Using graduated filter in RT

Software RawTherapee
1

Hi

I started using RT v5.4 quite recently and have a question regarding working of graduated filter.
I was processing a .NEF file.

I first activated the graduated filter, placed it on the image and then tried to change the exposure of the image expecting that it would apply differentially to areas inside and outside the graduated filter. But the exposure changed uniformly across the image without any regard to the graduated filter.

Then I reversed the sequence, ie, first increased exposure of the entire image and then applied the graduated filter and adjusted the strength of the filter to effectively reduce the exposure of some areas. This worked.

My question is whether this is the right sequence to use the graduated filter?

Thanks

2

RT is a fixed pipeline raw processor, so all modules are in a fixed order.

The order in which you enable or disable modules does not matter.

The graduated filter should just darken part of your image with a nice gradual fade. The exposure module will modify the whole image; the graduated filter does not act as a mask.

3

Got it. Thank you.