Edit in Lightroom Like Kyler Steele | 5 Tips

Introduction

In this tutorial, you'll learn how to edit photos in Lightroom like travel photographer Kyler Steele, known for his vintage, film-like aesthetic. We'll cover five essential tips that will help you enhance your photography and achieve a unique editing style. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, these steps will provide practical guidance for your editing process.

Step 1: Follow Composition Guidelines

• Start with a well-composed photograph.
• Utilize the rule of thirds to create balance in your images.
• Consider leading lines and framing to draw the viewer's eye.

Step 2: Adjust White Balance

• Begin by setting the correct white balance to ensure natural colors.
• Use the eyedropper tool to click on a neutral area in your photo.
• Fine-tune the temperature and tint sliders to match the desired mood.
• Remember, cooler temperatures can evoke a calming feel, while warmer tones create a more inviting atmosphere.

Step 3: Utilize the Tone Curve

• Open the Tone Curve panel in Lightroom.
• Use the curve to adjust highlights, lights, darks, and shadows individually.
• Create an S-curve to enhance contrast, which gives your images more depth.
• Experiment with the curve shape to see how it affects the overall exposure and mood of your photo.

Step 4: Refine Saturation with the Saturation Slider

• Navigate to the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) panel.
• Adjust the saturation slider to enhance or reduce color intensity selectively.
• Be cautious not to over-saturate your images; aim for a natural look that still pops.
• Use the vibrance slider as an alternative to enhance muted colors without affecting already saturated tones.

Step 5: Use Selection Mask

• Leverage the selection mask tool to make precise adjustments to specific areas of your image.
• Use the brush tool to paint over areas that need correction or enhancement.
• Adjust settings for exposure, contrast, and color specifically in the masked areas.
• This technique allows for detailed retouching and ensures that your edits are targeted.

Conclusion

By following these five editing tips from Kyler Steele, you can elevate your photography and achieve a vintage, film-like style in Lightroom. Start with solid composition, adjust your white balance, and utilize the tone curve for contrast. Refine your saturation and take advantage of selection masks for precision editing. Try these techniques on your next photo project to see how they transform your images!