The Practical Zone System for Film and Digital Photography, 6th Edition

chapter tenThe Zone System and Digital Photography

Introduction

One interesting way to consider the profound transition fine art photographers have gone through in recent years is from the perspective of what it took to become a fully functional practitioner before the digital revolution began.

Not long ago, it was possible to be a completely self-contained photographic artist if you could afford the thousand dollars or so it took to purchase a decent camera, enlarger, timers, trays, and chemicals. Photographic paper was an ongoing expense, but with a little bit of rough carpentry, you could build a sink. And if the room could be made dark enough and if running water was available, you could produce work up to the limits of your talent and aspirations. ...