How to do Cinematic Photo Editing in Lightroom,
Therefore, Cinematic photo editing in Lightroom involves creating a dramatic, movie-like feel with colors, tones, and lighting. In other words, Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieve a cinematic look:
1. Choose the Right Photo:
- Therefore, Pick a photo with a strong composition, interesting lighting, or a clear subject.
- In other words, Cinema images often have a storytelling element, so consider photos that convey emotion or atmosphere.
2. Adjust Basic Settings:
Therefore, Start with the Basic Panel:
- Exposure: Adjust to ensure the subject is well-lit but maintains a slightly moody tone.
- Contrast: Increase slightly to add depth and drama.
- Highlights: Lower to retain details in bright areas.
- Shadows: Lift shadows for more detail or deepen them for moodiness.
- Whites and Blacks: Fine-tune for balanced contrast.
3. Apply a Cinematic Color Grade:
Tone Curve:
- Therefore, Go to the Tone Curve panel to adjust the contrast.
- In other words, Create an “S-curve” for a cinematic feel:
- Lift the shadows (bottom-left) slightly for a faded look.
- Lower the mid-tones slightly.
- Raise the highlights (top-right) slightly for brightness.
Split Toning (Color Grading Panel):
- In other words, Add a teal or blue tint to the shadows.
- For instance, Add an orange or warm tone to the highlights.
- However, Fine-tune the balance slider to emphasize the warm or cool tones.
4. Adjust Colors for a Cinematic Palette:
HSL/Color Panel:
- Hue: Shift colors to emphasize orange and teal tones.
- For example, shift greens slightly toward teal.
- Saturation: Desaturate non-dominant colors (e.g., greens and yellows).
- Luminance: Adjust the brightness of specific colors to make the subject stand out.
Vibrance and Saturation:
- However, Increase Vibrance slightly for a subtle pop in muted colors.
- In other words, Decrease overall Saturation slightly for a more muted, cinematic look.
How to do Cinematic Photo Editing in Lightroom,
5. How to do Cinematic Photo Editing in Lightroom, Add Depth and Drama:
Vignette:
- However, Use the Effects panel to add a slight vignette around the edges.
- For instance, This draws attention to the center of the frame.
Clarity and Texture:
- For instance, Increase Clarity for added detail and a crisp look.
- Above all, Be careful not to overdo it, as it can make the image look harsh.
6. Fine-Tune with Local Adjustments:
- For instance, Use Radial Filters or Adjustment Brushes to enhance the subject by:
- Brightening the face or main subject.
- Adding warmth or sharpness to specific areas.
- Above all, Use Graduated Filters to darken the sky or foreground for balance.
7. How to do Cinematic Photo Editing in Lightroom, Add a Cinematic Crop:
- Above all, Crop to a 16:9 ratio or another widescreen aspect ratio commonly used in movies.
8. Add Grain for Film Texture:
- After that, In the Effects Panel, add subtle grain to mimic the texture of the film.
- Above all, Adjust the amount, size, and roughness to achieve the desired look.
9. How to do Cinematic Photo Editing in Lightroom, Save as a Preset (Optional):
After that, If you like the cinematic style you’ve created, save it as a preset for quick application to other photos.
In conclusion, Experiment with these steps to create a cinematic look tailored to your image and style. Let me know if you’d like help with any specific steps!
