Farah Wahida Bt Ismail, (0322808),
Introduction to Photography
Exercise 3: The Zone System
Lecture
Today we started the class with Mr Vinod making a quick recap of the 'Aperture', 'Shutter Speed' and 'ISO' lessons that we did in the few weeks before.
Then, he explained about the new topic: Zone System. The exposure meter is basically not accurate as it will play safe by giving a tonal value of middle grey (zone 5) which may not be exactly the same as the tone of subject in real life. After a quick explanation, we were all given some time to try applying the zone system to the pictures. We were asked to take pictures with different shades of white, different shades of grey and a picture with dark shades. We were told to use the zone system chart image to help guide us executing the first exercise.
After applying that and understanding how the zone system works, we all went inside the class again to be briefed about the zone system where the light, medium and dark shades are present and how to maintain all the shades without disturbing the tonal value of other shades. Mr Vinod then gave us a step by step guide and showed us on how to do the second exercise. Class is then dismissed.
Instructions
Instructions: Zone System
Having learned that the camera light meter is dumb, because it gives you an average or optimized (middle grey; zone 5) exposure irrespective of the subject matter, execute the plan below to prove the theory and record you thoughts on the matter in your eportfolio.
Instructions for Exercise 3a: Zone System
1. Capture three subjects: one light zones, middle zones and dark zones.
2. Take two images for each subject, one exposure according to the camera's light meter and the other according to the zone you believe the image falls under.
3. Ensure that the subjects you choose for each zone area (light, middle dark) have a good range of tones within the zone's area. As an example if you are capturing a subject that falls under the light zone and the subject is a white wall, it is only going to have 1 shade of the light zone, so avoid such subject matters, choose subjects that have a healthy tonal range within the white zone.
All pictures must be in black and white.
3a) Light, Middle & Dark Tones (5%)
Marking Criteria: The student must show evidence of using the Zone System technique to capture an ‘accurate exposure’ of a subject with light tones, a subject with middle tones and a subject with dark tones. An accurate exposure entails ‘visible tonal values and details’ in all three tonal areas.
Learning goal: Students will be able to prove that the exposure meter isn’t always accurate. Students will be able to use the Zone System to capture an accurate exposure.
Learning outcome 1: Students will be able to use exposure settings (Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO).
Learning outcome 3: Students will be able to distinguish a bad exposure from a good exposure.
Learning outcome 2: Students will be able to use the Zone System exposure technique to achieve desired results.
Reflections
Experience
I had fun doing the first exercise where we had to find subjects with shades of white, shades of grey and dark shades to prove that the exposure meter is not accurate on giving tonality to the picture.
I already took pictures for the second exercise but I realised that I did not have point of interest in the picture, so I brought my camera to campus to take a few shots there. During break between classes, Hazel, Sarah, Ilana and I went to the lake to take pictures and we were satisfied with what we shot that day.
Observations
During my trip to Tioman, I thought it was weird because most of the pictures I took did not appear as bright as I expect it to be. Now when I was recently introduced to this topic, I understand that the exposure meter is not always correct and accurate. I noticed that subjects around gives out different tones even though they are actually one solid colour like white or grey.
I also noticed that sometimes when I adjusted the shutter speed to the correct exposure meter, I get number of shutter speed that is not a main stop. This kind of confuses me as to how many stops should I change the shutter speed to. I also observed that I get confused whether to increase or decrease the shutter speed in order to obtain the correct tone.
While doing the second exercise (Exercise 3b), I noticed that every shot taken with the correct exposure meter does make the picture to an average middle grey tone. As I realised this, I starting to understand what I should do when certain pictures have to be brighter or darker.
I noticed that I did not use the shutter speed's main stops for certain (or most) pictures. This is because I followed the correct exposure meter, and it sometimes happens to land on the non-main-stop shutter speed. I hope this does not effect the picture I took.
