Lecture on Editing Portrait Photography

Introduction

• Editing portrait photography can be challenging, especially for beginners without an established style.
• Presenter shares workflow for achieving a soft, cinematic professional look in photos.
• Emphasis on replicating the workflow across different software tools.

Initial Steps

• Use of presets in Lightroom is recommended for efficiency.
  • Create and adjust your own presets.
  • Presets aid in learning editing styles.
• Demonstration of editing without presets for educational purposes.

Basic Editing in Lightroom

• Light Adjustment: Increase exposure slightly, reduce whites and highlights.
• Texture and Clarity: Slight reduction to create a softer look.
  • Example: Texture -10, Clarity -10.

Color Grading

• Shadows: Add blue to shadows for cinematic effect.
  • Use teal and adjust saturation carefully.
• Vignette: Add for a more focused look.

Use of Luminar Neo

• Luminar Neo as a standalone or a plugin for Lightroom/Photoshop.
  • Complements Adobe products.
  • Provides portrait-specific tools.
• Skin Editing: Smooth skin and remove shine effectively.
  • Recommended usage: Smooth skin to about 40, Shine removal to about 40.

Additional Effects

• Mist Filter Effect: Achieve soft, dreamy look through software tools without an actual filter.
  • Use Mystical or Glow tools in Luminar Neo.
• Film Grain: Add for a film-like aesthetic.
  • Adjust size and intensity for natural look.

Advanced Editing and Tools

• Eye Enhancements: Use eye enhancer for natural eye pop.
• Retouching in Photoshop: Minimal use recommended.
  • Use Clone Stamp at low opacity (15%) to reduce eye bags naturally.

Conclusion and Recommendations

• Emphasize learning by using presets to understand editing nuances.
• Use Luminar Neo for initial learning or as a secondary tool.
• Highlight the importance of not overdoing edits to maintain natural aesthetics.

Additional Resources

• Encouragement to try Luminar Neo with free trial and discount codes available.
• Instructional video on setting up a home photography studio is available.