Experimenting is key! Bracketing exposures with the use of the zoom lens. I understand the "zoning technique" better than I did before and am improving. I still have my "pure white" in the highlights of the necklace. The bracelet and necklace "zone out" into the background which is the biggest objective for using the zoning technique.
For black on black, deep shade or a darker room is better. Wide open aperture, bracketing, and use of zoom. Focus is a little tough to maintain in the dark, but for blacker blacks, the less light - the better. I'd advise using a tripod for better focus - although I don't have one so I brace the camera on a flat surface as best as I can.
I can't wait to try this... I'm still looking for my pure white and pure black objects. You did this on a dark room Maggie? thank you for sharing the zoning techniques :D
@princesicita Not a "dark room" just a room that was sort of dark. Not a whole lot of natural sunlight was coming through the windows at that time of day. Give it a try, Princess! I'm anxious to see what others will do! =)
This is the most "minimalist" zoning one that you done so far . . I think that the fewer the items, the more interesting it becomes. But that's just me. How do you feel about the your results now that you've done these? This is gorgeous . . you must feel great after all the work!! :)
@karenann I have very few pure black items and even fewer pure white ones. I did want to experiment with different textures to see how they would zone out into the background or foreground. However, you are right! Most of the magazine ads that I saw years ago, had one or two items along with their product and brand. I remember mainly "perfume" ads and a few jewelry ads photographed using the zoning technique. I remember one with a black panther... you could see it's head and front paws and the rest of him zoned out into the background... what the ad was for - I can't remember! I wish I could find some of these old ads to show you gals and guys. My professor loved "zoning!" I just didn't get it back then - was way over my head at the time, plus I didn't have tons of money for film and tons of time for the lab to develop the film. The digital world makes it easy and affordable to experiment and improve one's skills and learn and re-learn old ones. =) I do feel better that I understand zoning a little bit better now. I would be anxious to see what I could do with it with a really nice camera and lens but, I have to make do with what I've got. I'm pushing my little Kodak to it's max! LOL! Thank for your sweet comments and words of encouragement, Karen! I'd really like to see what others will do with it! Some of you gals, you included, have a brighter imagination than I do! =)
No you're the inspiration and the teacher, maam. And I once read that a a good photographer can take great photos with a "disposable camera." I truly believe that's so true. Even Ansel Adams felt that way. You're doing more with your Kodak than alot of people do with their fancy and expensive DSLR's! :)
@karenann Ha ha! My professor said that a good teacher will learn from his students! Some day, maybe I'll tell you a funny story of what he said he learned from me. He also had to use my model (which was a beautiful friend of mine at college) and a costume I made (for a slide show assignment) for some shoots in his studio! At the time, I didn't know whether to feel ripped off or complimented! LOL!
Zoning out with you is fun AND educational! Cool effect!
@twinsplusone Thank you so much, Sharon!
@heidievans73 Thank ya, ma'am!