1. A method for processing a photographic image captured by an image capture system, comprising the steps of: a) determining a maximum dark value for the image capture system representing the response of the system to no light exposure; b) generating an image processing path for processing the image prior to display on an output device, the image processing path having one or more image dependent image transforms, that upon processing the maximum dark value produces a processed maximum dark value that meets a predetermined criteria for darkness such that the “smokey black” problem is minimized; and c) applying the image processing path to the photographic image to produce a processed photographic image.