Findings
I realised that even by moving a few stops of shutter speed, it can create different tone/shades towards the subject. I also find that using the zone system chart to get the correct tone for certain pictures is really helpful. I came to realise that giving the correct tones towards subject can give a rich value for the picture which in result, creates a good picture.
I realised that I get confused to decide to either increase or decrease the shutter speed when I want it to be in certain tones. So, what I did to make myself understand it better is, if I want to make a picture with a zone-6-tone to a zone-7-tone, I'd think that I have to make the picture brighter, hence making it overexposed. From here, I move the shutter speed by three clicks (1 main stop) to the overexposed side. This made me understand the exercise better and helped me to get the exercise done quickly.
Lastly, I realised that by moving the shutter speed by 1 main stop, we are moving the zone system to another zone system. Hence, it effects the tonality of the picture. Playing with the shutter speed is important in order to obtain good, accurate and full of tonality kind of picture.
Learning goal: Students will be able to prove that the exposure meter isn’t always accurate. Students will be able to use the Zone System to capture an accurate exposure.
Learning outcome 1: Students will be able to use exposure settings (Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO).
Learning outcome 3: Students will be able to distinguish a bad exposure from a good exposure.
Learning outcome 2: Students will be able to use the Zone System exposure technique to achieve desired results.
Exercise 3a: Light, Middle, Dark
Light toned
1) ISO400 F5.6 S1/640
2) ISO400 F5.6 S1/320
(zone system applied)
(zone system applied)
Middle-toned
3) ISO400 F5.6 S1/50
4) ISO400 F5.6 S1/100
(zone system applied)
Dark toned
5) ISO200 F5.6 S1/1.3
6) ISO200 F5.6 S1/10
(zone system applied)
-
Instructions for Exercise 3(b): The Ansel Adam's Shot
Choose an image worthy of being called an Ansel Adam's shot (Still Life, Landscape or Portrait).
In using the Zone System sketch and write down the perceived zones in the desired image and indicate the ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed used. Identify the point of interest and state the exposure settings recommended by the camera light meter and your improved settings upon using the zone system. The image captured must fulfill the following criteria:
3b) Ansel Adams Shot (5%)
Marking Criteria: Students must show evidence of using the Zone System. Student must produce 1 black & white image that captures depth and richness in tonal value by capturing light, middle and dark tones while maintaining details (texture and tone) in the dark and light areas of the image.
Learning goal: Students will be able to use the Zone System to capture an accurate and desired exposure of a real-life scene with a wide range of tonal values.
Learning outcome 1: Students will be able to use exposure settings (Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO).
Learning outcome 3: Students will be able to distinguish a bad exposure from a good exposure.
Learning outcome 2: Students will be able to use the Zone System exposure technique to achieve desired results.
Choose an image worthy of being called an Ansel Adam's shot (Still Life, Landscape or Portrait).
In using the Zone System sketch and write down the perceived zones in the desired image and indicate the ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed used. Identify the point of interest and state the exposure settings recommended by the camera light meter and your improved settings upon using the zone system. The image captured must fulfill the following criteria:
3b) Ansel Adams Shot (5%)
Marking Criteria: Students must show evidence of using the Zone System. Student must produce 1 black & white image that captures depth and richness in tonal value by capturing light, middle and dark tones while maintaining details (texture and tone) in the dark and light areas of the image.
Learning goal: Students will be able to use the Zone System to capture an accurate and desired exposure of a real-life scene with a wide range of tonal values.
Learning outcome 1: Students will be able to use exposure settings (Aperture, Shutter Speed & ISO).
Learning outcome 3: Students will be able to distinguish a bad exposure from a good exposure.
Learning outcome 2: Students will be able to use the Zone System exposure technique to achieve desired results.
Exercise 3b: Ansel Adam's Shot
Sketch
Screenshot
Feedback
Farah while technically this is week 6, we have to call it week 5 as it is refering to the number of classes that has been conducted. So please amend.
