Part 3: Beyond

© by Tim Meyer. Courtesy of the artist.

In Part 3 we will introduce you to three image-making concepts that are based on what you have previously learned to expand your opportunities in various photographic situations. We will also present more technical information about the capture process and function of the sensor.

The real skills of many photographers are evident in the way they approach various lighting situations. Many lighting conditionsare outside the normal range of capture devices, or they can present uncommon situations that can’t be dealt with through standard practice. Here we present three ways to acquire digital images in the hopes that you will see these approaches as part of the scope of digital photography.

The first approach we will discuss takes the ideas of the Zone System and applies them to digital photography. This technique will assist you in controlling exposure within the tonal realities of the scene and maximizing the rendered detail of the image. Next, we will explore high dynamic range imaging (HDRI), which captures very long-range lighting situations. We will discuss methods to control high-dynamic-range situations using prosumer or professional DSLR cameras. Then we will enter a discussion of hybrid imaging that uses a combination of photographic film and digital technology to create images. For those with an appetite for a more technical discussion, we will present a more detailed explanation of digital capture, starting with when light hits the sensor and continuing with how the camera processes the image.

At the end of this book, your knowledge of digital imaging, both technically and creatively, will give you the power to share your vision, communicate through your imagery, and create images worth remembering.