Simple way to convert a negative image to a positive
AnsweredIf you have a scanned negative, and want to convert it to a positive, here's how...
1. Open your negative image
2. Add the "Texture Overlay" filter
3. Load a pure white image ("Load Texture...")
4. Increase the amount slider to +100
5. Change the blend mode (under the zoom slider in Luminar 2018) to "Difference"
Your image will now be a positive. This can be saved as an "User Preset" for a one click solution for future negative images.
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I think (I never use negatives, so I may be totally wrong...) you can obtain exactly the same result by:
1. Open your negative image
2. Add the "Curves" filter
3. Set the black point to be the white point (i.e., move it from the bottom-left corner to the top-left corner), and the white point to be the black point (i.e., from the top-right point to the bottom-right point)This can also be saved as a preset, and has the added bonus that you can start tinkering with the curves to start adjusting your image, if you want to.
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Hi Fourfourianakis ,
Thanks for your suggestion! I will pass it to the person in charge.
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Luminar 4 Mac OS X 10.15 Macbook Pro Epson V600 flatbed
While I understand the method described above, is there a way to automate this? I have 1-3K old negatives (of various sizes, color & B&W), having to do this for each one seems like it would eat up huge amounts of time.
Would I be better off with a dedicated negative/slide scanner?
Thanks so much!
John Hinckley
Burlington, VT
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Eric M. - Post one of your negatives here so we can take a look.
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Eric M. - convert to a jpg and post it here.
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Hi Eric,
My best take on this is to use the Black and White conversion tool first and invert Curves next. Then, you can tweak the highlights/shadows, black and whites in the Develop tool, add some Enhance AI, etc: https://prnt.sc/tkqLEGMm-yJa
I'm sure there are much more sophisticated ways, and I'm looking forward to seeing more suggestions from our community.
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