Zone System in the Digital Age

Back in 1939-40 two photographers, Ansel Adams and Fred Archer, collaborated together to come up with a system to codify a process of controlling optimal film exposure and development. The results was what is now widely referred to as the Zone System.

While the original methodology of the zone system does not translate directly to digital image making, the fundamentals do.

In this lecture, I'll  delve beyond the typical understanding of exposure to explain how to use the Zone System for controlling exposure as it applies to digital. Topics covered include;

• Introduction to the Zone System

• How the Zone System works with digital

• Using ETTR (Expose to the Right)

• Using ETTL (Expose to the Left)

• Placing values for exposure control...

... in camera

... In post processing