The Zone System is a photographic method developed by Ansel Adams that evaluates subject brightness and negative exposure. By carefully controlling exposure, development, and printing, photographers can achieve precise tonal values in the final print.
Photographers use the Zone System to manage contrast, detail, and shadow/highlight reproduction in black-and-white and color photography. Understanding this system provides complete creative control over image tonality and ensures consistent, high-quality results in the darkroom or digital workflow.