not-a-LUT

Reimagining Analog Color Inversion with Emulsion Spectral Simulation

not-a-LUT is the first research project developed by Imageese, born from a collaboration with photographic archives and private companies. Its goal is to create a material-based, accurate method for inverting negative film using a process inspired by analog color printing.

Unlike standard inversion pipelines, which often rely on arbitrary LUTs, or proprietary grading, not-a-LUT simulates the actual spectral response of photographic paper and film emulsions, providing a more faithful and consistent color inversion, especially for photographic negatives.

At the core of the system is a spectral simulation model that estimates how a scanned negative would behave when printed on real color paper. By using spectral data and negative film targets, as well as technical data from photographic papers, not-a-LUT replaces arbitrary grading with a predictable, material-grounded inversion.

Key features:

• Film-specific and scanner-dependent prediction model

• Emulates the analog optical printing chain

• Suitable for modern color negative film, with future extensions for historical materials

• Designed for speed, consistency, and fidelity to original analog aesthetics