Gray Point (CaptureNX)

The colour balance on the left image is OK, but the image itself is 2/3 eV underexposed.

It should look more like this (done: 2/3 eV exposure compensation, contrast correction and minor skin tone adjustment):

 

>I was only asking about setting the gray point within CaptureNX.

I can't tell about grey point because of underexposure. NX has a bug in white balance, and here I can't see if it affected the result or not. Initially on both shots skin tones were wrong. The sequence of operations in NC/NX is first to apply eV and (preferably) contrast controls, then to apply WB.

 

Iliah, in your spare time, you should write a book on proper processing techniques. It's always great to read your posts and have the lightbulb come on. I'd be first in line to buy your book, "NEF processing for Idiots". :biggrin:

Can't say that I'd read it though. Already have several books that I haven't read....:redface:

 

I'll second that idea.

 

Gentlemen,

I'm afraid my raw workflow is too minimalistic. I try to stay with the same idea that raw processing is akin to film development, where consistency is the top priority. After raw is processed to tiff, it comes the time for Photoshop. My only concern is to pass as much data from raw file to Photoshop and to do those manipulations at the stage of raw processing that are impossible to replicate in Photoshop in a clean and simple way.

Those actions basically are: eV "compensation", white balance, establishing dynamic range.

There is a little of going back and forth, as after white balancing minor adjustments of eV slider might be needed.

After eV adjustment and white balance are done, the rest of establishing dynamic range is work with shadows (push/pull with L curve and/or D-Lightning), and finally - modifying the middle point of the curve and the approach to the highlights to shape the contrast. All details in deep shadows and near the highlights should be flattened with the curve. First and last stops of the dynamic range should be flat featureless gradations.

Raw processing includes pre-sharpening, which occurs before demosaicing (if raw converter permits, Nikon Capture is one of the few that does; and similary, pre-noise reduction. Those operations can't be accomplished after raw conversion with the same success because they affect demosaicing.

All other fancy things can be done much better (quality, consistency, speed) in Photoshop proper. Establishing dynamic range I do not try to set contrast exactly precise - it will be finalised in Photoshop because other edits that I will be doing in Photoshop affect it. The only thing to watch in raw processing in regards to contrast is to give more room to the tones of the image that contain important details.

 

I have been telling Iliah that for a couple of years now without success.

 

Very well stated Iliah. You always hear statements like, "Get it right in the camera" or "The print is what its all about". Those are all good things but sometimes knowing what happens in the middle can help you make better decisions at time of capture and thus improve the final output.

 

hmmm, too bad. I'd buy ten copies. Just the intro would probably contain more "beef" than a scott kelby book. :frown: