darktable ep 089 - Colouring grass in images

[@pbm___000]

Always enjoy your videos! Since you asked for ideas... May I suggest a workflow video or series, especially considering the new scene referred workflow? Everything from 1) Strategy of where to import/backup images (local drive, to USB, backup+cloud), 2) how to "copy locally" & "resync" (a useful feature if you store your photos on slower USB/LAN devices), 3) how you cull (I assume some combo of rate+reject, use color labels, tagging), 4) then basic scene referred workflow, 5) before applying "styles/looks", 6) strategies for exporting (such as for clients or printing, etc), 7) strategies for moving finished projects in a file system that allows easy integration with other tools, such as GIMP/Photoshop... or backup, etc, etc.

[@audio2u]

Thanks Mike!

[@wargamin6625]

Hi Bruce, I recently discovered your channel when I realized that my old LR6 does not support my newest camera RAW anymore. I took that as the final call to get rid of LR. Your channel is a great source of knowledge and I know already that I'll stick to DT for my picture workflow in the future. So thanks very much for the knowledge you share here. As for different topics, I'm currently trying to understand styles, color lookup tables and the LUT module to simulate different films. Fuji does that with their JPGs and I had these presets that I could apply on import for every image in LR. I played around with some of these things, but I it looks like some things changed since DT 3.4 (I had 3.2 installed for a few days), not all of the downloaded presets work with the white balance module anymore. Sorry if I mix some words here, still new and learning. :-)

[@audio2u]

Hi War, welcome to the dark side! 😃 Thanks for the kind words regarding my videos. I'm glad they are proving helpful. Cheers!

[@charleshacker765]

Been a while since you used masks. Thanks for the example. You had been going through the modules, so it was bound to happen that you would cover most if not all. Filmic really changed a lot of things, and undid the way a lot of things were done, though. Spending more time on this would be helpful. But, hey, the large body of work you have here has made you the go to channel for anyone to learn darktable. It is quite an accomplishment.

[@audio2u]

Thanks Charles. Yeah, I've had a LOT of feedback from viewers this week about things I can still cover.

[@kenphused]

Bruce, you are my "mask hero." I learn something every episode. I have three video suggestions: 1. The Darktable Chart tool for color-correctness or creating styles. 2. Timelapse image sequence editing. 3. Sky replacement. Keep up the good work and stay safe.

[@mickehog76]

Bruce definitely knows how to put the mask on! 😛 I really like your suggestions. Hopefully Bruce will make it happen :).

[@audio2u]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@adamd1667]

Another great tutorial, Bruce. It is mainly thanks to you that I enjoy using dt so much. Since you ask, I would like to propose that you show us e2e image processing in scene refered mode.

[@audio2u]

Had a couple of requests for that!

[@InsomniaticDND]

I'm Melanie Ann! Thank you SO much for covering this so clearly for me, really helpful. I've been struggling with the parametric masks so will give it a go. I hope you manage to get to Western Australia this time 🤞🏻 here in England things are finally easing so we're looking forward to seeing family again too.

[@audio2u]

Hi Melanie Ann! Glad I was able to shed a bit of light on it for you! And yes, I finally got to see my dad and my Nan!

[@lzmorais]

Great, as always. Happy Easter to you and your family.

[@audio2u]

Thanks mate! Back at ya! 😃

[@wido123123]

Hi Bruce! hope you get to travel this time. I would like to suggest you an idea: maybe you can do an end-to-end process, but based on a "dificult" photo. Those photos that are have difficult elements to process, but can be very rewarding (like, too much contrast, too much noise), so you can show how one specific module (or modules) can help fix that problematic area, in the context of a full process

[@audio2u]

Thanks Wido. Yeah, did get to travel finally! I tend to reserve my workflow videos four my patrons. But I now have a long list of topics! 😃

[@kenliddon]

Having lived for some time in Australia, I understand your impression on what grass should look like. However, in Canada, we actually do have vivid green grass, especially in the Springtime - almost there! Lately, I've found that the Color Calibration module works well for color tweaks - using a second instance with masking as you demonstrate. Always find your videos very helpful.

[@audio2u]

Thanks Ken! Yeah, I can only show the possibilities. Then it's up to individual users to take that info and apply it to their own needs and circumstances. 😃

[@RandallKayfes]

Completely GREAT video as usual! Some of us have only started using dt since the latest version 3.2 to 3.4 which means this whole scenic preferred or displayed preferred thing needs to be our first decision about dt. This is weird because it seems to have many implications or does it. Do your pre version 3.2 videos still apply or are they obsolete? It seems all your latest videos are embracing scenic. If scenic is here to stay I have no display preferred habits to kill so it is an easy decision... Someone's suggestion of start to finish videos, are so helpful! I cannot thank you enough for helping me stay off the adobe subscription train!

[@audio2u]

Randall, thanks! I've had a lot of requests since releasing this episode, for a video explaining what a scene-referred workflow means, both in theory and in practice. It's on the list.

