Lightroom Classic CC: Using effects creatively for better photos

In this tutorial, you will learn about the different tools and options of the Effects tab in the Develop module of Lightroom Classic CC. With the effects, you can creatively enhance and make your photos unique. In particular, we will focus on the vignette and grain effects. These two functions offer valuable ways to optimize your image composition and direct the viewer's focus. Let's go through the individual steps and their application in detail.

Key Takeaways

• The vignette helps to direct the viewer's gaze towards the main subject.
• With various vignette styles, you can control the impact on brighter and darker areas.
• Grain can, when used creatively, give your image a stylish look, especially in black and white portraits.

Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding and applying Vignette settings

First, let's start with the tool for the vignette. You can find this in the Effects tab of your Develop module. A vignette is a darker border around the image that ensures the focus is on the central subject. Start by applying the vignette as needed.

You can adjust the strength of vignettes. I recommend using the vignette cautiously because too strong effects can appear unnatural. The viewer's focus is directed towards the center of the image by the dark edges. Consider the rules of visual guidance: the viewer's eye tends to move from darkness to lightness.

In the vignette settings, you can choose between different styles. The standard style is the color overlay, where simply black is laid over the image. Alternatively, there is the highlight priority, which ensures that brighter parts of the image are not influenced as much.

Personally, I prefer the highlight priority as the sky and bright areas are not darkened too unnaturally. You have the option to further adjust the strength of these effects using the sliders.

In addition, there are sliders that influence the position and shape of the vignette. The midpoint slider allows you to move the vignette inwards or outwards, while the roundness slider determines how round or angular the vignette will be.

Another important slider is for the soft edge. With this, you can make the edges of the vignette softer or harder. A hard edge can create an interesting effect in certain contexts, while a softer edge looks more natural.

In most cases, the default values for the vignette are a good starting point. Experiment with the sliders to achieve the desired effect for your image until you have reached the desired result.

Adding Grain for a Unique Look

Another effect we will now look at is grain. Grain is often used incorrectly. It should not be used just to add noise, but rather strategically to give your image a special style, especially in black and white portraits.

You can regulate the strength of the grain. As you increase the strength, you will see the image start to "grain." This can be visually interesting if used sparingly. Often, there is a risk of ruining the image by using too much grain, so be careful and use more subtle settings.

It is also important to adjust the size of the grain. The larger the grain, the more details are lost in the image. For a subtle look, I recommend setting the grain to a low value and then playing with the strength.

The rule of irregularity allows you to control the regularity of the noise. Irregular noise appears softer and more pleasant in the overall image.

Experiment with the grain controls and see how the image looks with and without grain. Sometimes a subtle grain effect can give the image the finishing touch.

Summary

In this tutorial, you have received valuable information on applying vignetting and grain in Lightroom Classic CC. Proper use of these effects can give your photos a professional look and effectively guide the viewer's focus. Apply the learned techniques in your own photo editing and experiment with the various customization options to develop your individual visual language.