A TRIBUTE TO ANSEL ADAMS AND HIS ZONE SYSTEM BY MARTIN OSNER
As an artist specializing in black-and-white film photography, I have always been inspired by the work of Ansel Adams. His legacy in the world of photography is nothing short of legendary. Not only was he a gifted artist, but he was also a technical master.
His revolutionary 'zone system' technique, which allowed him to control contrast and gain tonal range in his prints, changed the landscape of black and white photography forever.
In my latest collection of prints, I have paid tribute to Adams' technique by using his tried and tested method to capture a series of landscapes. My goal was to produce classic black-and-white prints that translate exceptionally well in print. Each shot required careful selection of the right landscape and patience to wait for the perfect light. I used precise measurements for each exposure, just as Adams did, to ensure the final print captured the full tonal range and detail of the scene.
Adams once said, "In wisdom gathered over time I have found that every experience is a form of exploration." This quote perfectly encapsulates my own experience with this project. The process of selecting, shooting, and developing each print has been an exploration of my own skills as a photographer, just as it was for Adams. The result is a series of beautiful black and white prints that honor the legacy of Ansel Adams and his innovative 'zone system'.