Batch Apply "Auto" Exposure Setting to Multiple Images INDIVIDUALLY?

[fairfaxian]

EZ enough to select any number of images in Adobe Bridge & paste camera raw settings or previous settings etc. Is it possible to batch apply "Auto" exposure to each image individually? I have over 2600 images from the same location (bike race) but the harsh dappled lighting varies just enough so that the same Camera Raw setting would not really optimize each image if the SAME auto setting was applied to all. Too many for me to process individually. Will probably select about 200 keepers as there were 95 racers -2 runs each. I'm guessing this requires opening each image in Raw Reader, applying "Auto (exposure) then saving each file (TIFF). When applying "Previous Settings" to selected images in Bridge, that only apply the same set to each, and does not evaluate & apply "Auto" uniquely to each.

I could save a generic "Normal" exposure setting, and an "Over" (or under) Exposed setting, etc and apply to selected images in Bridge, which would be better than a one size fits all. Maybe that's the best I can hope for?

So I'm hoping I can make an Action that would individually apply "Auto" (exposure) to selected images. Normally I don't use "Auto" (unless it happens to look best).

Suggestions appreciated, thanks!

 

[gscotten]

In Lightroom Classic, which uses the same engine as ACR, if you batch a bunch of photos with "Auto" it calculates the settings for each photo individually. Are you sure it doesn't in ACR?

 

[fairfaxian]

The procedure that worked for me was probably what you are describing. I opened batches of raw files in Raw Reader, selected ALL then hit AUTO. Each image was optimized individually. There were a few glaring exposure errors as the images were captured in harsh light under trees and in direct sun. But it mostly worked well.

I had to process manageable batches as opposed to processing all 2600+ images at once. And I was unable to apply the AUTO setting directly to the large folders of files in Bridge. (all images had to be opened in RAW Reader). Then I had to visually inspect all files to select the 200+ keepers. Then auto saved each as JPGs using the Image Processor function via Photoshop. There may be a more efficient procedure, but this worked & was the best option I found for a tight deadline.

In Lightroom Classic, which uses the same engine as ACR, if you batch a bunch of photos with "Auto" it calculates the settings for each photo individually. Are you sure it doesn't in ACR?

 

[Gato Amarillo]

That sounds similar to what I was thinking. I select in Bridge then do "Open in Camera Raw" then can select all and batch. I've never checked just how large a batch it will do -- I never have near your numbers.

FWIW, I cull before I do any processing. Depending on the type of shooting I can cut down to about 1/3 or 1/2 of the original batch before I spend any time on processing.

Gato

 

[owenleve]

In lightroom library view select all and hit auto. Not sure if this will help you if you're not using LR though.

 

[Ellis Vener]

In Bridge, select the images and then chose auto , or Command + U if you use a Mac.

 

[selwynbr]

You may want to try the profile "adaptive color", & see if this works for you. Not sure what happens if you use the "auto" setting together with the adaptive color profile, but experiment. You can always undo the settings!

 

[gscotten]

You may want to try the profile "adaptive color", & see if this works for you. Not sure what happens if you use the "auto" setting together with the adaptive color profile, but experiment. You can always undo the settings!

Adobe recommends NOT to use both Auto and adaptive color, but it is always fun to play.