The Zone System

The Zone System is a photographic technique for controlling exposure and development to achieve the desired image tone and contrast. Developed by Ansel Adams, it divides tones from black to white into ten zones, with Zone 0 being pure black and Zone 10 pure white. By estimating and adjusting exposure and development, photographers can place subjects accurately within these zones, ensuring details are preserved across shadows, midtones, and highlights. This systematic approach helps create well-balanced images with intentional contrast, giving photographers precise artistic control over the final photograph's tonal range.