Knowing how to make your subjects stand out clearly from the background can dramatically improve your photos. Getting this right means viewers will focus exactly where you want them to.
Coming to you from Gareth Evans with Park Cameras, this practical video shows how easily Lightroom Classic can highlight your subjects, even if editing isn't your strong suit. Evans starts with automated adjustments using Lightroom’s built-in AI tools, showing how quickly you can get impressive results, especially in simpler compositions. By exploring adaptive presets, such as the "Pop" or "Warm Pop," he demonstrates how the software intelligently selects your subject, allowing quick adjustments without extensive manual work. He emphasizes simplicity here—this approach works well when you need fast edits without fussing over detailed adjustments.
Evans then shifts focus toward manual editing, explaining when it’s worthwhile to take direct control. Using a self-portrait, he guides you through creating and adjusting masks manually, building edits incrementally for greater precision. He introduces linear and radial gradients, intersecting masks, and targeted adjustments for skin and eyes. This detailed control allows subtle enhancement without looking unnatural—an essential skill for more nuanced, mood-driven portraits. Evans's thoughtful commentary on why certain masks and adjustments work better than others offers valuable insight into crafting edits that feel realistic and intentional.
A strength of Evans' approach is how clearly he demonstrates the difference subtle adjustments make. He doesn’t just brighten the subject; he carefully manipulates the direction and quality of light using gradients, making sure edits complement the original lighting. His method highlights the importance of gradually building your edits, preventing common mistakes like overly dramatic highlights or shadows that disrupt the image's balance. He emphasizes moderation, acknowledging when an edit has gone too far and needs adjusting—an honesty valuable to photographers at every level. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Evans.
