Applying filters in Lightroom. How to Install a Preset in Lightroom

In this article, I will not tell you which buttons to click to enable a filter in Lightroom or create an auto-collection. Instead, I'll talk about the most interesting things: the fields you can search through and the secrets that few people know about.

There are two ways to filter photos based on criteria in Lightroom: the filter panel and auto-collections.

The fundamental difference between them is that the filter acts locally, that is, it selects photos within current folder, collections or even auto-collections, and auto-collection selects photos from the entire catalog.

Filter settings and their status (on and off) are saved in Lightroom for each view, so be careful and don't be surprised when you come back to a folder and you don't see all the photos because you just forgot to turn the filter off.

Filter settings can be saved into a preset, but more on that in another series of articles about presets.

Using an auto-collection, you can set a condition for a larger number of fields and with more complex rules than using a filter; otherwise, the operation of the auto-collection is similar to the filter in the “All photographs” display.

Properties that can be used to filter

Let's look at the most interesting fields by which you can filter photos (some of them are only available in auto collections).

Filter panel

Let's start with the filter panel. Everyone knows that it appears above photos in grid mode when the filter is turned on. But not everyone knows that even with the filter turned on, this panel can be hidden!

Chip! To hide the filter panel, press \ on your keyboard. But be careful, if you also hide the photo strip at the very bottom, then you will no longer have a single indicator that the filter is working!

The filter panel consists of three parts: a text search area, an attribute search area, and a metadata search area. If the first two are fixed in content, then the last one can be changed and everyone knows about it.

Chip! In the metadata filtering area, you can not only change which field a column is filtered by, but also add and remove columns!

Auto collections

I left the best part for the end. To be honest, I recently learned about this opportunity myself.

Imagine that you need to create a selection of photos that have not been uploaded to the Internet, but they either have a 3 star rating or a red color tag. The example is quite real, I have such a collection.

Since in one auto-collection you can specify that either all conditions are met simultaneously, or any of all, then before (I don’t even know until which version), I had to create two auto-collections, one with the condition for stars and “load” , another for marks and “load”. Both collections were put together in one set, and it was the set that reflected the desired result.

But this is inconvenient, the set does not show the number of photos inside. It turns out Adobe heard our prayers and added the ability to create conditions like the one in the picture below.

The Lightroom program includes two filters in its functionality - gradient and radial, which will be useful for changing the distribution of tone, light, shadows across image fragments. Let's look at an example of using filters in Lightroom.

Gradient filter in Lightroom

Our source code looks like this original appearance(saved in jpeg format for clarity, we will work with an image in raw format).

On the toolbar, as shown by the arrow, select “Gradient Filter” or by pressing the M key.

We will have guides that can be stretched, rotated, etc. with the mouse (instead of the cursor there will be a pen).

The upper left corner, as shown by the arrow, will be subject to correction. On the right, the green outline shows the parameters that have changed. In particular: they made the temperature more greenish; we shifted the exposure, which added brightness to the image; eliminated the lights.

When increasing the “Light” parameter, the following happens:

If you reduce the Exposure parameter as much as possible, you get the following:

When you increase the “Shadows” parameter and other parameters, as indicated in the figure, the image takes on the following appearance:

When the hue changes, the tonality of the image fragment changes. Why a fragment and not the whole image? Because we are working in the “Gradient Filter” mode.

We apply the changes made in the filter by clicking on the “Done” button under the work area.

Radial filter in Lightroom

We resort to the “Radial filter”. We set some changes in the area highlighted with a green stroke.

Click “Finish” again. If you don’t like any changes, you can cancel each action taken in the “Edit” - “Undo” tab.

Apply the “Gradient Filter” again and complement the changes with a small correction of tonality, highlights, and shadows.

Apply the filter by clicking “Finish”.

Let's use the Adjustment Brush tool.

Using the left mouse button, we place a mark on the image that will assign changes to a specific area of ​​the image. We increase the “Exposure”, which will give a brightness effect and thanks to the brush it will be applied in the selected place.

We perform these manipulations with other flowers.

Using the parameters in the “Camera Calibration” section, you can adjust the individual image tone, in in this case it was green.

To give clarity and sharpness to the image, you need to use the “Clarity” parameter.

