Luminar Neo: Blending exposures with layers and linear gradients

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
5:470:39Adjusting HSL and subject-aware vignettingThe creator uses the Color tool to target specific HSL values for a bird's bill and applies a vignette using a subject-placement indicator.Chiara Talia - Wildlife Photography
10:270:52Creative color isolation using AI maskingThe creator demonstrates a creative 'fine art' look by using Object Select AI to mask a bird, inverting the mask, and desaturating the entire background while keeping the subject in color.Chiara Talia - Wildlife Photography
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
8:003:26Localized exposure adjustments using maskingThe creator shows how to use a brush mask to apply a second instance of the Develop tool to specific areas of a waterfall and rocks.Anthony Turnham
12:423:32Adding and removing detail with Structure AIDemonstration of using Structure AI with positive values to sharpen rocks and negative values to soften distracting foliage via brush masking.Anthony Turnham
20:482:31Changing water color with Water Enhancer AIA demonstration of the Water Enhancer AI tool to shift murky green water toward a turquoise hue while refining the mask to exclude the waterfall.Anthony Turnham
25:551:26Fine-tuning colors with HSL slidersThe creator demonstrates using the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) panel to darken green leaves specifically so the waterfall stands out more.Anthony Turnham
28:511:17Applying a Radial Gradient mask for color popA demonstration of using the Radial Gradient tool to apply a saturation boost in a localized, tapered circle around the main subject.Anthony Turnham
31:132:05Blending edits using Layer OpacityThe creator shows how to add the original photo as a new layer and adjust its opacity to pull back an over-processed edit for a more natural look.Anthony Turnham
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
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.Anthony Turnham
Luminar Neo