser and Diffusion Enlargers; ASA Numbers; Filter Factors, the Reciprocity Effect, and Bellows Extension Factors; Compensation Methods for Inaccurate Meters; Inspection Development; Exposure Record and Checklist for Zone System Testing; Sources for Zone System-Related Products and Books; A Brief Directory of On-Line Photography- Related Resources; Examples; A Primer on Basic Photography; A Brief Glossary of Zone System Terminology; Index

Product details

  • Edition: 4
  • Latest edition
  • Published: October 12, 2006
  • Language: English

About the author

CJ

Chris Johnson

Chris Johnson studied photography with Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, and Imogen Cunningham. His photographic and video works have been widely exhibited and he has conducted workshops and lectured on the Zone System in the United States and Japan. He is currently a Professor of Photography at the California College of Arts and Crafts and has recently served as Chair of the Cultural Arts Commission for the City of Oakland.
Affiliations and expertise
is Professor of Photography at the California College of the Arts. He studied photography with Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Wynn Bullock.

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