Tone "Auto" button consistently gives severely underexposed pictures

[shmuglak]

Hello, I have updated to the latest version of the LightRoom CC Classic (version: 7.1 [ 1148620 ]). When I first used the new "Auto" (AI based) button, I was very pleased with the results. When I returned to the LR next day, the "Auto" button started consistently produce severely underexposed pictures. Have I screwed some setting? The button is supposed "to learn" from my actions - as far as I understood. Can I reset all that it "learned"? Does somebody else experience the same problem?

Lightroom Classic version: 7.1 [ 1148620 ]

Language setting: en

Operating system: Windows 10 - Business Edition

Version: 10.0.15063

Application architecture: x64

System architecture: x64

Thanks,

Alexander

[dj_paige]

Perhaps you have photos that are older process versions, in which case the Auto Tone button will work as it was previously.

[shmuglak]

@dj_paige Actually, it works worse than it was previously...

[shmuglak]

That's interesting. After your answer I checked with what process version I'm working. Sure enough it was not the 'Vesrion 4 (Current)', but 'Version 3 (2012)'. After I change it manually (for a single picture), the 'Auto' button works better (not significantly though).

[johnrellis]

The button is supposed "to learn" from my actions - as far as I understood.

I haven't read that anywhere -- what I've read is that the algorithm is trained on thousands of pics adjusted by professional photographers.  But perhaps you read something different?  Do you have a link?

[shmuglak]

My bad. Apparently it was my too liberal interpretation of the passage: https://theblog.adobe.com/announcing-december-update-lightroom/

"Using an advanced neural network powered by Adobe Sensei, our artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning platform, the new Auto Settings creates a better photo by analyzing your photo and comparing to tens of thousands of professionally edited photos to create a beautiful, pleasing image."

from here: Announcing the December Update to Lightroom | Adobe Blog

Anyway, my own pictures become anything  but beautiful and pleasing after using the "Auto" button.

[beez8]

Hi,

Any luck on fixing this problem? I am currently having the same problem with the auto tone and I agree that the auto tone makes the picture worse than it was unedited and severely underexposed. I just recently subscribed to the premium couple of days ago and was using the trial version beforehand which tells me my trial has expired, hence thought that is the reason why the auto tone doesnt work, obviously something is amiss. Thanks.

[photoseeker2]

If you have photos that were previously edited in a several-years old version of Lightroom, be sure to select them all and use "Develop module > Settings > Update to Current Process" to make available the latest editing capabilities for Auto, Shadows, Highlights, Brushes, etc.

[fns_video]

I've got the same issue. I built a new computer and installed the most recent version of Lightroom Classic CC. I use to always click the Auto Tone button to start my developing process and it would usually do a very good job, requiring a couple tweaks. But now clicking the Auto Tone button makes the picture severely underexposed.

For example, on a recent photo it dropped the exposure setting to -1.48, but when I would manually fixed the exposure, it ended up being +1.67.

I would love a solution/fix for this issue.

Mark

[dj_paige]

Are you using an older process version? (perhaps that's the default in a develop preset applied to your photos?)

[fns_video]

No... it says I am using Version 5 (Current). It also doesn't have anything to do with photos processed in my previous installation of an older version of Lightroom because this is happening to any photos I'm trying to Auto Tone, whether preexisting or a new import.

[dj_paige]

Ok, if you are using Version 5 (current) then it's not the problem discussed earlier in this thread.

[Just Shoot Me]

markfo  wrote

No... it says I am using Version 5 (Current). It also doesn't have anything to do with photos processed in my previous installation of an older version of Lightroom because this is happening to any photos I'm trying to Auto Tone, whether preexisting or a new import.

If you are using Lightroom 5 then that is NOT the most current version.

LR Classic CC version 8.2.1 is the current version.

to see the Exact version number you are using open LR and go to the Help menu and select System Info. Paste the first 5-10 line from the dialog window that comes up into a reply.

[fns_video]

I am using LR Classic CC v 8.2.1 and it in the Calibration portion of the Develop module it says my process version is 5 (Current). Should it be saying something else? As far as I know, my CC software is up to date. This is a new computer with everything freshly installed.

[Just Shoot Me]

OK, yes the Process version is 5.

Could you upload one of your images to someplace like dropbox and post a public link to it so we can load it into LR ourselves?

I just used the Auto button on one of my most recent images and this is the result.

Before.

After.

As you see on this image it has increased the exposure value by 1/3+ stops.

This Auto setting is image dependent. It will make brighter images darker and darker image brighter, in my experience.

If the Auto option isn't working for you then don't use it.

[johnrellis]

Mark,

Please add your feedback to this topic in the official Adobe feedback forum, where Adobe wants all product feedback: Lightroom: Auto settings pretty useless | Photoshop Family Customer Community . Adobe product developers read everything posted there but rarely participate here (a user-to-user forum).

Your feedback would be much more useful to Adobe if you include sample photos (the original masters) where Auto performs badly.  Upload them to Dropbox or similar and post the sharing link.   A number of people have complained about Auto, but so far no one has provided examples.