Transforming a bright summer photo into a moody look can dramatically change its impact. This helpful video tutorial will guide you through some techniques in Lightroom that can help you create that look.
Coming to you from THAT ICELANDIC GUY., this comprehensive video demonstrates how to turn a colorful summer photo into a moody shot using simple adjustments in Lightroom. Starting with a basic crop, the video explains the importance of framing. A 4x5 crop is recommended for Instagram, and the initial adjustments include pressing "Auto" to let Lightroom make some basic corrections. From there, the focus shifts to creating a darker, moodier atmosphere by reducing highlights and shadows and desaturating the image slightly.
Next, the video dives into the tone curve adjustments for adding depth and contrast. By dragging points on the tone curve, you can create a faded look while maintaining deep blacks. The video explains how to balance these adjustments to avoid overdoing it, ensuring the final image remains natural yet dramatic.
The use of color grading is another vital aspect covered in the video. The video demonstrates how to inject blues into the shadows and midtones to enhance the moody atmosphere. By carefully adjusting the color balance, you can transform the overall mood of the image. The video provides a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this, making it accessible even for those new to Lightroom.
Masking is a technique used extensively to refine the image further. By applying linear gradients and brushes, you can selectively darken or lighten parts of the photo. This helps in directing the viewer’s attention to the main subject while enhancing the three-dimensional feel of the image. Masking allows for precise control over the final look, adding depth and texture that simple global adjustments cannot achieve. Check out the video above for the full rundown.