You can add sharpness, while eliminating noise or, on the contrary, enhancing it, if the task requires it. You can make the details of the image more expressive.

After processing, the image began to look like this:

P.S. for those who want to try processing in Lightroom program attached image

Using Gradient Filters in Lightroom

Gradient filters are very simple and convenient and together
with that very powerful and multifunctional tool for working with RAW images of digital photographs. In this publication, we will introduce readers to two types of gradient filters that are available to users of the Adobe package Photoshop Lightroom 5.x, and also demonstrate their capabilities using specific examples.

Introduction

First, we need to explain what gradient filters are and what they are needed for. Long before the advent of digital cameras, photographers used optical gradient filters. This device is a glass plate with two areas. One of them is transparent, and therefore allows passing light to pass through unhindered. The other part is darkened - that is, it blocks part of what passes through it. luminous flux(Fig. 1). The transition from one area to another is made smooth - that is why such a filter is called a gradient filter.

Using a similar filter installed in front of the lens, you can darken the brightest part of the image and thereby reduce the dynamic range of the photographed scene (Fig. 2). The mounting design of gradient filters allows you to move the glass plate in the vertical direction (and in some cases, rotate it), which makes it possible to change the position of the gradient transition in the frame (Fig. 3).

Most often, gradient filters are used in the process of photographing and video shooting landscapes to ensure equally careful elaboration of details both in the lightest part of the frame (the sky) and in the darkest (trees, earth, rocks, etc.). This allows you to get high quality image even in cases where the actual dynamic range of the photographed scene exceeds the sensitivity range of photographic film (in the case of analogue technology) or the sensor of a digital camera.

With the transition to digital technologies In order to obtain and process images, photographers have the opportunity in many cases to abandon the use of rather cumbersome optical gradient filters. Having the RAW image of a digital photograph, the impact of this optical device not difficult
simulate already in the process of photo processing.

Concerning Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, which will be discussed later, the gradient filter was first implemented in the second version of this package, released in July 2008. As subsequent versions were released, the capabilities of this tool gradually expanded. And finally, in the fifth Lightroom versions appeared completely new tool— radial gradient filter.

Gradient filters are available in the image processing module (Develop). You can switch to it by clicking on the corresponding pop-up panel label at the top of the window or by pressing the D key. To select desired image use the photo feed located below.

Linear Gradient Filter

To avoid possible confusion, in what follows we will call a conventional gradient filter a linear filter. This will allow the reader to clearly understand which instrument we are talking about.

To select the linear gradient filter tool, click on the corresponding icon on the toolbar (Fig. 4) or press the key with Latin letter M. As a result, the cursor will take the form of a crosshair, and the filter settings panel will be displayed on the right side of the window under the toolbar (Fig. 5).

To create new filter, place the cursor on any part of the image being edited, click left button mouse and, without releasing it, move the manipulator a certain distance. If it is necessary to influence top part frame, move the mouse from top to bottom; To process the left side of the image, move the manipulator from left to right, etc. As you move the mouse, three parallel lines, indicating the boundaries and middle of the gradient transition (Fig. 6). By moving the mouse, you can change its width and tilt angle. To complete the process, release the left mouse button.

So, a new filter has been created. Now you can change various parameters of the selected part of the image by moving the corresponding sliders or changing numeric values in the filter settings panel. In particular, it is possible to control coarse and fine tuning color temperature; correction of exposure, highlights and shadows; changes in contrast, clarity and color saturation. The bottom section of the panel has sliders for adjusting sharpness, moire suppression level, digital noise and interference artifacts.

By default, the gradient filter is neutral gray. However, if necessary, it can be turned into some kind of analogue of an optical filter. To select the desired color, click on the box opposite the Color inscription, and then select the desired color using the eyedropper (Fig. 7).

A set of current filter settings can be saved as a user preset. To do this, click on the name located at the top of the filter settings panel to the right of the Effect: inscription. A pop-up list of presets will open (Fig. 8). Click on the item Save Current Settings as New Preset…(Save current settings like a new preset). A dialog box will appear on the screen New Preset(Fig. 9). Enter the name of the newly created preset in it and click on the button Create(Create). To apply the saved settings to a filter created in another image, just open the list of presets and click on the desired name (Fig. 10). This allows you to save time when using the same type of settings during processing large quantity images.

