LUT FILES
These LUTs substantially increase the density of digital negatives, requiring a 1 to 2-stop increase (2x–4x) in exposure times.
Instructions for Using LUT (Look Up Table) Files in Photoshop
The following steps apply to all processes: Van Dyke Brown, Cyanotype, Salt Printing, and Kallitype.
| Cyanotype - LUT File Download | Vandyke Brown - LUT File Download | Salt Print - LUT File Download | Kallitype - LUT File Download |
-
Convert Colour Profile
Go to:
Edit → Convert to Profile
Select:
Adobe RGB (1998) (This colour profile is required for the LUT files.)
2. Desaturate the Image
Go to:
Image → Adjustments → Desaturate
3. Adjust Levels
Go to:
Image → Adjustments → Levels
Adjust the sliders as follows:
• Move the left (black) slider to the start of the histogram peak
• Move the right (white) slider to the end of the histogram peak
This ensures full tonal range before applying the LUT.
4. Apply LUT File
Go to:
Image → Adjustments → Color Lookup
Select:
Load 3D LUT…
Navigate to your LUT file and open it.
Note: The image may appear flat or washed out. This is normal — each LUT is calibrated to match the tonal response of the specific process.
5. Invert the Image
Go to:
Image → Adjustments → Invert
This converts the image into a negative for printing.
6. Flip the Image
Go to:
Image → Image Rotation → Flip Canvas Horizontal
(This ensures correct orientation when contact printing.)
7. Resize for Print
Go to:
Image → Image Size
Set your desired final print dimensions.
8. Print Settings
In the print menu:
• Set Color Handling to: Photoshop Manages Colors
• Set Printer Profile to: sRGB
9. Printer Media Settings
In your printer settings:
• Select Media Type: Photo Quality Gloss
• Set Quality: Highest available
10. Loading Transparency Film
When loading your contact printing film:
Lightly dampen your finger and touch one corner of the sheet.
The slightly tacky (sticky) side is the printable side.
LUT Files Credit
LUT (Look Up Table) files are based on resources and calibration approaches developed by Bostick & Sullivan and AlternativePhotography.com. Full credit is given to their continued work in supporting alternative photographic processes.
These files have been adapted and structured for use within the Bexhill Darkroom workflow.