ABSTRACT

A fine print can only come from a quality negative, and the Zone System is a fantastic tool to create such a perfect negative. Over the years, many Zone System practitioners have modified what they had been taught, adjusting the system to fit their own needs and work habits. This flexibility for customization has left some photographers with the perception that there are many different Zone Systems. That is not the case, but different interpretations and definitions of some key target values and boundary conditions do indeed exist. It is, therefore, beneficial for the rest of the book and the reader’s understanding to create a ‘standard’ for some of the exposure and development assumptions, when using the Zone System. This will help to create a consistent message, eliminate confusion and build a solid foundation for your own customization in the future.