Create The Old Masters Look With Modern Gear

Using the latest in software, techniques and hardware can provide you with imagery that will rival the masterpieces of nature photography

By Dave Willis, Photography By David Muench

Use The LCD And Histogram
That said, the potential of the LCD preview (and Live View in some cameras) can’t be understated. It took the Masters years of shooting to be able to effectively previsualize what the image would look like on film. We can see that almost instantaneously. Proper exposures used to have to be determined by the Zone System pioneered by Ansel Adams, but now histogram modes allow you to tweak settings for perfect exposures immediately after capture.

By using your camera’s histogram, you can analyze the amount of dark tones (on the left), bright tones (on the right) and all of the midtones in between. By adjusting exposure to ensure there’s a good dynamic range, with tones spread evenly from blacks to brights, you’re able to get an image that isn’t blown out and still maintains details in shadow areas. For the Masters, a good dynamic range meant hours in the darkroom dodging and burning. For us, proper use of the histogram provides an optimum exposure on the spot.


Photographer David Muench, whose work was used to showcase how a modern approach can provide classic imagery, often uses the chiaroscuro method of combining light and dark objects in an image as a way to define and frame each other. As seen in the images above, different approaches to depth of field and composition can provide profoundly diverse results. By placing emphasis on the foreground in the left and right image, for instance, and minimizing the backgrounds, Muench was able to add dimension to the scenes while providing unconventional scale. The middle image combines extended depth of field with a unique sunset to instill in the viewer a sense of time and place.

Using Composition
Compositionally, the Masters invented and improved upon the qualities of an image that eventually became the tried-and-true guidelines of nature photography. By using the contrast between light and dark objects in a frame, for instance, photographers can play with framing and depth to create images with defined foregrounds and backgrounds. This method, called chiaroscuro, says that a dark foreground will bring the eye to a brighter background, and darker or lighter objects can be used to frame objects on the opposite end of the tonal scale.

Perspective Control And Lens Choices
Playing with perspective provides excellent results, as well. Smaller objects in the foreground can create scale when positioned in a frame against large background subjects like mountains or dynamic skies. Conversely, using perspective to present smaller foreground objects like brightly colored flowers or textured fields as the principal subject in an image can be more interesting than trying to focus on an expansive landscape. Remember, too, that skies themselves often can be even more impressive than the terrestrial scenes beneath them, so be sure to involve them in your shots. As the Masters knew, the entire frame makes the image, so use it all.

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18 Comments

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Jay makes this comment

Tuesday, 09 June 2009

I wonder, is the writer not versed in photography, or is it in many parts, intentionally misleading? I currently use mostly digital, but have used view camera (4x5 & 8x10) various medium formats, etc. The vast majority of my images are now done with DSLR's. A couple examples: DSLR's cannot rival the IQ of large format. A landscape print from a 120 format can be seen to have higher IQ in a print even of 8x10ish size.The histogram is not analogous in use to "the zone system". The histogram is normally used to avoid blow-outs. The zone system is used to place the values where you want them, creatively. I have never posted a comment re a consumer photo mag article before. I understand that your advertising base is now digital. But does all attempt at accuracy have to be abandoned? I have been a reader since the 1980's. No more.
MC makes this comment

Friday, 29 May 2009

There are also tilt shift lenses available for the Sony Alpha mount from Schnieder Optics and I think also at least another Zeiss approved company but forgot the name. ARCA Swiss has the M Line (makes your DSLR into a view camera). Another option, for any camera, is software that does the same thing.
patricia clapp makes this comment

Thursday, 28 May 2009

I think that everyone who made a comment is right in his own way whatever makes us feel fulfilled is the one we use. I am using a digital have used film in the past but prefer digital.
Wayne Edwards makes this comment

Wednesday, 20 May 2009

If I travel from my home town, 500 miles to St. Louis, Mo. I can walk, ride a train drive a car or fly a plane. Either way I get there. If my friends are happy to see me what does it matter how I get there? Same with a piece of art, what does it matter how you get there as long and the viewer is pleased with the result?
Haroon Rashid makes this comment