By clicking on the switch icon in the lower left corner of the settings panel (Fig. 11), you can quickly enable or disable the effect of the created filters, which allows you to evaluate the difference between the original and processed image.

Pressing a button Reset at the bottom of the panel (Fig. 12) allows you to remove all filters of this type, created in the edited image.

Editing previously created filters is carried out using the same tool. When enabled, markers of all previously created filters of this type will be displayed on top of the image. If you hover your cursor over one of these markers, its appearance will change from a crosshair to an image of a palm. The filter editing mode is activated by clicking on its marker. In this case, lines indicating the boundary of the gradient transition will be displayed in the editing window, and parameters will be displayed in the settings panel of this filter. To delete the selected filter, press the Del key.

Practical examples

Let's look at several examples of using a linear gradient filter to process RAW images of photographs. Like its optical counterpart, this tool is great for equalizing the tonal balance of frames that capture scenes with significant differences in brightness, such as landscapes. Choosing the optimal exposure for these types of scenes is a not an easy task. On the one hand, it is necessary to preserve maximum detail in the highlights in order to convey the natural color of the sky and work out the texture of the clouds. But, on the other hand, it is no less important to preserve details in the shadows - trees, grass, etc.

In Fig. 13 A The picture shown was taken on a fine autumn day. Since the sky occupies a smaller part of the image, when determining the exposure value, the camera’s automation had priority over the darker part of the image (trees, shoreline and surface of the reservoir). As a result, the sky in the photo turned out to be quite pale, and light clouds were barely noticeable.

To make the sky more expressive without sacrificing other objects, let's adjust the exposure of the top part of the frame by applying a neutral gray gradient filter to it (Fig. 14). In the example shown, the filter settings are set to exposure compensation of -1.5 EV. This simple technique allowed us to achieve the desired result: to get the sky rich color with well-developed clouds, without changing the contrast and saturation of objects in the lower part of the image (Fig. 13 b).

Sometimes a more complex correction using two or even more gradient filters. One of such cases is shown in Fig. 15. Original image (Fig. 15 A) has two drawbacks: a featureless sky and overexposed areas in the foreground, which led to a significant loss of detail in the highlights. As in the previous example, a neutral gray gradient filter was applied to the top of the image with an exposure compensation of -0.7 EV (Figure 16).

To develop the shape and texture of the parapet balusters in the foreground, a second gradient filter was used - this time affecting the lower part of the image (Fig. 17). Two parameters were changed in its settings: exposure value (-1 EV) and highlight correction (Highlights; -75). The result is shown in Fig. 15 b.

Let's look at another example. In Fig. 18 A shown original version picture. As in the previous landscapes, the sky looks overly whitened. In addition, due to the lighting conditions (the sun at the time of shooting was already quite low above the horizon), the road surface in the foreground looks colder than the rest of the landscape.

To better detail the sky, the exposure value of the upper part of the image was adjusted using a neutral gray gradient filter (Fig. 19). To give the image a sunnier appearance, another filter was used to correct the color temperature of the lower part of the image (Figure 20). Please note that in this case the gradient transition was made quite narrow. The described manipulations made it possible to literally transform a rather dull photograph (the result is in Fig. 18 b).

Radial Gradient Filter

As already mentioned in the introductory part of the article, users of the fifth version of the Lightroom package have a new tool at their disposal - the radial gradient filter. It allows processing of a local area of ​​the image limited by a circular or elliptical mask with a clear or blurry edge. Activated this tool by clicking on the corresponding icon on the toolbar (Fig. 21) or by pressing the key combination Shift-M.

At first glance, the radial gradient filter settings control panel looks almost the same as in the case of working with a linear gradient filter (Fig. 22). However, upon closer inspection, it is not difficult to discover important differences regarding the way the boundaries of the selected area are controlled. In the case of a linear gradient filter, the width of the gradient transition is changed by moving the lines indicating its boundaries. When working with a radial gradient filter, to change the width of the gradient transition, use the Feather slider located at the bottom of the filter settings panel (Fig. 23). The range of values ​​for this parameter is from 0 to 100.

