Ansel Adams question about his camera?

Question

Were Adams’s pictures more dependent on Aperture or shutter speed? Why?

Answer 1

Ansel Adams images were very dependent on large depth of field (small aperture). He used a tripod and very often long exposures to gather enough light to shoot with small apertures. It is also important to note that Adams was very picky about developing and printing his film. He believed that a huge portion of the quality of his photographs depended on how they were printed in the darkroom. This darkroom work had more to do with the light quality of his images than just the shutter speed/exposure time. That is why I say the aperture was more important. You can't fix focus in the darkroom.

~Liz
http://photography.about.com

Answer 2

The previous post said it all, he was one of the founders of the F64 group which as you know is typically the smallest aperture on a view camera (some lenses can stop down further for instance f90 ). However the idea behind using F64 was to achieve a maximum depth of field and as you know the easiest way to achieve a maximum depth of field on a camera is to use a small aperture (or use the scheimplfug technique if you have a view camera). However, what really made Adams pictures special was a system of photography known as the zone system. Perhaps in your own photography you have looked at a scene and knew just how you wanted the final print to look, however when you printed it, it was totally different than how you imagined it. This idea of imagning your image before it is printed is known as Previsualization, and the zone system gives you a method of exposing, developing and printing your image so that you can achieve your vision.

Answer 3

I agree with Liz. He spent most of his time in the darkroom. The quality of his prints are astounding. You really can't appriciate them until you've seen an actual print, not just a copy or a poster. I own one of his original prints.
He didn't depend more on one than the other. It all depends on the situation and making the aperture and shutter speed work together to produce the desired results. He had a great understanding of light and how to manipulate the camera to capture it just perfectly. There are many books out there. Try picking one up.

Answer 4

I agree with Photography.Guide. Adams was one of the founders of the F64 Group. He also invented and perfected the "Zone System" of exposure.

Answer 5

neither. to be a good photographer - Adams included - he must be able to master both of them, and more.