Monday, 18 May 2009

Hi, Look at the latest issue of SilverShotz fine art photography magazine, it give a good technical explanation of how digital capture and printer prints have a long way to go when it comes to resolution befoe they can begin to compare with film and that includes H3D-50 size sensors
Jack makes this comment

Sunday, 17 May 2009

Why can not a group of photographers adult or otherwise express thier opinions without attacking each other?
S Hurwitz makes this comment

Thursday, 14 May 2009

Over the years I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter what instrument [of photography] you use. It's the eye behind it and the brain, I hope. Eve Arnold
s Hurwitz makes this comment

Thursday, 14 May 2009

Over the years I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter what instrument [of photography] you use. It's the eye behind it and the brain, I hope. Eve Arnold
S Hurwitz makes this comment

Thursday, 14 May 2009

Over the years I have come to the conclusion that it doesn't matter what instrument [of photography] you use. It's the eye behind it and the brain, I hope. Eve Arnold
Bill makes this comment

Thursday, 14 May 2009

To Roy You don't know me nor how old I am. It is true that the use of a digital camera is much easier than a film camera! If they didn't have digital cameras. A lot of you wouldn't call yourself a Pro. Photographer! Film will always be around and many True pros. are reusing film. You sound threaten Dawg! Live with it!
Roger makes this comment

Thursday, 14 May 2009

If I hear someone state that shooting at F/16 or smaller aperture is bad, I'll puke. I've seen "plenty" of great, sharp photographs taken with these small aperture settings. I think we read what "experts" say then we take it as the truth without trying it ourselves. Although diffraction and lower contrast does occur it's not to the degree most people bemoan it to be. I challenge anyone to actual go and photograph at various apertures. You'll find the hype is not commensurate with the actual results. Bottom Line: Take what you read as a guide but not as the gospel! Lastly, the guy ridiculing digital because it's not film should realize. They're two different mechanisms used to achieve a result. All that matters is the result. People decrying digital need to get over it. I'm sure he's not using a wood-burning stove to heat his home. Advancements in technology are inevitable. If you don't like them, don't use them but don't "hate" on others who do!
Roy makes this comment

Thursday, 14 May 2009

"Bill" sounds like a sour faced old fool who rants on about how his opinion's concerning film vs digital is pure fact and everyone else is wrong. Isn't photography supposed to be fun? Regardless of what type of camera you chose to shoot with? I may not have "formal training" but I do know why i take pictures, because its fun. Roy-
Roy makes this comment

Thursday, 14 May 2009

"Bill" sounds like a sour faced old fool who rants on about how his opinion's concerning film vs digital is pure fact and everyone else is wrong. Isn't photography supposed to be fun? Regardless of what type of camera you chose to shoot with? I may not have "formal training" but I do know why i take pictures, because its fun. Roy-
Bill makes this comment

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

I am going to puke when another Digital Whore (who is pushing digital for some company) put down Film. I still use film and will continue to do so. I have several digital cameras and only use them when someone needs a photo in a hurry. I have a D3 and D700 Nikon and there is no comparsion to my Nikon F4. With film cameras you have to use your brain (I have formal training) with digital you point and shoot.
Jeff makes this comment

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

Suggesting that digital users shoot at apertures in the f/16-f/32 range is generally bad advice (for landscapes, anyway). Not only do you typically not need such a small aperture, but diffraction will rob the image of sharpness and resolution. Large-format shooters needed those tiny apertures because of the much longer focal lengths needed for a given field of view.
cuibel makes this comment

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

"ultimate in sharpness" uh-oh, heave
cuibel makes this comment

Wednesday, 13 May 2009

If i hear someone use the phrase "ultimate control" once more i'm gonna puke.
ofer makes this comment

Friday, 08 May 2009

Classic photograph in the modern resources

How-To

Create The Old Masters Look With Modern Gear

Using the latest in software, techniques and hardware can provide you with imagery that will rival the masterpieces of nature photography

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