Darktable

Denoise with Wavelets

• Use the Denoise (Profiled) module (type “denoise” in search bar);
• Default options - eliminate chroma noise;
• Increase Strength = 1.1-1.2 if needed (not too much).
• Create a second instance of Denoise (Profiled) module;
• Turn mode=non-local means instead of wavelets to remove grain;
• Select Drawn Mask to expand the preferences;
• Click Add Brush button and draw a mask on the parts of the main object in focus;
• Click Toggle polarity of drawn mask (Invert mask) button;
• The mask can be seen using Display mask button;
• Increase feathering radius and blurring radius values;
• Turn down the Strength to the minimal viable =~0.5-0.6;
• Applying Denoise might lead to an “oil painting” effect. To fix this, add a Contrast Equalizer module;
• Click on Drawn Mask button, choose drawn mask = denoise (profiled);
• Click Toggle polarity of drawn mask (Invert mask) button;
• The mask can be seen using Display mask button;
• Increase feathering radius and blurring radius values;
• Create a luma graphic curve in the fine section to smooth the oil effect: