how I edit my photos with Lightroom 🥰

After countless hours in Lightroom, I've learned that achieving the perfect skin tone in a photo isn't just about blindly moving sliders; it's about understanding what each adjustment does and how it contributes to a natural, healthy look. When I approach a before and after skin tone edit, I follow a few crucial steps that go beyond just the specific numbers. First, foundational edits are key. Before diving into the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) panel, I always ensure my white balance is accurate. A slight warmth can make skin look healthier, but too much can turn it orange. Similarly, correct exposure is non-negotiable. My original edit shows 'Highlights -91' and 'Shadows +42'. These adjustments are crucial for balancing the light and dark areas on the skin. By reducing highlights, I recover detail in brighter areas that might otherwise look blown out, like a forehead or shoulder. Boosting shadows helps to reveal detail in darker areas, preventing a muddy or flat appearance, which significantly impacts how skin texture and tone are perceived. Then comes the magic of the HSL panel, where I specifically target 'Orange' and 'Red' for skin. The 'Orange Hue -60, Saturation -31, Luminance +4' that I used isn't just a random pick. This setting helps to gently shift orange tones towards yellow, effectively reducing any excessive redness that might be present in the skin. Desaturating it slightly prevents an overly vibrant or artificial look, while a slight boost in luminance adds that healthy, natural glow. For 'Red Hue +10, Saturation -36, Luminance -26', I'm often counteracting any initial redness in the skin and gently desaturating it to make it less intense. It’s a delicate balance to make skin look vibrant without being over-the-top. These adjustments are vital for achieving that desired 'before and after' improvement in skin tone quality. While red and orange are primary for skin, the other colors – 'Yellow', 'Green', 'Aqua', 'Blue', 'Purple', 'Magenta' – are essential for the background and overall environment. By desaturating 'Green' and 'Aqua' (as seen in my settings like 'Green Hue +100, Saturation -89, Luminance -1' and 'Aqua Hue +52, Saturation -26, Luminance -16'), I ensure they don't distract from the subject, allowing the skin tones to stand out naturally. This creates a more harmonious and focused image, making the before and after even more impactful. One common mistake I've learned to avoid is over-editing. You want skin to look natural, not plastic or overly smooth. Resist the urge to completely desaturate or over-smooth the texture. Sometimes, adding a touch of 'Grain' – like my 'Grain 14, Size 25, Roughness 50' setting – can actually make skin look more organic and less digitally processed, especially after some initial smoothing. It helps to reintroduce a natural film-like texture. Finally, for more refined skin editing, don't forget Lightroom's local adjustment tools. The Adjustment Brush or Radial Filter can be fantastic for targeting specific areas. For example, you can use a brush to gently brighten under-eye circles or reduce local redness without affecting the entire skin tone of the person. This level of control can truly elevate your 'before and after' results, giving you professional-looking edits. Remember, every photo is different, and these settings are a starting point for your creative journey!