The best way to edit a photo
When I first started editing photos, I didn’t really ever have a plan for my edit. I started moving sliders randomly until I landed on something that I liked. It was very unscientific, and frankly a waste of time. But after 15 years of editing, I have landed on an approach that works for me, every time.
My approach is broken down into three steps: Light, Detail, Color. That’s it. I approach an edit with these three words in mind, and it always guides me to a result that I like.
By the way, it doesn’t matter which editor I am using - this approach works in any of them: Luminar, Lightroom, On1, etc.
Want to get my free editing guide for Luminar Neo, which outlines this method and more? Click here: https://jimnix.com/luminar-neo-quick-start-guide
I’ve mentioned this in lots of videos, and will do so again as well. It’s that important! Here are a few key tips to get you started:
Light - this can be Shadows, Highlights, Contrast, Curves, Exposure and more. I like to get a more balanced image at the start, but I tend to adjust lighting throughout the edit - not just at the beginning.
Details is next, and I most often do this with a mask. I find that applying/enhancing detail across an entire image doesn’t always look good, so I mask it for a better look.
Color is my final step, and most editors offer several tools to help with color. Be careful and don’t use all of them on a photo. It’s easy to go over the top here so I try to keep it to just a couple of tools, but it does depend on the image.
When you have completed the three steps, be sure to pay attention to the light. Adjusting light, for me, is a constant throughout the edit, because it’s the most important aspect. So I often come back and refine it after I’ve done the other steps.
Note how light changes affect the appearance of color. When you adjust contrast, it can make the colors look more saturated, for example. This may need a fix at the end of the edit as well.
I like to wrap up with any “mood-enhancing” adjustments. This is generally more light manipulation but can also include a vignette, for example.
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