HDR/Zone System

[Tito87]

If this is a dumb question, let me apologize in advance.
Is HDR photography the equivalent to using the Zone System in film photography?
Thanks.

[ravncat]

No.

Zone system is about previsualizing the final tones in your image by carefully controlling your exposure, then manipulating the tones using processing (development) and printing.

HDR works kindof like the zone system in that it lets you control tones. So tone mapping is similar, but it's really combining tones from multiple exposures (or developments of the same film) to extend the maximum range of which to put your tones within.

The simplest explanation I can think of is that you can still use the Zone system while shooting HDR - carefully set your midtone before hand with exposure (and then the other images bracket around that shot - and then use tonemapping to make sure your set midtone ends where you want.

Different beasts - HDR is not dependent upon zone system.

[Tito87]

Thanks for your explanation. So, does that mean that I don't have to spot meter? Do I set the meter to matrix?

[ravncat]

For HDR?

Matrix or Spot both work. The trick with HDR is making sure that in addition to your "normal" exposure that you bracket exposure above and below. You can do this in any of the metering modes - just make sure you use a mode that gives you the base exposure you want.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by ravncat

For HDR?

Matrix or Spot both work. The trick with HDR is making sure that in addition to your "normal" exposure that you bracket exposure above and below. You can do this in any of the metering modes - just make sure you use a mode that gives you the base exposure you want.

Thanks a lot.

[Elmo]

As with everything there are different views. I use HDR to implement the zone system digitally. My exposures are based on the extremes to be reproduced and intermediate exposures are then chosen to reproduce the desired overall tonality. A spot meter is a convenience for this but is not necessary.

[Tito87]

Originally Posted by Elmo

As with everything there are different views. I use HDR to implement the zone system digitally. My exposures are based on the extremes to be reproduced and intermediate exposures are then chosen to reproduce the desired overall tonality. A spot meter is a convenience for this but is not necessary.

Thanks, Elmo, That's kind of what I was thinking.