Outdoor Portrait Photos Colour Grading and Colour Correction

Therefore, that’s a fantastic and very common request! Achieving a professional look in outdoor portraits often comes down to successful Color Correction (fixing problems) and creative Color Grading (applying a style).

In other words, here is a general, step-by-step workflow using Adobe Photoshop’s non-destructive Adjustment Layers:

Outdoor Portrait Photos Colour Grading and Colour Correction,

🎨 Phase 1: Color Correction (Fixing the Basics)

Therefore, this phase aims to make the colors in the photo look natural and realistic. It should always be done first.

1. White Balance and Exposure (Camera Raw or Adjustment Layers)

• Go to Camera Raw Filter (Filter > Camera Raw Filter) or use Levels and Curves Adjustment Layers.
• White Balance: In other words, if you shot in RAW, use the White Balance controls to set the correct temperature and tint. If not, use a Curves adjustment layer on the main RGB channel or a Color Balance layer to remove any unwanted color cast (e.g., too much blue from shade, or too much yellow/orange from the sun).
  • Tip: Click on a neutral gray or white area in the image using the eyedropper tools in Levels or Curves to auto-correct.
• Exposure/Contrast: Adjust the overall brightness and contrast.
  • Therefore, use a Curves adjustment layer to create a subtle S-curve for better contrast. Pulling the bottom-left point slightly up (or using the Black Point slider in Levels) can lift the shadows for a popular matte look.

2. Targeted Color Correction (HSL/Selective Color)

• Skin Tones: Skin tones are crucial in portraits. They often lean too yellow, red, or magenta.
  • Therefore, use a Selective Color adjustment layer. Select Reds and Yellows and gently move the sliders (especially Cyan/Red and Yellow/Blue) until the skin looks natural.
  • Tip: If the skin is too orange, try adding a little Cyan to the Reds and Yellows.
• Green/Environment: In outdoor photos, the greens can be too vibrant or unnatural.
  • Therefore, use a Hue/Saturation adjustment layer. Select the Greens channel. Reduce the Saturation slightly and adjust the Hue (e.g., towards yellow for a softer, more autumnal look or towards blue for a more vibrant, cool green).

Outdoor Portrait Photos Colour Grading and Colour Correction,

✨ Phase 2: Color Grading (Applying a Style)

In other words, this phase is creative and determines the mood (e.g., cinematic, warm, moody, bright).

1. The Classic Shadow/Highlight Split-Tone:

In other words, this is one of the most effective tools for a cinematic or stylized look.

• In other words, use the Color Balance adjustment layer.
  • Highlights: Add warmth (Yellow/Red) or cool tones (Blue/Cyan) to the brightest parts of the image, like the sky or the face’s highlights. A popular look is adding Yellow and Red.
  • Shadows: Add a complementary color to the shadows. For a “cinematic” look, add a slight amount of Blue and Cyan to the shadow areas. This is often paired with warm highlights.

2. Luminosity and Color Control (Curves)

However, Curves allow you to target specific colors in specific tonal ranges.

• However, add a Curves adjustment layer.
• Above all, switch to the Red, Green, or Blue channels.
  • Blue Channel: Pulling the curve down in the shadows adds Yellow (warm shadows). Pulling it up adds Blue (cool shadows). This is great for fine-tuning the split-tone effect.
  • Red Channel: Raising the curve in the midtones can subtly warm the skin without affecting shadows/highlights too much.

Outdoor Portrait Photos Colour Grading and Colour Correction,

3. The Final Look (Color Lookup & Gradient Map)

• Color Lookup (LUTs): However, use a Color Lookup adjustment layer to apply a specific style quickly. Photoshop comes with many built-in LUTs (like Crisp_Warm or Teal_Orange). Experiment with the Layer Opacity to find the right strength.
• Gradient Map (Advanced): This maps colors to the darkest and lightest parts of your photo.
  • However, create a Gradient Map layer, set the dark point to a subtle color (like a dark blue or purple) and the white point to a bright color (like a soft yellow or orange).
  • However, change the layer’s Blend Mode to Soft Light or Color and reduce the Opacity significantly (e.g., 5-20%). This can create a unique overall tone.

Outdoor Portrait Photos Colour Grading and Colour Correction,

🗂️ Key Photoshop Tools to Master:

However, for non-destructive and professional work, focus on these Adjustment Layers:

In conclusion, do you have a specific kind of outdoor look you are trying to achieve (e.g., bright & airy, warm & moody, or cinematic teal & orange)? I can provide more specific steps for that style.