The ability to edit portraits entirely in Lightroom without switching to Photoshop is becoming more common. This is especially true for on-the-go editing on devices like the iPad, which sync seamlessly with Lightroom on desktop.
Coming to you from Glyn Dewis, this insightful video showcases the process of retouching a portrait from start to finish using Lightroom on an iPad. Dewis begins with selecting a camera profile, emphasizing how profiles like "Camera Matching – Portrait" can enhance shadow details. This step offers a foundation for the edit, but it’s worth noting that this folder only appears if your camera is supported. Adjusting the white balance with the eyedropper tool further neutralizes unwanted color casts, particularly handy if the image includes neutral tones like gray in the background.
The video continues with tone and color adjustments to achieve a soft, vintage portrait look reminiscent of 1940s photography. Reducing contrast and lifting shadows creates a gentle and detailed image. Dewis demonstrates how to fine-tune skin tones by reducing orange saturation in the Color Mix panel. He also explains sharpening techniques, lowering default values and using the masking slider to apply sharpening selectively. This visual approach ensures clarity in the right areas without over-sharpening the entire image.
For cleanup, Dewis utilizes Lightroom’s Remove tool with generative AI to eliminate stray hairs and small imperfections. This method is particularly effective for fine details, like cleaning up loose threads on clothing or subtle blemishes. He emphasizes the advantage of using AI for more challenging edits compared to traditional clone or heal tools. The result is a cleaner, polished portrait that still looks natural.
Furthermore, Dewis manually creates masks to brighten the eyes, increase contrast, and add clarity. He demonstrates how slight adjustments to texture and dehaze can give the eyes a subtle yet striking pop. To enhance catchlights or even add new ones, he uses another mask, illustrating how to refine the sparkle in the subject’s eyes without overdoing it. This adds depth and focus to the image, drawing the viewer’s attention.
For finishing touches, Dewis uses radial gradients to apply a vignette, guiding focus toward the subject. He also adds a slight grain effect to evoke a nostalgic film aesthetic. While most adjustments are completed on the iPad, Dewis shows how syncing to Lightroom desktop offers advanced features like lens blur. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Dewis.
