Creating a strong image is more than just pointing a camera—it’s a detailed process of planning, capturing, and finally, editing. The editing stage in particular is where you bring out the colors, light, and mood you intended, creating a finished piece that truly reflects the moment and story you envisioned.
Coming to you from Sam Bugas, this insightful video emphasizes that editing doesn’t need to be overwhelming; it’s a methodical approach you can refine and repeat. Bugas explains that, although editing can feel like learning another language at first, creating a structured process can simplify the task. He suggests focusing on storytelling and composition while you’re shooting, as these elements can’t be fixed in post-processing. Editing, he explains, is like a polish that brings a good image to the finish line but won’t transform a weak composition into a great one.
Bugas walks through his editing framework, which he breaks down into three steps: balance and build, stylize, and accentuate. First, he adjusts the image’s balance by using Lightroom’s histogram, bringing highlights down and lifting shadows to even out the exposure. This initial step is about getting the image into a neutral state, making it a “blank canvas” for further edits. By using Lightroom’s contrast tools selectively, rather than adding too much direct contrast, Bugas achieves a look that’s more natural to the eye. For Bugas, the clarity and texture sliders also play essential roles; they sharpen specific areas without making the whole image look too harsh or artificial.
For color, Bugas recommends starting with the calibration tab to adjust the underlying color channels—red, green, and blue. This subtle adjustment affects every pixel, making later color edits more cohesive. He then uses the color mixer to fine-tune hues, adjusting tones like greens, yellows, and blues to get the right balance. His aim is to create colors that align with how he remembers the scene’s atmosphere. Finally, he moves to the color grading tab, where he introduces a slight shift in shadows and highlights, enhancing the overall mood of the image without creating unnatural tones.
When it comes to accentuating the image, Bugas advises using Lightroom’s masking tools to draw the viewer’s eye to specific areas. He applies a subtle vignette to keep the focus on the central subject, and uses a brush to slightly brighten or enhance texture in areas that tell the image’s story. For example, he adds contrast txo a prominent rock formation in the foreground, subtly guiding the viewer’s gaze through the frame. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Bugas.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan II - Discovering Hidden Gems with Elia Locardi!”