Your exercise 3a was by and large accurate accept for the last shot, which while dark was not black. I wanted you to choose subjects that were shades of white, shades of grey and shades of black to gain an accurate understanding. Nevertheless the understanding derived from the exercise seems correct, so it is safe to say you have understood from the exercise that the exposure meter isn't always accurate.
The exercise 3b was good, although your sketch was not accurate, it did not show the exposure settings and how you worked out the correct exposure. So I'm not confident as to whether you have understood how to use the zone system just yet, going by the sketch.
The reflection does give me a sense that you have understood how to use the zone system at a very basic level, however my concern is whether the spot metering the various zones and deciding on the appropriate exposure has been understood considering the point of interest
Sketch
Picture
7) ISO400 F5.6 S1/2500
(zone system applied)
Screenshot
Farah while technically this is week 6, we have to call it week 5 as it is refering to the number of classes that has been conducted. So please amend.
Your exercise 3a was by and large accurate accept for the last shot, which while dark was not black. I wanted you to choose subjects that were shades of white, shades of grey and shades of black to gain an accurate understanding. Nevertheless the understanding derived from the exercise seems correct, so it is safe to say you have understood from the exercise that the exposure meter isn't always accurate.
The exercise 3b was good, although your sketch was not accurate, it did not show the exposure settings and how you worked out the correct exposure. So I'm not confident as to whether you have understood how to use the zone system just yet, going by the sketch.
The reflection does give me a sense that you have understood how to use the zone system at a very basic level, however my concern is whether the spot metering the various zones and deciding on the appropriate exposure has been understood considering the point of interest
Reflections
Experience
I had fun doing the first exercise where we had to find subjects with shades of white, shades of grey and dark shades to prove that the exposure meter is not accurate on giving tonality to the picture.
I already took pictures for the second exercise but I realised that I did not have point of interest in the picture, so I brought my camera to campus to take a few shots there. During break between classes, Hazel, Sarah, Ilana and I went to the lake to take pictures and we were satisfied with what we shot that day.
Observations
During my trip to Tioman, I thought it was weird because most of the pictures I took did not appear as bright as I expect it to be. Now when I was recently introduced to this topic, I understand that the exposure meter is not always correct and accurate. I noticed that subjects around gives out different tones even though they are actually one solid colour like white or grey.
I also noticed that sometimes when I adjusted the shutter speed to the correct exposure meter, I get number of shutter speed that is not a main stop. This kind of confuses me as to how many stops should I change the shutter speed to. I also observed that I get confused whether to increase or decrease the shutter speed in order to obtain the correct tone.
While doing the second exercise (Exercise 3b), I noticed that every shot taken with the correct exposure meter does make the picture to an average middle grey tone. As I realised this, I starting to understand what I should do when certain pictures have to be brighter or darker.
I noticed that I did not use the shutter speed's main stops for certain (or most) pictures. This is because I followed the correct exposure meter, and it sometimes happens to land on the non-main-stop shutter speed. I hope this does not effect the picture I took.
Findings
I realised that even by moving a few stops of shutter speed, it can create different tone/shades towards the subject. I also find that using the zone system chart to get the correct tone for certain pictures is really helpful. I came to realise that giving the correct tones towards subject can give a rich value for the picture which in result, creates a good picture.
I realised that I get confused to decide to either increase or decrease the shutter speed when I want it to be in certain tones. So, what I did to make myself understand it better is, if I want to make a picture with a zone-6-tone to a zone-7-tone, I'd think that I have to make the picture brighter, hence making it overexposed. From here, I move the shutter speed by three clicks (1 main stop) to the overexposed side. This made me understand the exercise better and helped me to get the exercise done quickly.
Lastly, I realised that by moving the shutter speed by 1 main stop, we are moving the zone system to another zone system. Hence, it effects the tonality of the picture. Playing with the shutter speed is important in order to obtain good, accurate and full of tonality kind of picture.
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