Lightroom’s masking tools can dramatically transform an image by targeting specific areas for enhancement. Here's a look at a powerful approach to editing using them.
Coming to you from Christian Möhrle - The Phlog Photography, this practical video walks you through the process of using Lightroom’s masking tools to enhance an HDR panoramic image. Möhrle starts with a raw file and explains the steps to merge multiple images into a single HDR panorama. Once merged, the image is cropped to center the subject, creating a more pleasing composition.
Möhrle then moves into the heart of the video: the masking techniques. Before applying masks, he adjusts the base settings of the image to prepare it for further enhancements. This involves lowering the exposure and highlights while boosting the whites, texture, and clarity. These adjustments set the stage for the more nuanced changes that follow.
In the masking section, Möhrle demonstrates how to darken the edges and corners of the image to lead the viewer’s eye toward the center. This is achieved using simple linear gradients that gradually darken the foreground and sky. He stacks multiple gradients to create a natural transition from light to dark, which adds depth and drama to the scene. For more precise adjustments, Möhrle uses radial gradients and the new object selection mask, highlighting specific areas like the subject’s jacket to make it stand out.
The video also covers advanced techniques, such as using color range masks to selectively adjust colors in specific parts of the image. For example, Möhrle targets the green tones in the foreground to create a realistic light effect, making the landscape pop without affecting other parts of the image. By stacking masks and using intersecting methods, he achieves a refined look that’s both dramatic and natural.
Finally, Möhrle briefly touches on color grading using Lightroom’s color mixer and calibration tabs. These tools allow for subtle shifts in hue, saturation, and luminance, further refining the image’s overall look. By the end of the video, the raw file has been transformed into a vibrant, dynamic photograph that’s rich in detail and mood. 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 With Elia Locardi!"
