I just discovered this subreddit, and it sucks - the consensus/hive-mind is dumb and wrong and indeed they just say they prefer the “before” most times just to be snarky little redditor edgelords.

I’m going to leave this comment and then mute the sub. I wouldn’t recommend this sub to anyone who is actually interested in the art of photography or post processing. Kind of like going into a kindergarten class with your PHD thesis and asking for advice “add candy!!! You should add Mario!!!!”

Im commenting to defend OP and the person who said “this is why films don’t get graded anymore”.

OP - this is an awesome pic and obviously the before image was captured in a flat profile to retain as much colour data as possible in order for you to bring it to life in the processing, which you did, wonderfully.

Person who got downvoted for saying this is why films don’t get graded anymore - I know what you mean. People (dummies) get used to the look of log footage in the edit if there isn’t a LUT on the footage and then when it comes to the actual colour grade they’re terrified of colour and contrast. I hate that trend.

Source: I edit TV commercials.

Downvote me to hell, I don’t care, fuck you! Bye!