Why are my images turning dark in the Develop mode?

Question

When importing images into LRC, while viewing in the Library mode, they look properly exposed; as shot in camera. When switching to the Develop mode, the images appear properly exposed for about 1 second, but then they switch to very dark; i.e. at least 2-3 stops too dark. How do I correct this?

Per Berntsen · Answer

Most likely, you're using a Picture style (or similar) in the camera that lifts the shadows and mid-tones of the image – like Nikon's Active D-lighting. This only affects jpgs, including the jpg preview embedded in the raw file.

If you have chosen Embedded & Sidecar under File handling > Build previews in the Import dialog, the embedded previews will be used for Library previews.

To stop this from happening, stop using Picture styles in the camera and/or set Build previews to any other setting than Embedded & Sidecar.

If you prefer to continue to use the Picture styles, there may be a camera matching profile for your camera that you can apply on import. See https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/help/raw-defaults.html

Please post a screenshot of the entire LrC window with an unedited image open in Develop.

Make sure that the History panel is open and expanded on the left, and the Histogram open and expanded on the right.

Do not attach the screenshot, use the Insert Photos button in the toolbar to embed it in your post.

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