Method of image compensation for watermarked film

Abstract

A method for obtaining an adjusted digital image which is compensated for a watermark exposure is described comprising: determining a first sensitometric response of a photographic media without a watermark exposure; determining a second sensitometric response of the photographic media with a watermark exposure; generating a look-up table (LUT) from the first and second sensitometric responses; and modifying a digital representation of an image which is to be printed onto the photographic media in accordance with the look-up table to produce an adjusted digital image. The adjusted digital image may be printed directly onto a final print photographic film that receives a watermark exposure, or may be printed onto a printing negative photographic film to produce a printing negative with an adjusted image, which adjusted image is then printed onto a final print photographic film that receives a watermark exposure. In another embodiment, the characteristic response of a digital film printer may be modified in accordance with a LUT generated from the first and second sensitometric responses, instead of modifying the digital representation of the image which is to be printed onto the photographic media.