Reinhard Color Mapping

[DF02]

Hi All,

I have some question on Reinhard color mapping.

1.
I've been digging the posts about this, and please let me know if I am correct to think like this: Multiplier will brighten / darken the overall image while Burn value will prevent blown-out (overbright) image by shifting it toward exponential.

Image 1: Mult:1 Burn:1 Gamma:2.2
Image 2: Mult:1 Burn:0.5 Gamma 2.2
Image 3: Mult: 0.5 Burn:1 Gamma: 2.2
Which one should I lower down when my image is too bright? Mult. or Burn value?

I noticed my image is lack of contrast.









2. I understand, Burn value 1.0 means Linear and 0.0 means Exponential. Can I put Burn value >1.0, like 1.5? What does it means?

Btw, I am working in LWF, and my white is actually 0/0/64.
The light is VRaySun
VRaySky is on Max Environment, VRay GI Environment and VRay Reflection Refraction Environment.

[DF02]

Reinhard, Mult. 1.0 Burn 0.6, Gamma: 2.2
Higher Burn value, slightly more contrast ...

[Clifton Santiago]

I haven't tried, but why would you want to make the burn value higher than 1.0? 1.0= linear and 0.0 = exponential. 1.5 doesn't really make sense. What look are you trying to achieve with that?

[DF02]

I haven't tried, but why would you want to make the burn value higher than 1.0? 1.0= linear and 0.0 = exponential. 1.5 doesn't really make sense. What look are you trying to achieve with that?

I notice that increasing the Burn value can help add more contrast to the image :P

[Clifton Santiago]

Oh, I see. So you want a colour mapping mode that has both reinhard burn settings, as well as the light and dark multipliers of linear or exponential.

Well, you could just use the colour and exposure curves in the VFB, or just adjust contrast in post.

Or, if it has to be done prior to post, maybe increase your primary bounces and/or decrease your secondary bounces?

[DF02]

Thanks Clifton,

I feel that adjusting the curve is not very handy ... and reducing the secondary bounce doesnt help much. So at the end, I turn down the sun Intensity Mult from 1.0 to 0.6 and keep Reinhard Mult and Burn value at 1.0.

Thanks anyway. Really appreciate your helps

[duke2]

I've seen some people turn burn to 0.0 What's the deal with that?

[Neilg]

Why dont you just put it on whatever looks best to you? There is no right or wrong.

[duke2]

Why dont you just put it on whatever looks best to you? There is no right or wrong.

It always makes me feel warm and fuzzy to know that a setting works in most if not all cases. I used Reinhard for a while but burnouts annoy me more than anything else, so I've stuck with exponential.

[JEVANS02]

I think it would be nice if there were also adjustment options for midtones and shadows as well as the highlights (burn) that is currently in reinhard mapping. Something like this is implemented in the mental ray photographic exposure control. I think it works pretty well and allows you to get more contrast without too much burnout.