The Beginner Photography Podcast

The Underrated Technique Every Photographer Should Know


Listen Later

#481 In this episode of the podcast, we explore the Zone System for perfect exposure and Zone Focusing to get perfect focus. I'll explain how understanding and using this system enhances your ability to capture scenes exactly as you envision them. By the end, you'll see how these classic techniques can simplify your photography, even in today's digital world. 

THE BIG IDEAS

  • Commit to the Basics: Embracing photography fundamentals like the zone system can dramatically improve your photos' quality. Mastery of basics sets a strong foundation.
  • Prioritize Your Subject: By focusing on properly exposing the main subject, you naturally draw viewers' attention to the heart of your photograph. Balance the shot around this principal element.
  • Depth of Field Mastery: Understanding and implementing zone focusing can help you achieve tack-sharp images without relying solely on modern autofocus, especially in dynamic settings.
  • Blend Old with New: Integrating traditional techniques with modern technology can offer a richer photography experience, merging tried-and-true methods with instant digital feedback.

PHOTOGRAPHY ACTION PLAN

  • Learn the Zone System: Research online tutorials or read Ansel Adams' books to deeply understand the ten zones and their applications. Practice by choosing a high-contrast scene, note light meter readings for different zones, and adjust your camera’s exposure settings accordingly.
  • Apply Spot Metering: Switch your camera to spot metering mode and focus on critical elements like skin tones or key details. Experiment with taking readings from different parts of a scene to understand light distribution.
  • Practice Zone Focusing: Use a depth of field calculator to set manual focus distances for typical shooting scenarios. Practice focusing on stationary objects in your backyard to get comfortable with various depth of field settings before applying them in a live shoot.
  • Capture Movement: Set up shots in a dynamic environment (like a busy street or dance floor) and manually preset your focus distance to capture sharp images amidst motion. Review your photos to determine the optimal depth of field for similar future situations.
  • Evaluate and Share: Review your images critically, comparing shots with different exposure and focusing techniques to assess improvements. 

Watch the Free Maximizing Mini Sessions Video training and start earning money with your camera!
https://beginnerphotopod.com/minis

Connect with Raymond!

  • Go from Confused to Confident behind the camera with The Ultimate Photography Education Bundle - https://beginnerphotopod.com/bundle
  • Join the free Beginner Photography Podcast Community at https://beginnerphotopod.com/group
  • Grab your free camera setting cheatsheet - https://perfectcamerasettings.com/


Thanks for listening & keep shooting!

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Beginner Photography PodcastBy Raymond Hatfield

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

406 ratings


More shows like The Beginner Photography Podcast

View all
The Candid Frame: Conversations on Photography by Ibarionex R. Perello

The Candid Frame: Conversations on Photography

666 Listeners

FroKnowsPhoto Photography Podcasts by FroKnowsPhoto

FroKnowsPhoto Photography Podcasts

699 Listeners

B&H Photography Podcast by B&H Photo & Video

B&H Photography Podcast

2,022 Listeners

Picture This: Photography Podcast by Tony Northrup

Picture This: Photography Podcast

515 Listeners

So you want to be a photographer: Transform your skills and build a profitable photography business by Gina Milicia

So you want to be a photographer: Transform your skills and build a profitable photography business

154 Listeners

Street Photography Magazine by Street Photography Magazine

Street Photography Magazine

57 Listeners

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen by Matt Payne

F-Stop Collaborate and Listen

278 Listeners

The Photowalk by Neale James

The Photowalk

116 Listeners

The FujiCast: Photography Podcast by Neale James & Kevin Mullins

The FujiCast: Photography Podcast

114 Listeners

FRAMES Photography Podcast by FRAMES Magazine

FRAMES Photography Podcast

96 Listeners

Photography for Beginners | Learn the Basics of Photography by Photography & Friends

Photography for Beginners | Learn the Basics of Photography

24 Listeners

Photography Side Hustle by Andy Jones

Photography Side Hustle

97 Listeners

Oh Shoot! with Cassidy Lynne by Cassidy Lynne, Bleav

Oh Shoot! with Cassidy Lynne

484 Listeners

Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer by Nathan Chanski - Photography Business Coach

Passion With Purpose - Photography Podcast, Creative Business, Six Figure Photographer

546 Listeners

The PetaPixel Photography Podcast by PetaPixel

The PetaPixel Photography Podcast

87 Listeners