How can I tame the "dull look" after converting from Adobe RGB to sRGB?

[twade]

To all,

Since I work in Adobe RGB, all my images look rather dull after converting to sRGB for presentation on the Web.  Is there a "common" curves transform that can be applied to get back the "look" it had before the conversion process?  I have a very difficult time getting them to match.  Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.  Below is an example of what I'm talking about.  Although the change is subtle in this particular image, I've seen a more dramatic difference in other images.

Adobe RGB


sRGB


Thanks in advance,

Wade

[naavis]

Did you actually convert the image data from AdobeRGB to sRGB, or did you just change the embedded color profile? That could explain the change. The change also depends on the used rendering intent: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Color_management#Rendering_intent

You probably already know that using the AdobeRGB gamut means you might have colors that just can't be represented by sRGB. Are you doing printwork or such, or are you just uploading photos to the web? If you're not printing anything, I suggest you use sRGB right from the start. It will save you from many headaches later on.

[twade]

naavis,

I used AssignICCProfile in PixInsight.  Is there a better way?

Unfortunately, I do quite a bit of printing so starting at sRGB is not an option. 

Wade

[naavis]

naavis,

I used AssignICCProfile in PixInsight.  Is there a better way?

Unfortunately, I do quite a bit of printing so starting at sRGB is not an option. 

Wade

I'm at work so I can't check right now, but I think AssignICCProfile only changes the embedded color profile, instead of converting the actual data from one profile to another. I think there's a function called ICCProfileTransformation or something which you should use.

[twade]

naavis,

You are awesome!  That's exactly what I was looking for.  You are correct.  It is called ICCProfileTransformation. I can't believe it slipped me by while I was looking earlier Today.  I  wonder when it was added to PixInsight?  Anyway, conversions are going to be a lot easier now. 

Thanks,

Wade

[naavis]

Glad to be of assistance. The photo is great, by the way!

[naavis]

In case there is some confusion about the difference between the two operations, I hope this post helps.

All images consist of the actual image data (i.e. RGB values) and color profile metadata which states how the data should be output. If an image file lacks the metadata, it is usually interpreted as sRGB.

Assigning a color profile to an image doesn't change the image data at all. It only changes the metadata that tells the viewing software how the data should be interpreted and output. If you assign different color profiles to an image, it will look different, eventhough the actual data hasn't changed. This is what AssignICCProfile does.

Converting an image to another color profile in turn changes the actual image data to match the output of the source profile. Eg. if you convert an sRGB image to AdobeRGB, the color management system changes the RGB values to make the AdobeRGB image look like the original sRGB image as accurately as possible. This is what ICCProfileTransformation does.

Since the gamuts are different, making a perfect match isn't always possible. In such cases a "rendering intent" is used. A rendering intent defines how the out-of-gamut colors are be handled. There are various rendering intents that handle the situation differently.