Experimenting with producing gain map images using libultrahdr, using only OOC jpegs. Making a rough gain map is relatively easy with a Fujifilm camera. You’ll need a compatible browser and display for the HDR effect to work:
I think the results are truer to life in the brightness of the lights in contrast with the night. That doesn’t necessarily make a better photo. I like the SDR originals just fine.
The photo below is where I think HDR really helps to convey the feel of the lit signboard. The desired visual effect can be achieved with minimal effort in HDR versus SDR.
Of course, I know the talented raw editors on the forum can bring the night lights to life without resorting to cheap tricks . So here is the play raw. Make the sign pop! Or not. Looking forward to everyone’s take.
On my laptop (Chrome, Windows) the image previews appeared saturated and bright, but clicking for the full image shows them as way more dull. Then when I went back to this thread, the previews were also dull.
On my desktop (Firefox, Linux) the image previews are also oversaturated and bright, and the full images appear dull, but refreshing the thread hasn’t made the previews dull.
I don’t think my monitor does native 10-bit and it’s only an IPS so I can’t test HDR images fully.
edit: typo
I find it interesting how red darktable renders the sign. And the uneven backlight which wasn’t noticeable in person. The shutter speed was 1/15 so I don’t think it was due to flicker?
The default tone mapping modules in current version all do a good job with high dynamic range files. I darken the rest of the photo relative to the lights. Brightened the band of clouds a little, and evened out the light on the oval sign.
. So here is the play raw. Make the sign pop! Or not. Looking forward to everyone’s take.
