{"id":79681,"date":"2022-02-02T15:00:45","date_gmt":"2022-02-02T20:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=79681"},"modified":"2022-02-16T16:50:03","modified_gmt":"2022-02-16T21:50:03","slug":"lightroom-photo-editing-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/lightroom-photo-editing-basics\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Photo Editing Basics to Master in Lightroom"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Adobe Lightroom<\/a> is one of the most \u2014 if not the most \u2014 popular photo editing software on the planet. Understanding this software for post-processing and editing is crucial to taking your images to the next level. However, like learning any new software, Lightroom can appear intimidating at first glance. It has hundreds of options to choose from without a clear road map of where to begin. Here are ten Lightroom photo editing basics \u2014 in a step-by-step format \u2014 that will help guide you through Lightroom and allow you to understand the fundamentals before diving into more advanced editing techniques.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Screenshot by Nathan Lee Allen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Import and Organize Files<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To start in Lightroom, the first thing you need to do is important files to begin editing. If you’re working on a dual monitor setup<\/a>, you’ll be able to see everything across two screens. To import files, this takes place under the Library tab, with the important button on the bottom left hand corner. The process goes as follows: \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Library > Import > Select Your \u201cFrom\u201d Source > Select Your Images > Select Your \u201cTo\u201d Source > Add to Collection > Name New Collection > Import<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once your selected files are imported and organized in their specific collection, it\u2019s time to start the fun part. Head over to the \u201cDevelopment\u201d tab to begin editing!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Screenshot by Nathan Lee Allen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Set the Best Lightroom Profile for Your Camera and Style <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The very first thing you\u2019ll need to do is select the best Lightroom profile for your camera or unique style. Lightroom profiles are similar to presets in that they are pre-calibrated settings that alter the look of your images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, unlike presets, which can be significantly adjusted on the front end, profile settings take place on the backend of Lightroom. They provide options to help maximize the colors, dynamic range, and contrast that mimics your camera\u2019s profile. However, there are also Adobe profiles you can choose from based on the preferences, look, and style you\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you go for an imported profile that mirrors your camera\u2019s style or one of Adobe\u2019s profiles, it\u2019s important to be familiar with profiles and set your preferred profile first. This will be the foundation for all your edits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Screenshot by Nathan Lee Allen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Edit Your \u201cBasic\u201d Settings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 <\/strong>The basic settings panel is the first option in the development side menu. These are the fundamental settings you will work with. These basic settings contain three categories: White Balance, Tone<\/em>, and Presence<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

White Balance<\/em> adjusts your camera\u2019s kelvin settings. It allows for cool and warm adjustments while also providing green and magenta tint options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tone<\/em> settings include options like exposure (darkness\/brightness), contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Presence<\/em> allows for more stylized edits, with texture, clarity, dehaze, vibrance, and saturation settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to understand, learn, and master these basic settings first, before diving into color, details, effects, and more. They may be basic, but they\u2019re the building blocks that help set the tone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Screenshot by Nathan Lee Allen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Edit Camera Calibration RGB Settings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A common mistake is to start working with your Color\/HSL settings before you set your camera calibration. Your camera calibration settings are crucial for determining the overall RGB color settings in your image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your calibration settings affect the entire RGB spectrum, while the Color\/HSL settings affect individual colors under each color profile. You have the ability to set the red, green, and blue primary hue and saturation levels. You can also adjust the overall shadow tint, between green and magenta, which plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of your color editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focus on setting your camera calibration first, then move into individual color editing in the Color\/HSL settings panel. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Screenshot by Nathan Lee Allen<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Edit Color\/HSL Settings<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Color\/HSL panel is all about color control and color grading. It is one of the most enjoyable parts of editing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HSL stands for hue, saturation, and luminance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n