By default, the Radial Gradient Filter settings affect the peripheral area of ​​the image, which is outside the circle (or oval). However, in some cases it becomes necessary to act on the area contained inside. To do this, just activate the option Invert Mask, the selection flag of which is also located at the bottom of the filter settings panel (Fig. 24).

Section with adjustment sliders various parameters image processing is identical to that presented in the linear gradient filter control panel.

Just like when working with a linear gradient filter, it is possible to save and select presets, as well as edit, disable and delete previously created filters.

Practical examples

Like the Linear Gradient Filter described above, the Radial Gradient Filter can be used to even out the tonal balance of photos with overexposed or underexposed areas. In Fig. 25 A The original version of the city landscape, shot at sunset in backlight, is presented. Since the camera's automation calculated the exposure value with priority to the central part of the frame, the peripheral areas of the frame turned out to be underexposed (or, in common parlance, too dark). To correct this shortcoming, a radial gradient filter was used (Fig. 26). To equalize the tonal balance in this case, it was necessary to adjust the exposure value of the peripheral area by +2 EV. To make the border of the selected area not very noticeable, we had to make the gradient transition quite wide (the Feather parameter value is 71). The result is shown in Fig. 25 b.

In addition, using a radial gradient filter, you can focus attention on any object (or part of it). Let us demonstrate this technique using the example of the image shown in Fig. 27. To take the original image (Fig. 27 A) more expressive, a radial gradient filter was applied to it (Fig. 28), simulating the vignetting effect. To achieve this, the exposure value of the peripheral area of ​​the image was adjusted to -1.54 EV. The result is shown in Fig. 27 b.

Let's look at another example. To focus the viewer's attention on the armful of leaves located in the center of the picture, go to the original image (Fig. 29 A) a radial gradient filter was applied. To achieve the desired result in this case, it was necessary to correct three parameters at once (Fig. 30). In particular, the exposure value (-0.67 EV), clarity (-56), saturation (-30) and sharpness (-80) of the peripheral region of the frame were reduced. The result of the influence of the described filter on the original image is shown in Fig. 29 b.

Conclusion

So, we looked at the capabilities of gradient filters in Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.x, as well as practical examples their use for correction and artistic processing of photographs. Of course, these tools significantly expand the photographer’s capabilities at the photo editing stage. In particular, the user can simulate the effects of optical gradient filters (both ND and color) by adjusting the density and width of the gradient transition with high precision.

Of course, you must remember that the “freedom of maneuver” when working with gradient filters in Lightroom is limited by the bit depth of the RAW image of the edited image. For images saved at 12 bits per pixel, it is possible to adjust the exposure value within
±2 EV without loss of detail. Accordingly, when operating with a 14-bit RAW image, you can count on full correction in the range of ±3 EV.

In conclusion, we note once again that gradient filters allow not only solving purely technical problems(such as equalizing tonal balance or narrowing dynamic range pictures), but also open ample opportunities to obtain various artistic effects that can make your photos bright and memorable. Go for it!

Releasing Lightroom 5, Adobe included very useful tool called Radial Filter. However, its name did not really indicate what this tool can do, so there are still many users who have not discovered how useful and powerful it is. Further improvements made to Lightroom 6, make it possible to subsequently edit the effect using the Brush tool.

The working process

Common image editing practice is to make general edits first. These are the ones that affect the entire image. Some examples of such settings are:

• Exposition
• White balance
• Contrast
• White and black dots
• Sharpness
• Definition
• Shadows and Lights

After the general settings are made, you can move on to local ones. These changes only apply to a small part of the image. They can be made to add some shine to the image or to eliminate shortcomings. These changes should be subtle and layered very delicately. They don't have to be obvious, but when you're done and compare the before and after images, the improvement should be noticeable.

What is the Radial Filter used for in Lightroom?

The Radial Filter can be used to add highlights to certain areas or sharpen the main subject, brighten or darken areas, or add custom vignetting. Lots of little touches to take the final image to the next level.

As an example, I'll take an image of two tiger cubs taken at Melbourne Zoo in 2010. Their enclosure was very dark and shadowed, so the original RAW file very dark. The image was edited in Lightroom 6 and all necessary general adjustments were applied. Now it's ready for some local edits using Radial filter.

