4-Step BLACK & WHITE Editing with Lightroom Classic

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through a four-step process to transform a long exposure photo into a stunning black and white image using Lightroom Classic. Each step focuses on a different aspect of the editing process, ensuring a well-structured and visually appealing final product.

Chapter 1: Black and White Conversion

1. Open the Basic Panel
   • Locate and click on the Black and White button to convert your image. This is the first step in your editing process.

Chapter 2: Basic Adjustments

1. Adjust Basic Exposure

   • Lower Highlights: Drag the highlights slider down to reveal details in the sky, particularly in long exposure clouds.
   • Slightly Increase Blacks: Raise the blacks slider slightly to counter any underexposure in the foreground.
   • Reduce Shadows: Lower the shadows to enhance overall contrast in the image.
   • Adjust Contrast: Increase the contrast slider slightly for a more dynamic range.
   • Add Texture and Clarity: Increase texture for sharpness and clarity to enhance midtones.
   • Apply Dehaze: Adjust the dehaze slider for additional clarity.

2. Modify White Balance

   • Temperature: Increase the temperature slightly (around 7,300) to brighten the foreground.
   • Tint: Adjust the tint slider to influence the color balance in the sky and foreground.

Chapter 3: Masking

1. Create Sky Selection

   • Open the masking panel and create a sky selection.
   • Add a Linear Gradient: Subtract a gradient from the foreground to darken the sky without affecting the foreground.

2. Stack Multiple Masks

   • Use additional linear gradients to make specific areas of the sky darker.
   • Adjust Exposure and Blacks: For each mask, lower the exposure and blacks to enhance contrast and structure.

3. Add Glow Effect

   • Create a radial gradient for a glow effect from the right side of the image.
   • Increase Whites and Dehaze: Boost the whites for overexposure and apply negative dehaze for a subtle glow.

4. Foreground Adjustments

   • Linear Gradient for Foreground: Darken the near foreground to create a vignetting effect.
   • Target Tree with Object Mask: Brighten the tree slightly using an object mask.
   • Luminance Range Mask: Use a luminance range mask to dodge highlights in the foreground.

5. Final Adjustments

   • Create another sky selection to brighten specific areas, and adjust the whites accordingly.

Chapter 4: Adjusting Color Contrast

1. Use Black and White Menu
   • Adjust the luminance of specific colors:
     • Yellow and Green Sliders: Increase these sliders to brighten the foreground.
     • Blue Slider: Adjust to modify the sky's brightness.

Chapter 5: Sharpening

1. Sharpen Image
   • Navigate to the details tab, decrease the radius, and increase the amount of sharpening while holding the ALT key to target subjects effectively.

Chapter 6: Cleaning Up Photo

1. Remove Spots and Imperfections
   • Use the removal tool to clean sensor spots in the sky.
   • Consider using generative AI for more complex cleanup tasks, such as removing unwanted rings or distractions.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively transform a color image into a captivating black and white portrait using Lightroom Classic. Remember to focus on exposure, contrast, and masking techniques to enhance the visual appeal. If you have any questions or further insights, feel free to share them in the comments. Happy editing!