demobook

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

Luminar NeoTry it →Watch full video →Anthony TurnhamAnthony 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. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
  9. 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
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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.Anthony Turnham
demobook

Show, don’t tell.

Categories

LaunchesEmail MarketingImage Generation & EditingMusic & AudioSales TechVideo & Animation

Trends

AI Fruit Video

About

SubmitAboutPrivacyTermsContact

© demobook.co