The Negative is the classic work were Ansel Adams (1902-1984) introduced the the Zone System to a larger audience. Since its initial publication in 1948, it was revised several times. This is a reprint of the final edition (from 1981). This book is seminal reading for any student of photography, and is still the best introduction to the Zone System. While not written for the absolute beginner, this book is a must for the serious photographer who has mastered the basics and want to take greater control over how his or her images appear.

Photographer and teacher Chris Johnson was a friend and student of the late Ansel Adams, who originated the Zone System. This work is one of the most accessible introductions to the system. It explains clearly how the photographer can control the tonal and dynamic range of his or her photographs. The book goes into great detail about contrast control, and how to use a zone scale of grey areas linking the subject to shutter-speed and exposure choices. It also tells you how to analyse of diverse elements in a scene, and how to use this data to optimise post-processing and printing.

The two previous titles (by Adams and Johnson) are best suited for the intermediate and advanced student of exposure. For the beginner that finds the subject of exposure overwhelming and confusing, Bryan Petersons introductory book demystifies the subject. The book introduces the photographic exposure triangle (aperture, shutter speed, and ISO). It also has a chapter about light, telling you how to achieve correct exposure in difficult situations, including backlight, low light, night, snow, and overcast sky. It is now revised and updated to cover digital photograhy, including white balance, flash, and HDR. But above all, this book will teach you how to take more creative control over your photographs by leaving the automatic exposure modes and work your camera manually.