Stephen Walton Photography Workshops

There is an abundance of tools, menus, sliders and buttons in Lightroom – it might feel a little overwhelming. I think Lightroom is a great starting point for new photographers learning to edit, but it needs to be done gradually, focusing on what you ONLY need to know first.

So let’s kick off with explanations for 10 popular tools, features, actions, and shortcuts in Adobe Lightroom Classic, detailing what each item does, and when to use it:

1. Auto Tone

Auto Tone automatically adjusts exposure, contrast, and colour balance to enhance your photo’s overall look.  

Simply click “Auto” in the Basic panel, and Lightroom will make adjustments. Use it as a starting point for quick edits, especially when you have many photos to process. Avoid if you prefer manual control over exposure and tone adjustments. 

2. Graduated Filter

The Graduated Filter creates a smooth transition between adjustments, useful for enhancing skies or balancing exposure. Drag the filter over the area you want to adjust. Adjustments apply gradually from one end to the other. Use when you want to enhance skies, balance exposure in landscapes, or create a gradual effect.

I would say to avoid when the transition may look unnatural or if your subject is close to the horizon line.                                                                                                                                               

3. Presets

Presets are pre-saved sets of adjustments that you can apply to your photos with one click.     Simply select a preset, and it will apply a set of adjustments to your photo. Use to achieve a consistent look across multiple photos or for quick editing. Avoid if you prefer a more personalised and manual approach to editing.                                                  

4. Histogram

The Histogram visually represents the distribution of tones in your photo, helping you analyse exposure. It displays shadows on the left, highlights on the right, and midtones in the middle. Adjustments are reflected in real-time on the histogram.

Use it to ensure a balanced exposure by avoiding clipping in shadows or highlights. Not essential for basic edits, but useful for fine-tuning exposure, especially in challenging lighting conditions.                                                                                                                         

5. White Balance Selector

The White Balance Selector lets you neutralize colour casts by clicking on a neutral area in your photo.

Select the White Balance Selector, then click on a part of the photo that should be neutral grey. Lightroom adjusts the colour temperature accordingly. Use when the colour temperature in your photo appears off or when you want to achieve a specific mood. 

Avoid when your photo has mixed lighting conditions, as the tool may struggle to find a true neutral point.

6. Radial Filter

The Radial Filter allows you to create an elliptical-shaped mask for targeted adjustments or vignettes. Drag the filter over the area you want to adjust. Adjustments apply inside or outside the ellipse.

I’d say to use it when you want to draw attention to a specific area or create a vignette effect. Avoid when the effect may look unnatural or if you prefer a more even-toned edit.                                                                                                                                                           

7. Before/After View

Before/After View lets you compare your current edit to the original photo or a previous state.    Press “Y” to toggle between before and after views. Use it to assess the impact of your edits and ensure you’re moving in the right direction.

I would skip it though during initial edits but helpful when fine-tuning or evaluating changes made during editing.                                                                                                                              

8. Clipping Indicators

Clipping Indicators show overexposed (highlight) or underexposed (shadow) areas in your photo. 

Press “J” to toggle clipping indicators. Use to identify areas where details are lost due to overexposure or underexposure. It’s not essential for every edit, but useful when dealing with high-contrast scenes or when shooting in challenging lighting conditions.      

                                                                                            

9. Virtual Copy

A Virtual Copy is a duplicate of your original photo that allows you to experiment with different edits without affecting the original. Right-click on a photo and select “Create Virtual Copy.” Use it when you want to explore various editing possibilities without losing the original.

I don’t think it’s necessary to use virtual copies for straightforward edits or when you’re satisfied with your initial adjustments.                                                                                                                                          

10. Survey View

Survey View lets you compare multiple images side by side to help you choose the best one.     Press “N” to enter Survey View, then select the images you want to compare. Use when you have similar shots and need to select the best one quickly. 

I wouldn’t say it’s essential for every editing session, but beneficial when you need to compare multiple images for selection or culling.