What exactly is the Zone System Express Panel?

At the root, the Zone System Express Panel is a Photoshop extension.  It has been designed to work with Photoshop CC.  However, it is an extension (or panel) like no other. The Zone System Express Panel has evolved from the necessity to increase photographic workflow efficiency.  In past years the Zone Systems did an excellent job of speeding up the workflow, but they were based on Actions in Photoshop.  Actions are great, but they require more steps than necessary to accomplish the task at hand.  They also tend to be difficult to find what you are looking for as you may have acquired several hundred actions over time! Blake realized the necessity for something more, something better, and something more efficient.  The Zone Systems Express Panel is the answer to the Workflow dilemma.  It is faster than the old Zone Systems, more accurate, and much more efficient. The Zone System Express Panel is not “just another panel” in Photoshop.  It has been expressly designed for accuracy, efficiency, and deliberate editing.  Each item on the panel has been handpicked and carefully selected from years of workflow refinement.  It is not convoluted with items you will rarely use and is laid with Workflow in mind.

 
What you will learn
Module 1 Introduction
This module is designed to get you setup and started with the Zone System Express.  It briefly discusses the need for it in your workflow, then gets all the preliminary installation stuff out of the way before we progress on to the meat and potatoes!
Module 2 Tone
In this module, we will break down all the aspects of Tone that you may have never received in such a detailed manner.  We will talk about the Tone Curve, the Histogram, Luminance Values, the Zone System, Dodging and Burning and how all of this relates to the ZSE.
Module 3 Color
What is tone without Color?  In this module, we will discuss the importance of understanding the basic concepts of Color Theory.  Before you get scared about the word “theory”, hold on a second, this is some of the most important education you have never received as a photographer!
Module 4 Effects
After getting our tones and colors technically perfect, it is time to start working on crafting our vision.  In this module, we will discuss how to use some basic adjustments as Artistic Effects.  We will talk about Vignettes, Spotlights, Color Grading, and so much more!
Module 5 Workflow
After discussing tone, color, and effects we will put it all together in this extensive workflow section.  We will talk about processing images from the camera to completion in these full-length video tutorials.  Also included are short quick tips that will ensure you get the most out of the Zone System Express!
Printable Documentation
I know this is a lot to take in all at once so I have included a plethora of helpful resources.  You will find a Workbook that you can print included in the Introduction Module.  You may take notes on each lesson as you work and use the chart to track your progress.  There are also plenty of supplemental PDF’s and workflow documents to aid in your learning.