[@mickehog76]

Amazing tutorial... again :). Darktable is really amazing. And so powerful. The mask feature in darktable is so amazing. It takes time to learn it because it's so powerful. But with great power comes great responsibility ;). Another thing that is awesome with darktable, a feature missing in Lightroom, is RGB parade. Where you switch histogram view. A perfect and easy way to get perfect white balance.

[@audio2u]

Thanks! Yeah, the masking is amazing in darktable. It's one of the strongest features that drew me in initially.

[@JDa67]

I agree with you, sometimes it's really easy to overboard with color zones module. Maybe using the opacity slider is a good way to attenuate the settings.... Enjoy your week-end with your familly !!

[@audio2u]

Thanks Jerome! I had a great weekend catching up with family, thanks.

[@deansonneborn7134]

I agree it would be interesting to see you process your photos. That way we could see how you use multiple modules on an image.

[@audio2u]

I'm getting a lot of requests for E2E videos. I'll consider it.

[@Toschi23]

Was just struggeling with this. Thank you.

[@audio2u]

Cheers!

[@jimsmith1166]

Hi Bruce. I hope you were able to get away this time. Regarding your comments on hitting a "funk", here's one idea. We find it very useful to see your workflow in processing an image from start to "finish". How do you make a photo "sing". Maybe ask your patreons to submit a RAW file with some ideas on what they would like to see. A variety of subjects that you know your viewers will be interested in may well provide numerous good episodes.

[@audio2u]

Yep, cool. Thanks, Jim.

[@mar-mj9vb]

I agree. Watching you process photos is very helpful.

[@audytor111]

A beautiful tutorial. Regards.

[@audio2u]

Cheers!

[@jonscawin9531]

Thanks for the videos, Bruce they're great. A few suggestions: Blend modes Developing "difficult" images...I always struggle with grey skies (winter in the UK). Probably just my incompetence. Color calibration. Another go into the depths of filmic Thanks

[@audio2u]

You're not the first person to request a revisit on filmic RGB. That's on the list.

[@emrg777]

Bruce I notice you don't use the autopickers. I think it's a real strength of the color zones module. It may be why people go overboard. It will place selection bang on the hue sat lightness that you select from your image with boundary point ..in effect a range mask with out masking. I often also apply it first without masking as some elements other than the foliage need the same adjustment to look normal. I check for the location of the applied effect using the cz mask..then Ill mask after to eliminate anything that look weird or extends where I don't want it.For many things that are oversaturated esp grass or jungle foliage the autodesaturation again with the auto pickers is often the perfect adjustment with no fiddling. It may be just me but I think using them provides a much more controlled and acurrate application of the module..

[@audio2u]

Yeah good call, Todd. I really should get in the habit of using them. My problem is a long-established habit of distrusting anything auto! 😃 I like to be "hands on".

[@emrg777]

@@audio2u Ya and it's not do much auto as an aid...the range selection of a hue is accurate and adds control points to the curve giving more accurate first attempts and less spill over into a wider range. I find just dragging the cz curves affects too broad a range and this may be why some complain about it

[@audio2u]

Yep, I get it. Like I said, just gotta let go of habits! 😃

[@LucaOrlandi]

Good job as usual, regarding new ideas: Retouching is the hardest module to use to me. Specially when it comes to removing unwanted objects.

[@audio2u]

Have you not watched my video on the retouch module?

[@LucaOrlandi]

@@audio2u yes of course (I think I never missed one), I quite understood how to use retouching on portraits; still I'm not able to use it to remove more evident (big) objects (let's say garbage from landscape or unwanted nets, wires, ...)

[@audio2u]

Right. I shall endeavour to revisit it.

[@stuartcarden1371]

Hey Bruce! I'm new to Linux and Darktable. I have a feeling your videos are going to prove a huge help. Thanks for all your hard work :)

[@audio2u]

No worries, Stuart! Welcome to the dark side! :)

[@jimoyer7087]

Bruce, thank you for your tutorials. I'd like to see you revisit the Filmic RGB module 'cause I've been struggling understanding this one.

[@audio2u]

Duly noted! 😃

[@alibo_]

Denoising could definitely need an update Bruce.

[@audio2u]

Noted.

[@cosmo0080]

thank you, happy Easter God bless

[@audio2u]

Cheers Cosmo, you too!

[@sanjeevvenkatesan3522]

Sir, Darktable 4.0 when I tried double frame lines to create black border on white frame the 4.0 kept crashing when I tried to export the file. Have you come across this?

[@audio2u]

Unfortunately (or should that be fortunately h, I have not encountered this. Which OS are you on?

[@joaovtaveira]

14:35 what was that on the bottom right corner?

[@audio2u]

A media item for one of my graphics was offline, but I didn't realise it when I rendered the video!

[@knownas6217]

Walk through processing of photos would be a good starting point. Processing workflow reasons why. Alternative end images not just B&W vs Colour but different looks.

