In their familiar easy-to-read style, the authors (who have earned their living by taking pictures all over the world) provide a wealth of information on the theory and practice of exposure, whether on location or in the studio; information which is always applicable, regardless of the size of the reader's budget. They begin by looking at what constitutes the 'perfect exposure', and then move on to the theoretical basis of exposure determination; the different types of meters available; metering techniques; and how to apply those techniques to a wide range of subjects. There are also chapters on printing (in monochrome and colour), and appendices on the Zone System, using Polaroids, and useful rules of thumb. Over 200 pictures complete the story, with detailed explanations of how exposure readings were modified to achieve the desired results.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1 The Perfect Exposure; 2 The Characteristic Curve; 3 Shadows, Highlights and Speed; 4 Subjects and Images; 5 Film Testing; 6 Metering Equations and Calibration Data; 7 Exposure Meters; 8 Filters and Metering; 9 Metering Technique; 10 Landscapes and Buildings; 11 Portraits; 12 Still Life and Close-up; 13 Monochrome Printing; 14 Colour Printing - and Computers; Appendix 1 Serious Testing; Appendix 2 Rules of Thumb; Index

Author Biography

Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz are a husband-and-wife writing team who have many books to their credit, including Quality in Photography and The Black and White Handbook. They are also regular contributors to the photographic press in the UK and USA, writing for The British Journal of Photography, Shutterbug and View Camera. They now live in France.