BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Questions

better b&W's

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June 21, 2002

What you describe is usually an exposure problem. Look at your negatives, do they looked washed out?Under-exposed film will look bland and washed out. This web page actually has a very good section on exposure:

http://www.betterphoto.com/exploring/groenhoutExposure.php

Kodak's web page also has a phenominal section on light, metering, and exposure, worth a look:

(main menu for tutorials)

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/nav/takingPics.shtml

You may want to pick up a color checker-grey card (Kodak makes them, you can get one for about $20). Meter off the card and take a picture of it, them compare the finised print with card. This way you'll be able to determine if, 1 you're metering properly, 2 your meter working correctly, 3 it gives you refference point to make corrections and lastly you have a constant to compare film/processing/papers.

As for your suggestions they all do make a difference in over all photo quality.

Zone System- There are several different versions of the zone system, developed and modified by different photographers (it's all based on the Adams/Archer system). The basic principals of each one is the same. As an amatuer photographer that wants to learn the art/craft it's well worth your time. It will help you in just about all aspects of photography. There are tons of web pages and books dedicated to the Zone System (one book I strongly suggest is, The Negative by Adams)

Film Quality- That absoloutly matters. Also consider the characteristics of different b&w films. For 35mm use I personally like very slow, fine grain b&w film (Ilford Pan f-plus). Sometimes I'll use a grainy film (Agfa APX 400) if that's the effect I want. I don't really care for any of the C-41 b&w film, but that's all personal prefference. You have to figgure out what works best for you.

Printing- Like films, papers have different characteristics, it's a personal prefference, something you have to play with. A photograph printed on matte paper may look dramaticly different printed on gloss paper. It all depends on the style and mood you're trying to convey to the viewer.

MF- I wouldn't recomend changing systems untill you figgure out what's wrong. MF and LF will give you better image quality, but that's a whole other can of worms.

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June 23, 2002