Using AgX as "Digital Film Stock"

[thumper]

@Tamas_Papp

I am also wondering if AgX should be enough for the approach above, or should I complement with something else, eg color balance rgb.

I think it is probably enough. At the end of the day, photo editing is a varied as photographers and there is no object measure of how “done” an image is.

My personal preference for other modules that I regularly use in conjuction with AgX to create a more “wholeistic” D.F.S.:

1. color balance RGB for split toning,
2. contrast equalizer module for highlight detail rolloff similar to film (parametric mask for targetting brightest areas),
3. grain module for grain

@Doug-Phoenix

After some thought I decided to go back to rgb primaries for global color rotation/ purity prior to tonemapping. One can make color presets there of course.

I agree that I generally like splitting out major color adjustments into a seperate instance of RGB primaries. this way I can try out different color settings independant of contrast/dynamics settings.

[Tamas_Papp (Tamas K. Papp)]

@kofa

So, if the rgb primaries before AgX produces colours that become compressed, the overall effect will be different. And, because the base space may not match the working space (rgb primaries always uses the working space), the effects can’t simply be added (rotating/insetting Rec 2020 primaries vs sRGB primaries, for example).

Thanks for the explanation!

I experimented with both modules, and, for practical purposes, if adjustments are small, I think I can do what @Doug-Phoenix suggested, ie develop a “neutral” AgX preset for the tone mapping, and an rgb primaries preset for slight color adjustments, and compose them as needed. I understand that mathematically this is not additive, but it does provide a quick way to do things.

[Tim (Tim Cuthbertson)]

@thumper I have a question about this methodology, please.

You say you just set the exposure, apply your methods in AgX, and done. How are you handling white balance? Turning the module off? Selecting As Shot by camera? Selecting As Shot to Reference and not doing Color Calibration? Selecting As Shot to Reference and doing Color Calibration? Some other way?

I think it would make a difference in the results, but your write-up ignores it.

[kofa (István Kovács)]

I already provided a ‘neutral’ preset. It’s pointless, of course: you can’t do tone mapping with a straight line.

AgX neutral settings

If you want to keep gamma = 2.2, for the range covered by 8-bit sRGB, the following settings bring you as close as possible: contrast: 2.48 toe power: 1.28 shoulder: irrelevant, will be inverted black relative exposure: -11.72 white relative exposure: 2.33 dynamic range scaling: 0 advanced params at default (target black 0%, white 100%, toe/shoulder start 0%, gamma 2.2). [image] If you want to avoid that highlight clipping, and use gamma 2.2, the overall fit will be a bit worse, but: contr…

[thumper]

@Tim

You say you just set the exposure, apply your methods in AgX, and done. How are you handling white balance?

Yeah, I apologize if my write up was confusing, but I do use other modules as necessary. I usually leave white balance alone or make a small adjustment if the white balance as shot was incorrect or to adjust for photos in a set that were taken when the scene light changed (like sunset during a golden hour shoot).

The main idea of this method: utilize AgX for the heavy lifting and allow yourself to enjoy a style of editing more similar to analog film stocks (pick your DFS, and let it be what it is).

Of course, I will say this: I don’t always edit with this super minimal DFS system. I usually use the straight DFS editing method for quick photoshoots that are not paid shoots. For a more in-depth editing, I would start with the minimal DFS and then built the rest of the edit on top of that.
Here is a good example of an edit that started with a DFS preset and then had a lot of stuff layered over it: dreamy bloom at the lake - #4 by thumper

[Tim (Tim Cuthbertson)]

Thank you. I was trying to avoid all other modules.

[thumper]

I get ya. The most important thing is to enjoy editing and be happy with what you get. No system or methodology is worth sacrificing your art.