Capturing light

[ISO]

That dark version really look nice Krish.

Earlier edit was on jpeg. Raw gives mores headroom so I will give one more try.

[thereisnobeginning]

Perhaps this is what the OP was going for ?

The second image shows the steps I took in PS - for those curious/interested

+1

I think this version is better as it removes much of the distraction in the original image, and highlights the illumination from the lamps, which are now lighting the scene, instead of being lit by some external source.

[ISO]

Had to convert NEF to DNG for the processing. Original file had clipping in shadow and highlight, no fault of photographer or camera because contrast range was greater than camera sensor.

Processed minimally  as per OP's wish. Pl. see histogram, no clipping in shadow highlight before converting to sRGB.

[Gajadi]

Could the bracketing be the answer if the external light can not be controlled.

I think a blend of jpeg processed by Mukund, where the image was overall bright and PS processed image by Krish where natural light of the lamp is dominant would be the desired look.

I appreciate the feedback from all of you, definitely learned something about post processing.

Reg,
Gajadi.

[ISO]

Could the bracketing be the answer if the external light can not be controlled.

That you can easily decide by checking histogram after shot. If there is clipping in shadow/highlight you can go for bracketing shots.

[Gajadi]

Ok, will keep that in mind.
But what do you mean by "contrast range was greater than camera sensor".?

How to know contrast range of camera sensor?

[ISO]

But what do you mean by "contrast range was greater than camera sensor".?

How to know contrast range of camera sensor?

Take example of above shot. If you want to expose for the shadows (using spot metering pointed at dark portion) then flames will blow out. If you expose for the highlight (pointing spot meter at flames) then scene will be very dark. In our original shot flames are properly exposed but overall pic is dark.

So contrast range of light is range of light from dark to bright but unfortunately unlike human eye camera can capture very limited range of light called dynamic range of sensor.

I think your cam is D850, I think it is 14 stop, pl. check dpreview.com

https://www.adorama.com/alc/dynamic-range-photography-explained/

[Gajadi]

Thanks Mukund for the explanation.
I knew about histgram before but this information is PhD level.
Will try to digest it.

Btw I used highlight based metering mode on z6Ii.

Reg,
Gajadi

[ISO]

Thanks Mukund for the explanation.
I knew about histgram before but this information is PhD level.
Will try to digest it.

Btw I used highlight based metering mode on z6Ii.

Reg,
Gajadi

It is not really that complicated. some tips...

Many camera has in built' HDR' function that help in difficult lighting situation.

Use GND filter to save sky in landscape photography.

Use flash or artificial light to illuminate scene.

[ashutosh1979]

It's a year too late. but here is my interpretation of your pic. I hope you don't mind me taking the liberty.