[@audio2u]

Cheers! Although I have made a decision to reserve workflow videos for my patrons. But this weekend away has inspired me, so I should be getting back to creating not videos now!

[@peterpiper0815]

Hi Bruce. Happy Easter. If there is nothing more to say about darktable you could talk about Affinity Photo ;o)

[@audio2u]

Haha! I have a LOT to learn b before I go there! I have done so little multi layer work since I left Adobe 5 years ago!

[@letsjailbreak]

"Now how far you push it is entirely up to you" Yeah, that looks pretty good. "I think that looks absolutely awful" Yes... yes... I agree.

[@audio2u]

I don't remember what this relates to, but it rings a bell. 😉

[@cosmo0080]

i think you need rest?, you looked tired in the video. here is a idea how do we get back out favourites tab ? thanks

[@audio2u]

Mate, I WAS tired! And nervous about whether I would actual get to visit my dad and my Nan. Thankfully, I did. And I shot a handful of images while I was at it, some of which I think will be great once I get them into darktable.

[@emrg777]

All module tabs are now favourites ...you have full control in the module manager to organize them however you like and three are several preset groups provided

[@cosmo0080]

@@audio2u i will say a prayer for you and family

[@joaovtaveira]

Don't you use the pipette on "color zones"?

[@audio2u]

Yeah, Todd Prior called me out on that, too! I just forget that it's an option! :)

[@marcin.sobocinski]

Bruce, I know it maybe not the proper place to ask such questions but... why you're so against GIMP? I am asking out of pure curiosity. I haven't done much in GIMP (the last serious beauty retouch I was doing in Photoshop) but wish to replace my Photoshop with GIMP and don't know real limitations (beside non-destructive editing of course e.g. possibility to edit adjustment layer after creation which does not exist in GIMP yet). I know that you have a very good opinion on Affinity Photo but... I am afraid that all software gravitate towards subscription model and/or absurdly high prices for a software WITHOUT future updates. In my case there is also problem that I do need at least two licenses not one which double the cost. And another question... Affinity Photo is capable of raw editing... why not switch to one software and give up on Darktable?

[@audio2u]

Great questions, and I'll do my best to answer all of them! 1. I'm not AGAINST Gimp! I use it all the time, but only on linux. It does have some limitations which in my opinion, are quite severe. Like you can't select multiple layers to move them inside a parent folder. If you've done some serious editing and you've got 15 layers and you suddenly decide that they really need to be inside a parent folder.... you're moving 15 layers, one at a time. In this day and age, I find that inexcusable. I also find it's text editing tool to be cumbersome at best, but in the main, downright tedious to use. 2. I get the hesitation about Affinity Photo and will it ever move to a subscription model. I've been using Serif products now (that's the parent company behind Affinity Photo) for about 25 years, and they've always had a solid "customer-first" approach which leads me to think they won't go that route. Of course, it can only be a matter of time before someone like Adobe throws a shit-ton of cash their way, buys the company outright, and moves it to a subscription model. Then we're all screwed. 3. As for multiple licenses, I don't think Affinity Photo limits you. I might be wrong, ut I'm fairly sure you can run it on multiple machines if you want to. 4. Why not ditch darktable and go all in on AP? My move to dt was all inspired by my wish to get away from windoze, which I have done for everything except my media production. I'm a working professional audio engineer and I'm tied to windoze at work whether I like it or not. But everything I do outside of audio and video creation, I do on linux. Also, I kinda like the nerdy approach of the developers of dt. They are all about the colour science, and getting things RIGHT, rather than just focusing on producing pretty pictures. Hope this answers it all for you! :)

[@marcin.sobocinski]

@@audio2u Thank you very much for such a detailed response. I am currently all on Apple but with every year I am closer and closer to go for Linux (my daughter is on Mint and she uses DT for her photography adventures - she is 17). I use Photoshop mainly for retouch (I don't do any composites with text or similar) and just hate the fact that a very expensive product is "an industry standard". I calculated how many I have already paid to Adobe by using LR + PS for several years and just got shocked. It's a lot of money (like you can easily have a nice body or a nice lens for that). I am not a pro photographer and paying everywhere subscription fees just makes me feel imprisoned (like Spotify, Adobe, MS Office - yet another "industry standard", Apple cloud, Dropbox, sat-nav...you name it) and that's why I hate yet another subscription idea. Probably will try Affinity Photo for retouch and try to compare it with GIMP (however all improvements for the 3.something version of GIMP looks very promising - multi layer copy should be there as well as non destructive adjustment layers). Anyway, thank you for your videos... I have "almost" caught up - am c.a. 100 episode.

[@audio2u]

Yeah, subscriptions are a scourge, for sure. Sadly, I don't think they're going away anytime soon. Which is why we need to support the companies that do offer one-price-to-own-it models. MS Office... ditch that for Libre Office, which is completely compatible. If you use some of the really obscure Excel functions, you might come up short in Libre Calc, but for most things, Libre offers everything you'd ever need from MS Office.