The Zone...

[rab3rd]

I recently decided to finally learn the zone system. I really like black and white art type photography and strive to acheive the results of famous black and white art photogs (I said try...).

So anyone else learning/using the zone system?

I'm wondering how others have honed their previsualization skills. Trying to decide what should be in zone III in brighter situations seems like it would be the most difficult.

[rab3rd]

no one? guess the b and w world isnt all that represented here...

[groovyone]

I have the book. It is in my stack to read. I have a Tiffen viewing filter that turns everything amber but gives a good approximation of the contrast range for B&W.

[msk2193]

The Zone system is actually a great tool to learn for digital color photography as well. Your histogram on the back of your camera is actually divided in zones!

I use it all the time for all photography. Like you write, with B&W film you will need to focus on just one thing.... get Zone III correct, everything else falls into place! Zone III is the darkest spot on yor image where you want some detail in your blacks / shadows.

Get a calibrated, old light meter that was adjusted by Zone VI. Older ones are always available on e-bay, and they have the zone system labeled right onto the meter. Makes life easy! Remember to meter through the filter you want to use on the lens for that shot!

[groovyone]

I think this is what I have: Tiffen #1 Black and White Viewing Filter BWVF B&H Photo Video

[msk2193]

Keith, that is indeed the filter. Older ones are around as well.

The idea is to look thorugh it only briefly as your eyes will adjust to the image and add contrast back in.

The purpose of this filter is to show you if there is enough seperation between two "things" next to each other or if a color correcting filter would be helpful.

Getting to know the color wheel will also help. Adjecent colors tend to blend together and can be seperated easily by using an oposte color filter to darken an area and add contrast.

[groovyone]

I plan on bringing it and my B&W film on our next photowalk. We'll see if I remember by then.

[rab3rd]

I bought this one...

8.....NEW and USED

List Price:$29.95
Starting at:$24.07
(You Save 19%)
See All Prices.......The Practical Zone System : For Film and Digital Photography / Edition 4


on chapter 7, its more geared towards film as it talks about developing and such but it also talks about digital. The film portions are still pretty interesting to read.

[rab3rd]

thye also make some king of really expensive viewing glasses (i think glasses) that do the same thing. I forget the name of them...

I have been trying to see things that would be zone III for the last few days. Sometimes is obvious and others its hard to nail down...

[msk2193]

Rob,

It should not be that hard. The very darkest shadows in which you still want to be able to see some details. The thread of a tire "hidden" under the car quarter panel; a dark blue coat inside of a closet; texture on a dark tree trunk if you're shooting close-up; dark hair on a model for a protrait. Too many to name!

Ii is not a fixed "thing". Look at the whole scene and decide what of the darkest shadows you still want to show with some information other than all black!

[rab3rd]

oh yeah, I get that part, its more of a high key situation that I was thinking about, but in that case the total contrast of the scene probably isnt wide enough to make a decent balck and white. Something I intend to experiment with...

[msk2193]

Rob,

If you get Zone III nailed, then in the developing of the film you can adjust the highlight areas, especially with staining developers by reducing time. Especially if you intend to scan the negaitve instead of wet printing.

[rab3rd]

maybe no even really high key per say. For example, as I was driving into work this morning, I am looking at the woods along the side of the road and there wasnt really anything in deep shawdow, so at that point do I say well Ill take the darkest point and make it zone III anyway? seems that would push the other zones up to possible the point of blowing out the highlites.

Just stuff I am thinking about havent really tried anything at this point. The funny thing is I have been kind of doing this for awhile now without even really thinking much about it. I meter fro an area that I feel is where I want the 18% to be, so I have been "placing" zone 5 by doing so.

[rab3rd]

Im digital Michael

[picman]

Here's a cool bit on adapting the Zone System to digital.

DPanswers: Digital Zone System Tutorial