[thechat] Photography help

[Martin Burns]

On Fri, 23 Aug 2002, Scott Dexter wrote:

> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Madhu Menon [mailto:webguru at vsnl.net]
> >
> > English, Javi, English! :p
> >
> > Did I mention I know squat about photography? ;)
>
> Pick up Ansel Adam's intro to photography book(s).
>
> Adams is known for his technical prowess, and he explains much of what
> goes into making a photograph, from the chemicals all the way up to
> composition. A good read.
>
> <http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0821225758/qid%3D1030121338/102-
> 0673050-3682500>

+42 on that. You'll learn how to *exactly* get exposure right using the
Zone system. Although it does take a wee bit of working out, so until
you're used to it, still-lifes and landscapes are a good place to start.

There's a commentary I've read on his picture of a moonrise over a
cemetary where he's recalling that the moon has a luminance of X, and
works out how to place it exactly on Zone 9.

Not that it will be very easy without a real camera, with real stops and
exposure timings...

(It should be pointed out that Adams used a plate camera, with 8x10 inch
negatives or larger, and used apertures of F50 or smaller. Which is why
you can get landscapes with everything from 6 inches to infinity in
perfect focus).

Pinhole cameras are fun too - all you need is a soda can, a hammer and
nail, some fine sandpaper, some black paint, tin-foil, black card,
sellotape and the sharpest, newest pin you can find.

Oh, and photographic paper, developer, fixer and a dark room (needn't be a
real darkroom as long as it can be blacked out, and has water and an
extractor fan. Internal bathrooms are good for this).

Cheers
Martin

---------------------------
"Names, once they are in common use, quickly
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