Photography

I learned to test-develop small portions of a batch of film, ordered in bulk, to determine it's true speed, which was rarely what was stated on the box.

Then used the zone system (as used by Ansel Adams), taking spot-meter readings of the darkest dark and lightest light areas you wanted detail and adjusted exposures from there (you want details in zone three, darkest zone, and zone seven, the lightest).

Finally, you made test-strip exposures when printing to find the best starting point, then dodged and burned select areas to achieve the desired mood of the final print. This was done for every image, regardless of how well the unaltered print would have been. It was just considered part of the art.

I don't see digital photos being any different. If the photo's good enough un-manipulated, it will only be better when carefully and judiciously tweaked by a well trained eye.

I also have to add, my career in advertising included positions of art director and creative director, dealing with photography on a daily basis. I sold all my equipment years ago although today I regret that and have been looking to replace some of what I had, at least one camera just for fun, but so far haven't found what I'm looking for.

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