Originally posted by mattt I've had issues with poorly exposed frames, and I don't feel I have the skill / tools to get the most out of the negative.
This image left me underwhelmed - I supposed the mixed light is the cause, but It just leaves me wanting more. Thoughts? Again, Portra 400, but indoors with ambient light at a shutter speed that should be faster.
Mixed lighting and underexposed frames are tricky, but not because of the scanner. The scanner software needs to find or be given a reference point for color balance. In auto mode, it will try to use whatever it thinks ought to be neutral within the frame. If there is nothing neutral in the frame, the software will pick something close, which will make the color balance off.
With mixed lighting conditions, the software just gets confused.
I would try scanning that in ICM mode, and set your black point using the unexposed film border, set your grey (mid point) to 1.00, then set your white point with the eyedropper on the brightest point boys right toe (sock).
That's just me kinda guessing based on the posted image, it may require some trial and error using the white point tool, or the grey balance tool.