What's the best book for a newbie?

[oriecat]

I want to learn about making digital negatives. I know nothing right now. I've seen mention of the PDN system and also Dan Burkholder's book. What would you recommend for someone just starting out who has a lot to learn?

Thanks

[sanking]

I have used Burholder's method and PDN of Mark Nelson. Both methods work fine, though PDN allows more control.

If you just want to get your feet wet there are a couple of articles on making digital negatives at the alternative photography site that should get you started, including this one by Clay Harmon. http://www.alternativephotography.co...es/art056.html

Sandy King

I want to learn about making digital negatives. I know nothing right now. I've seen mention of the PDN system and also Dan Burkholder's book. What would you recommend for someone just starting out who has a lot to learn?

Thanks

[oriecat]

Thank you Sandy. I will check that out!

[marko_trebusak]

Sandy, what do you think about Dan's and Clay's curve? I tried Clay's curve for Zia, and highlights are truly blown out. I'll try Dan's curve next, but IMO it shall work better, since it's not that steep in highlight part. My worry is, what would happen in mid tones.

Marko

[sanking]

Marko,

When I used Dan Burkholders' curve I got pretty good results when making the negatives on the same type of printer he uses, and then making slight adjustments in the shape of the curve to match my process.

I have not actually tried Clay's color point method. However, in looking over the instructions it is obvious that he is choosing a color to match the exposure scale of the process. This means that he has already identified a process exposure scale and that he is using a specific kind of printer. You would not be able to just go in and pick up his curve without matching everything else. That might give you a result, but perhaps not a very good one.

Sandy

Sandy, what do you think about Dan's and Clay's curve? I tried Clay's curve for Zia, and highlights are truly blown out. I'll try Dan's curve next, but IMO it shall work better, since it's not that steep in highlight part. My worry is, what would happen in mid tones.

Marko

[marko_trebusak]

Sandy, thank you for your answer. And since I don't want to hijack oriecat's tread, I'll open another discussion.

Marko