In 2023 I have realised that the workflow I had used for many years prior to Darktable 4/5 and the new Ansel Image Processing Software is out of date.
Both programs now use a Scene Referred (filmic) workflow, not the old Display Referred (legacy) workflow.
I shoot Infrared most of the time using an Olympus OM-D E-M10 camera converted with a 630nm filter. I also use 700nm and 830nm filters as required.
This meant I no longer had to run the RAW images through the camera software in Windows, finishing with a TIFF which removes the advantages of shooting RAW in the first place. That is the last program I use in Windows, having been a Linux user for well over 20 years now, I am delighted to see the last of THAT!!
To see a good explanation here also there is a good bit all over the web on how to use the Scene Referred Workflow.
I have also been using Ansel Software in preference to Darktable because it is a simpler layout and well worked grouping of modules. Also the Pipeline is automatically managed which is generally working well but there are a couple of caveats. See further down the page. Be warned though Ansel, despite having been around for a while is still in 'alpha' development, so can occasionally have problems. It is being very actively developed, os any problems, feed it back!
When an image is in the 'Darkroom' various modules are automatically applied. You can see what these are in the 'History of changes' tab on the left. Remember these default to processing Colour RAW Images. Because White Balance is so important in IR you need to follow the method below.
- Select 'lens correction' in the 'History of changes' - The image will go red.
- Compress the History Stack
- In the 'Pipeline' {tab top right) uncheck the 'highlight reconstruction'
- Then open the 'White balance' tab. Here if you select the little camera icon you will get the white balance as shot using your WB preset. If you do not like this, then select the dropper next to it and choose an area you know is grey by dragging the mouse on the image. Close the tab.
- Activate the 'ISO 12646 color assessment' button (lightbulb bottom right of image). This surrounds the image with a white boarder which helps assess exposure.
- From the 'Tones' tab open the 'Exposure' tab and adjust the 'Exposure' slider whilst keeping an eye on the histogram on the left. Probably best not to move the 'Black level correction'. Close the tab.
- Open the 'Filmic rgb' tab and click the little dropper next to the 'Auto tune levels' which seems to be very good. YOU can also go to the 'Look' tab and adjust the contrast if you wish. Close the Tab.
- Uncheck the 'ISO 12646 color assessment' button (lightbulb bottom right of image).
- Open the 'Time equalizer' tab, click on Masking and check the 'Display exposure mask' icon at the bottom of this tab. Then go to the 'Graph' tab, uncheck the 'Display exposure mask' icon at the bottom of this tab and moving the mouse over the image use the mouse wheel to adjust the tones.
- FInally if you wish to apply a Red Blue Channel Swap, click the Color Tab, then create a new instance of 'Color calibration' and call it 'Swap RB'. Then from the hamburger select the Swap R and B. Close the Tab.
- Now you can go on playing as you wish. with Crops, Rotation, Colour Adjustments and so on.