Batch editing in Lightroom saves you significant editing time by allowing quick adjustments across multiple images. Instead of manually correcting each photo one at a time, you edit one photo, then apply those settings to many others.
Coming to you from Aaron Nace with Phlearn, this practical video explains exactly how Lightroom's batch editing feature works. Nace demonstrates how easily you can apply edits from a single image to an entire series, especially when the initial captures share common issues like exposure or white balance. He walks you through using the Develop module, specifically emphasizing the masking feature, which lets you select particular elements like people in your photographs. This feature recalculates adjustments for each individual photo, ensuring accuracy even when compositions change. Batch editing helps streamline your workflow, allowing more consistent results without repetitive work.
Beyond simply copying basic adjustments, Nace shows you how to creatively use batch editing. He explores how to apply stylistic changes—like subtle shifts in color tones or contrast—to create a unified visual theme across a photo series. One interesting technique he highlights is adjusting green hues towards yellow to achieve a cinematic look reminiscent of Wes Anderson films. By doing this on just one photo, you can sync these style choices across dozens of images instantly. This not only speeds up your editing process but also enhances visual cohesion, turning a collection of individual shots into a carefully curated set.
The strength of this video lies in how clearly Nace explains the practicalities of batch editing. He emphasizes scenarios where batch editing is most beneficial, such as event photography or weddings, where multiple photos might have similar exposure and lighting issues. His tip on selectively syncing specific adjustments—like changing only white balance across images without recalculating complex AI masks—is particularly useful for speeding up your workflow. This nuanced approach saves significant time when you only need minor tweaks across multiple images rather than full recalculations.
Additionally, Nace provides helpful insights about masking in Lightroom, particularly how powerful AI masking has become. He demonstrates that Lightroom identifies individual subjects and applies your edits intelligently, adapting to changing content within each photo. This feature goes beyond simple copying; it intelligently adjusts each image, maintaining consistency across varied scenes. This ability to apply nuanced edits automatically makes Lightroom a practical choice for batch processing complex shoots, such as portraits or group sessions, where people shift positions from photo to photo. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Nace.
