Luminar Neo: Blending exposures with layers and linear gradients

Luminar Neo Try it →Watch full video →Anthony Turnham · Oct 2025

Demo summary

The video shows how to duplicate layers in Luminar Neo to process the sky and foreground separately, using a linear gradient mask for a smooth transition.

Step-by-step

Duplicate the base layer to create an identical copy on top.
Go to the Edit section and select the Develop Raw tool for the top layer.
Adjust the Curves tool by placing a point to darken the midtones for the sky and mountains.
Lift the shadow point on the curve to prevent the dark areas from becoming pure black.
Select the Masking tab and choose Linear Gradient.
Draw the gradient from the top of the image down to create a smooth transition between the two layers.

Options

Use Mask AI to automatically select mountains and sky

Watch out for

Using Mask AI for this specific blend can result in 'nasty haloing' along ridge lines and trees.

Tips

Use a linear gradient instead of AI masking for a more believable bleed between two exposure edits.
Set your brush strength to 100 when manually correcting mask edges.
Process the top and bottom halves of the photo separately to preserve detail in both the foliage and the sky.

Highlights

“we've benefited from the two separate applications of develop RAW and we've done it in a much more believable way.”

All demos from “My Secret Layer Workflow for NATURAL, Powerful Landscape Edits in Luminar Neo”

0:492:54RAW development and tonal range adjustment in Luminar NeoThe creator demonstrates how to use the Develop RAW tool and Curves in Luminar Neo to establish a proper black and white point while monitoring clipping warnings.Luminar Neo· AI Image/Photo Enhancer
4:102:36Blending exposures with layers and linear gradientsCurrentThe video shows how to duplicate layers in Luminar Neo to process the sky and foreground separately, using a linear gradient mask for a smooth transition.Luminar Neo· AI Photo Editor
7:050:43Targeted noise reduction with AI maskingThe creator applies the Denoise tool to a specific area of the image using Luminar Neo's AI masking to clean up digital noise in the sky.Luminar Neo· AI Image/Photo Enhancer
9:203:21Sculpting light and contrast using Curves and Brush masksA demonstration of using the Curves tool to create an S-curve for contrast and then painting the effect into specific areas like mountains and water using a soft brush.Luminar Neo· AI Photo Editor
13:193:49Adding Layered Fog and Sun RaysThe creator demonstrates the Layered Fog and Sun Rays tools in Luminar Neo, showing how to position the sun center and mask the effects for a natural look.Luminar Neo· AI Relighting
21:133:14Applying Glow, Mystical, and Blur effectsThe video walks through using the Dramatic, Glow, and Mystical tools, followed by a creative use of the Blur tool with low opacity to create a dreamy landscape look.Luminar Neo· AI Photo Filter
25:443:15Enhancing details with Accent AI and Foliage EnhancerThe creator uses Accent AI, Structure AI, and the Foliage Enhancer tool to pop details in the grass and mountains, including adjusting the hue of the greens.Luminar Neo· AI Image/Photo Enhancer
29:343:50Color grading with LUTs and Blue Channel CurvesA demonstration of color grading using the Mood tool (LUTs) and the Blue channel in Curves to inject yellow highlights into the image.Luminar Neo· AI Photo Editor
Watch “My Secret Layer Workflow for NATURAL, Powerful Landscape Edits in Luminar Neo” →

AI Photo Editor

0:521:46Manage and sync folders in Luminar NeoThe creator demonstrates how Luminar Neo maps physical computer folders to its catalog, showing how renaming or moving folders on the hard drive is instantly mirrored in the software.Mark McGee Photos
16:560:36Edit photos using AI AssistantA demonstration of the AI Assistant where the user types natural language prompts like 'make this photo look like a vintage Fujifilm camera' to generate edit versions.Mark McGee Photos
3:270:05Dodge and burn with Luminar NeoThe video briefly demonstrates the ease of using the dodge and burn tool in Luminar Neo to increase visual contrast in landscape photos.Joseph Martin
4:220:46Sky replacement and landscape enhancementThe video shows the Sky AI tool in Luminar Neo replacing a sky and adjusting horizon position, reflection, and scene relighting, followed by the Golden Hour and Dehaze sliders.Kieran Hayes Photography
6:070:16Enhancing water color with Water Enhancer AIThe user demonstrates Water Enhancer AI in Luminar Neo, which automatically masks and changes the color of water bodies in a photo.Kieran Hayes Photography
7:460:24Drawing neon effects with Neon and GlowThe user demonstrates drawing custom neon light highlights over a subject using the Neon and Glow tool in Luminar Neo.Kieran Hayes Photography
9:400:22Adding depth of field with Portrait Bokeh AIThe video shows Portrait Bokeh AI in Luminar Neo creating a blurred background effect using 3D mapping on a portrait.Kieran Hayes Photography
15:110:15Focus stacking in Luminar NeoThe user demonstrates the Focus Stacking extension in Luminar Neo, merging multiple images with different focus points into one sharp photo.Kieran Hayes Photography
2:520:24Generative AI editing with GenSwap and GenEraseThe demo shows Luminar Neo's generative AI tools being used to swap elements in a photo and remove distracting objects from the frame.Kai W
3:250:18Color Masking with the Color PickerThe video shows how to use the Color Picker tool in Luminar Neo to select a specific color range and adjust its influence using a slider.Kai W
4:271:31Creating virtual copies and applying creative editsThe demo shows how to create virtual copies to test different edits, such as adding fog, vignetting, and converting a photo to black and white using the Structure and Enhance tools.Kai W
4:102:36Blending exposures with layers and linear gradientsCurrentThe video shows how to duplicate layers in Luminar Neo to process the sky and foreground separately, using a linear gradient mask for a smooth transition.Anthony Turnham