When your subject gets lost in a busy composition, even the most technically perfect image falls flat. The solution lies in understanding how to manipulate light and shadow within your editing workflow to guide your viewer's eye exactly where you want it to go.
Coming to you from Christian Möhrle - The Phlog Photography, this practical video demonstrates a masking technique that transforms how you approach subject emphasis in Lightroom. Möhrle starts with fundamental adjustments, switching from Adobe Color to Adobe Landscape profile to boost base saturation, then deliberately darkens the overall exposure to create a more dramatic foundation. He systematically brings down shadows while lifting whites, establishing strong contrast that sets the stage for the real magic. The approach might seem counterintuitive at first, but this creates the perfect canvas for selective brightening.
The core technique revolves around strategic use of linear gradients and color range masks to create artificial lighting patterns that didn't exist in the original capture. Möhrle demonstrates how multiple linear gradients can be stacked to progressively darken different areas of the sky, creating depth and drama while pushing attention toward the center of the frame. He then applies the same principle to foreground elements, selectively darkening areas that would naturally receive equal light to create visual hierarchy. The color range masking technique he employs targets specific tones, allowing for precise control over which elements receive emphasis.
What makes this approach particularly valuable is how it addresses a common problem many face when working with landscape images that contain multiple interesting elements. Rather than relying solely on composition during capture, you gain the ability to retrofit existing images with improved visual flow. The technique extends beyond simple exposure adjustments to include temperature modifications that create warm-cool contrast between highlighted and shadowed areas. Möhrle also demonstrates how radial gradients can simulate additional light sources, adding another layer of control over the final mood and emphasis of your image. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Möhrle.
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!”
