The Most Important Lesson in Photography
December 9th, 2009 | Published in Featured, Get The Book, Tutorial
So, What is this Lesson?
In short, the lesson is Understanding Your Camera’s Light Meter & Histogram and the concept of Middle Gray. If I had only one lesson to teach beginners and even advanced enthusiasts, it would be the concept of metering along with Middle Gray.
Color photo taken with method tought in Finding Middle Gray
Middle gray is the foundation on which your digital or film camera works. Middle Gray is what your camera (your camera’s meter) sees. Having met so many photographers who have not heard of middle gray I decided to write a book about this important photo lesson that doesn’t require you to be a tech-head. It’s simple.
This easy to read book is titled “Finding Middle Gray (and then some)”. It is written for anyone at any level, beginner to advanced, who has not heard about Middle Gray. It covers digital and film cameras alike, and techniques that will help you get great exposures time and time with confidence.
Again, in my experience Middle Gray is THE most important fundamental lesson you will learn about using your camera for great exposures.
What is Middle Gray
Middle Gray is actually a tone. It’s an important tone. Your camera meter always looks for middle gray when reading the various light tones of a scene you are taking a picture of. Middle Gray is the key behind the “thinking” that your camera’s does when metering the light of any scene.
Why This Matters to You
Did you ever take a photo of a white snowy scene only to have it come out dark and dull? How about those photos you took of your vacation on the beach that were too dark?
If you even somewhat understand the concept of middle gray, you will begin to be able to understand what your camera is “thinking” and you will start to have creative control over your exposures. You will also be able to use your manual modes and other auto exposure modes with confidence (for a change). In fact you’ll use any camera, in any mode, with greater understanding, confidence and control.
What I Can Teach You
I am often asked how I get such good detail and contrast in my photographs. How do I get such great details in the highlights and shadows in my photographs, especially in difficult light? I usually answer that question with one term—Middle Gray. Some people have heard of this term and others have not. The important thing is that you have heard it now, and that’s a good thing! You are on your way to better results with your photographs.
What You Should Do Now
You should read my book titled “Finding Middle Gray (and then some)”. Look, I can use my camera, digital or film, with my eyes closed by now (almost literally). My methods for good exposure are so simple that pretty much anyone who wants too, can learn and use them EASILY.
This book explains in easy reading, with as little tech talk as possible just how to use Middle Gray to your advantage and start getting great results from your camera, new or old.
Everyone who reads this book (even some pros who didn’t learn this concept early) reports back to me that they are surprised at how simple a concept middle gray is and feel liberated with the use of their camera gear.
The Price: eBook $25 – Print book $35
You can get this book two ways. The e-Book version or The 67 page soft cover print version.
The e-Book is under $25 & The soft cover book will be $35
Either way, the price is well less than one class in any school and you’ll have the information with you any time you need it.
Important
If I had to choose only one thing to teach photographers (at any level), it would be this concept of Middle Gray. I feel it’s so important as to have left other technical details out of this book. I focus pretty much only on reading light for middle gray and the various ways to do just that. I cover Histograms, live Histograms, camera meters, hand-meters, dynamic range, digital techniques and older techniques and how they work together.
This is the best foundation you can give yourself if you want to at least understand how your camera and meter work, so you understand how to set your camera for great results.
You’ve invested hundreds or thousands in your gear right?
Then reading this book will help you understand your valuable gear and get the most out of it. Learn at your own pace and go through the chapters as you like. You’ll be glad you did and it will show in your photographs.
About the Author
My name is John Strazza. I’m known in the USA, Europe and other countries as a prominent street photographer. I’m also known for my use of bright light and deep shadows in black and white images of the streets of NYC. I have even heard people call this kind of light “Strazza light,” and I’m honored about that.
What does that have to do with getting better photos?
Well, my experience, nearly 40 years of it, is a great plus for you. Especially if you love photography and are wondering how to get better results (maybe much better results) from the camera you are using right now.
Why Listen to me?
You may want to see my work HERE and decide at least one thing—if I know what I’m doing, or not, technically speaking. If after seeing my work you feel that I do know what I’m doing, then you might want to listen to me. Reason? I can teach you how I get great exposures in your photos time after time with digital or film, in color or black & white.
Get the Book Here- You’ll be glad you did!