Where to find a Radial Filter and how to use it

The Radial filter is located in the right panel of the Corrections module. Below the histogram there are six icons that indicate different instruments. The fifth circle with a dot in the center is the Radial filter.

When you click on the button for the Radial Filter (you can also use the keyboard shortcut Shift+M), a panel will open with all the options available for this tool.

Addition And setting filter

If you click and drag slightly to the side, an ellipse shape will appear with a central button and four control points. Release the mouse when the form becomes the right size. The radial filter only offers a round ellipse shape, but it has enough flexibility as you can change the size and, by pulling down, turn the circle into a narrow oval.

By clicking and dragging the center button, you can move the filter to the part of the image you want to edit. Use control points to change the size and shape of the ellipse.

What area does it affect?

By default, Lightroom sets the editing area OUTSIDE the ellipse. If you want to edit INSIDE the ellipse, check the Invert Mask box in the panel.

If you check the Show selected mask overlay checkbox, the color red will appear. This is very useful so you can see where Lightroom will apply the effect and how strong it will be.

Note: If you don't see a colored overlay like the red one shown here, press O on your keyboard for "overlay." By holding shift and pressing O, you can change its color.

Note: Always press Close and Done (or Shift+M on your keyboard) once you are done editing a particular button to clearly see the edited image.

Using the Radial Filter to Edit an Image

In the example image, the goal is to draw attention to the cubs by working in the ready and paw areas (they are not 100% sharp due to low light and movement during the fight).

Adding an off-center vignette around the edges

First we add vignetting to darken the distracting elements at the edges of the frame and bring the focus to the cubs.

Since they are not in the very center of the image, the regular vignette tool will not work. The Radial Filter is useful here because you can add vignetting with the focus on an off-center subject and not be limited to the middle of the frame.

For a vignette, Mask Inversion should not be checked since the effect is applied outside the ellipse.

Add a Radial Filter and make the shape large enough - if necessary, you can make the ellipse larger than the image itself. Invert the mask and lower the exposure until the edges are dark enough.

Feathering filter

Lightroom has set the default feather value to 50, which is quite high, too high for of this image, so let's reduce the value. Be careful not to go too far and make the border visible.

There is still a bright patch of foliage on the right side of the image. So we add another long Radial filter and lower the exposure a little.

No set value for this tool, you need to try and find what works. Good news The point is that this editing is non-destructive (the image has not been permanently changed), so you can delete it and start over, or change the settings of one or all filters as many times as necessary.

Adjusting the hue of a selected area

To the left there is a bright patch of foliage that sticks out from behind a tree trunk. We create a new Radial filter of a size suitable for this area and give it a shape using control points.

Invert the mask and lower the exposure a little. This time, click and drag the bottom control point to the right until the ellipse tilts slightly to the left and is better aligned with the line of the barrel.

Addition focusing on an object

Now it's time to add some brightness and focus to the cubs. Add a new Radial Filter that covers the area of ​​the illuminated side of the head and paws, and increase the exposure a little. Here sunlight falls naturally, so it needs to be lightened. Be careful to only add the effect to the light areas of the image, as it will look a little weird if the dark area is unnaturally bright.

Now is the time to say that you may have to make a LOT of small area adjustments different shapes. It's tedious and time-consuming work, but you'll get better results if you take the time to edit this way.

The next step is to add definition to the side of the face and paw where the light hits. Create a new Radial filter with the size, shape and slope appropriate for the area and invert the mask. Add a little definition, and since this image isn't sharp enough, a little more sharpening. Be careful with these tools as it is very easy to overdo this effect.

The vignetting has darkened the area in the center, so let's add some brightness. Create a Radial Filter to cover the area around the cubs and increase the exposure a little. We also increase the clarity and saturation in very small amounts.

Comparison before and after

Let's stop here and compare the BEFORE image only with general settings and AFTER with several specific applications of the Radial Filter.

First we have finished image with all points of adding the Radial filter.

Then we have the BEFORE image.

Finally, the AFTER image with both general and local settings, made using the Radial filter.

Conclusion

As you can see, careful application of the Radial Filter can make many subtle changes to an image and bring the focus to the subject. It can also be used to further highlight an object and give it definition.

The radial filter is a universal tool that is very easy to get used to. The limited form creates some difficulties during training, how to apply it in work for best result but he gives high level control and influence.