RAW processing a challenging file with different converters (DNGs provided)

[UPDATE] I've added some CR2s to the Dropbox folder linked below.

Based on discussion in the "Why do we all wind up using Lightroom" thread, I'd like to see the results from some other raw converters on some difficult files. I've posted similar threads in the past, and have gotten some good feedback and interesting discussion (and learned a lot!), but this recent thread has of course sparked me to start a new discussion.

I shoot a stage & burlesque show each month. I routinely have to crank up the ISO during the performance, but there's usually a spotlight that makes it relatively easy to get nice skin tones even with a moderately high ISO. But, in the July show there was a performer using an angle grinder - for that part of the show, the spotlight went off, leaving only the red LED stage lights and the illumination from the sparks. In my processing, I just left it red - it seemed that there was simply no useful data in the other channels - but maybe some of the other converters can do what I couldn't with Lightroom.

This folder has four files:
- One that I used for my previous thread about processing for high ISO
- One pre-show shot using my Elinchrom lights, for a reference for costume & skin colors.
- One mid-show shot with the spotlight
- One shot with no spotlight and just the red LED stage lights.

Here's the folder link:
https://www.dropbox.co​m …znYR_iHZmTrPvfP​laxka?dl=0


Here's my take on it with Lightroom.

IMAGE LINK: https://flic.kr/p/owQ6​nW

Are we allowed to edit or just process the raw file?

Like can I open the file in camera raw process and finish it in photoshop? (Technically I would just be using one program)

Can i convert it to BW like it's screaming to?

Do whatever you like, just give plenty of details on what you did so that we can all learn from it, and compare the results that different people get with different programs.

* edit: "whatever you like" within reason, don't go selling them to National Geographic or nothin'

nathancarter wrote in post #17145321
... but this recent thread has of course sparked me to start a new discussion.

Heyyyooooooh!

Dang, that one wasn't even intentional.

This is the only file I downloaded. I opened the file using Photoninja 1.2.3b which is my default raw editor in Photoshop most of the time now. Using the exposure/detail adjustments in photoninja, I decreased the illumination a bit. I also used the 'scenic' preset in the color enhancement adjustment section. Back in Photoshop CC 2014, I just added a bit more contrast by applying an unsharp mask adjustment.

That's it.

I thought that leaving the sparks a golden color seemed more realistic too. I hope you weren't expecting an edit with natural colored skin.

My take. Quick edit. All done in LR 5.6

In LR5.6

Ahh, I want to try this in DPP!

CRCchemist wrote in post #17146730
Ahh, I want to try this in DPP!

Ah, I wish I still had the original CR2s for you!

nathancarter wrote in post #17146941
Ah, I wish I still had the original CR2s for you!

Quick question, since it seems you work in DNG. What is the advantage of converting to DNG? This is the first time I've messed with them.

I have emailed a few developers at Adobe tonight asking them why the lowest white balance available in the software for white balance is 2000 K. Capture One and DPP go lower, so I know it can be done, maybe there is a technical limitation why. If any of them respond, I'll pass it on into here.

CRCchemist wrote in post #17147081
Quick question, since it seems you work in DNG. What is the advantage of converting to DNG? This is the first time I've messed with them.

This is a pretty good read:
http://photographylife​.com/dng-vs-raw

For me, the primary benefit is the reduction in file size.

Despite the discussions in recent threads, I don't personally expect to start regularly using raw-processing software that can't read DNG. In three years since starting to convert everything to DNG, this thread is the first time I've ever thought, "Gee, I wish I still had the original raws."

So this is funny. I actually got a reply back from Julianne Kost regarding this. I asked if there was a technical limitation behind why ACR and Lightroom can't process a white balance below 2000 K like Capture One and DPP. She said that the reason Adobe Camera Raw and Lightroom can't handle white balance below 2000 K is because it hasn't been implemented yet. Then she said she put it in as a feature request for me (with no promises.)

Haha! So maybe in the next version of ACR and Lightroom, you'll be able to treat the extreme white balance of street lights the same way you can in DPP. Pretty cool that we might have inspired a useful feature in the Adobe software.

Another thing that has not been implemented in ACR is infrared -- DPP actually can handle it, just not ACR/LR (at least the last I checked) so that would be another "feature request"!!