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Luminar Neo: Sculpting light and contrast using Curves and Brush masks

Luminar NeoTry it →Watch full video →Anthony Turnham ·

Demo summary

A 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.

Step-by-step

  1. Open the Curves tool to adjust brightness and shadows.
  2. Create an S-curve by adding points to the curve line to increase contrast.
  3. Select the Masking tab within the tool.
  4. Choose the Linear Gradient mask to darken specific edges or the foreground.
  5. Switch to the Brush tool to apply effects to specific areas like mountains or water.
  6. Adjust the Brush Strength and Softness sliders.
  7. Paint the contrast effect onto the desired areas of the image.

Options

  • Use a Linear Gradient mask for broad transitions.
  • Use a Brush mask for precise, localized adjustments.
  • Adjust midtones independently by moving the center of the curve.

Watch out for

  • Avoid using a brush with low softness, as it creates visible, abrupt outlines around the edits.
  • Be careful not to push highlights too far to avoid bleaching out image information.

Tips

  • Use the Curves tool instead of the Exposure slider for more refined control over shadows and highlights.
  • Lower the brush strength to gradually build up the effect for a more believable look.
  • A soft brush is key to ensuring effects are added smoothly and subtly.
  • Use Ctrl+Z to quickly undo any mistakes made during the painting process.
  • Taper gradients off the side of the frame to reduce the intensity of the effect at the edges.

Highlights

“all we need to do to create more contrast is create an S shape in this curve. And that is going to give us a nice punchy amount of contrast.”

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

  1. 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 NeoAI Image/Photo Enhancer
  2. 4:102:36Blending exposures with layers and linear gradientsThe 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 NeoAI Photo Editor
  3. 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 NeoAI Image/Photo Enhancer
  4. 9:203:21Sculpting light and contrast using Curves and Brush masksCurrentA 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 NeoAI Photo Editor
  5. 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 NeoAI Relighting
  6. 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 NeoAI Photo Filter
  7. 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 NeoAI Image/Photo Enhancer
  8. 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 NeoAI Photo Editor
  9. Watch “My Secret Layer Workflow for NATURAL, Powerful Landscape Edits in Luminar Neo” →

AI Photo Editor

  1. 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
  2. 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. 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. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 4:102:36Blending exposures with layers and linear gradientsThe 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
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