Features
Discoverable Interface
TrueGrain’s user interface is straightforward and requires learning few controls. We have prepared a short demonstration video as an introduction.
Download video (29MB)
More details follow, below.
Spectral Response
Black and white film stocks respond differently to different wavelengths of light (colors). In TrueGrain, this particular behavior is expressed during grayscale conversion and is directly related to saturation.
Each film implemented in TrueGrain is carefully profiled for its spectral response (how that particular film responds to different wavelengths of light). At the same time, we typically profile the same film exposed through a variety of color filters. When you select a film, all these profiles are automatically loaded into the Spectral Response tab of the TrueGrain interface where you can select between them.
You will see the effect of the spectral response profiles most strongly in the saturated hues of your images. Below are two contrasting examples of brightly colored peppers. The first shows the normal spectral response for Ilford HP5 Plus, while the second is the same film but through a Wratten 25 Red filter.
You also have the option of manually manipulating the control points of the spectral response profile to achieve creative effects that no longer reflect the real-world behavior of the chosen film stock. In the following example, an exaggerated spectral response curve has been arbitrarily drawn for effect.
As with the other features of TrueGrain, changes you make to the spectral response are immediately reflected in the preview window.
Dynamic Range
The other side of the coin from spectral response is the overall nonlinear response of a given film stock to brightness. In TrueGrain, this behavior is expressed during grayscale conversion and is inversely related to saturation.
As with spectral response, each film implemented in TrueGrain gets a carefully measured dynamic range profile which is automatically loaded into the Dynamic Range tab of the interface. You will see the effects of the dynamic range profile most strongly in the neutral tones of your images.
Sometimes the resulting dynamic range from the black and white conversion of your image does not meet your ideal or the particular characteristics of scanned film you are trying to match. In that case, you can manually manipulate the control points of the dynamic range profile to suit your tastes. The following two examples show the image first with the default, measured dynamic range curve and then with a manually-customized curve that enhances the image’s contrast.
Changes you make to the spectral response are immediately reflected in the preview window.
Grain Scaling & Intensity
Each film implemented in TrueGrain includes laboriously photographed, developed, and scanned samples of genuine film grain from that particular stock. When you select a film, you are selecting the grain that will be applied to your image.
The most important controls on the Film Grain tab of the user interface pertain to the scale of that grain. Presets are provided that correspond to the size of the grain exposures that were actually scanned; these vary by film (for example, Kodak TMZ 3200 was only available in 135, while others are available in 120 size). You may also enter in an arbitrary percentage value. The grain size you choose will depend on the dimensions of your source image and the particular results you are seeking.
The following examples show 1:1 scale details of Ilford Delta 3200 grain applied to the same image at three sizes, 110, 135 and 6×8 respectively:
A supplemental control, Image Resolution, is provided for situations where you are employing gigantic grain structure and the resolution of the source image is too high relative to the grain size. Adjusting this control allows you to scale down the source image appropriately. In the first example, below, arguably too much fine detail is visible through the immense grain of Kodak TMZ 3200 scaled to the 110 film size. In the second example, the image resolution has been scaled down interactively to produce a more balanced result.
By default, film grain expresses itself based on measured behavior of the films we’ve implemented. In the real world, graininess can be influenced by various factors such as the given batch of film and the development process. A slider control for Grain Intensity is provided for biasing the presence of grain according to your own creative preferences. The default measured intensity is 100%.
These examples show Ilford HP5 Plus scaled to 135 film size and applied at 50%, 100% and 150% intensity, respectively.
Save and load presets
New in TrueGrain v1.1, you can selectively save and load presets of parameter settings. For example, if you create a custom spectral response curve you really like, you can simply save the Spectral Response settings as a preset and then apply it at any time without disturbing the other settings. Likewise, the new presets feature makes it easier to apply exactly the same custom settings to multiple images. (If you are familiar with the preset system in Lightroom, you should feel right at home with TrueGrain's new preset feature.)
Next pages:
- Get a detailed description of how TrueGrain can integrate into your workflow
- Download the demo for your platform
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Kodak, Panatomic-X, TRI-X, TMZ 3200 and TMAX 400 are trademarks of Kodak. Ilford and HP5 Plus are trademarks of Ilford. Bergger and BRF-200 are trademarks of Bergger Products, Inc. Konica and IR 750 are trademarks of Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.
