The best color negative inversion method

Back

Common Problems

Shadow detail loss

Ensure colour base was properly sampled. In some cases it is possible that the sampled base colour is not the lightest tone in the scan, use a Threshold layer to identify the lightest region (lowest density/deepest shadow)

Image is low saturation

It can happen, especially with Portra films. To fix, first achieve a neutral colour balance if needed, then increase the Saturation layer.

Not all scanners are the same, through my testing I've noticed linear scans from different scanners having different saturation characteristics.

Also, your scanner may not set the colour profile when saving, if so, you have to manually set it (I recommend AdobeRGB).

My scans don't contain areas outside of the frame

If you can't sample the colour of the film base, then you might be able to get away with it by selecting the absolute lightest tone in the scan (the lowest density/deepest shadows), if your image is too low contrast for that, you'll need to rescan and leave in a bit of area outside of the crop.

Not getting good results no matter what

My method may fail if there are unexpected problems, these are many, but usually identifiable. The worst case scenario problems are usually: improper scan, clipped information, (very) badly exposed negative, crossed curves due to bad film processing/storage.

Photoshop CS5 or older

Make sure the sampled color is set as the Foreground Color.

If the image looks uninverted, it is because Photoshop makes a clipping mask of the inversion layer, this can be fixed by releasing the clipping mask. There is a fix included specifically for this scenario that can be downloaded.

My scanns are made with a DSLR

Guide coming soon

Meanwhile, convert your raw files to linear raw tiff files with any method you find.