99% of Lightroom Photographers Improve with this One Change

🌟Use this link to get $25 off your PPA membership today!

🌟Get My FREE 30 Minute Lightroom Essentials Course🌟

In this week’s episode, we discuss a Lightroom tip that will help 99% of photographers improve. Have you ever heard of something called the "10,000 Hour Rule"? It basically states that the way to achieve true expertise in any skill, you must put in at least 10,000 hours of practice. And my hope is that by the time you finish this video, I will have moved you much closer to that magic ten grand figure of true expertise. So, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome with photography is that it's a two dimensional medium meant to be a graphical representation of the three dimensional world we live in. There are a few different ways we can solve for this, and the method I cover in this video is by far the approach that I've found works best! I hope you enjoy this week's video and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.

🌟2023 & 2024 WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

*RECOMMENDED GEAR PAGE*

📸 MY CAMERAS & LENSES

🧰 MY FILTERS & ACCESSORIES

📺 WATCH THESE PLAYLISTS NEXT

As an affiliate marketer & Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I earn a small commission on the above links if you decide to purchase the item at no additional charge to you.

#landscapephotography​​ #lightroom

**LETS CONNECT**

[MarkDenneyPhoto]

💥QUICK QUESTION: What's your most used filter? Radial Filter, Linear Gradient or Adjustment Brush?

[Petsclubforu]

Mark Denney
I’m 45 years old and your channel made me to take my 20 years old 5d classic mark 1 out after 15 years and start a new journey.
Your work really really means a lot to me and of course to the others.
Thanks again

[zoltanshrimp]

I am relatively a beginner, and can say honestly that this is the best photography channels on YouTube. I learn more from ONE of your videos than I do browsing counties others. Thank you so much!

[RileyJohnson]

This has been one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned over time. As you also talked about years ago I would have been happy with light editing in the basic panel and in the sharpening panel, but now it’s about remembering how the scene made me feel, and what elements brought those feelings out. Whether it was of wonder of light rays through trees or being by enthralled by the significance of an element like a waterfall. I recently shot a small tree growing out of rock, next to an absolutely raging waterfall. It takes you in the moment looking at what you see and recognizing what is making that specific impression on you. Ultimately this also will lead you to shoot in a certain way, and as a photographer does this, they drastically improve.

As I found the correct settings to shoot that image, I played with shutter speed to find the perfect speed to render the tree the way I wanted it, but to allow the viewer to remember that this is easily a waterfall that is strong and deadly, and this tree, has been growing and surviving being pelted by its droplets. Then you wait for the light that helps draw your eye to your subject, and then you shoot. Afterwards in the darkroom/Lightroom, because the thoughtful time was spent envisioning what you wanted shot, and how it was going to be viewed, when you go find that photo later to build that wonder through filters such as these, you know exactly how you want to accentuate the image and it becomes so simple for you to accomplish.

This whole process and idea creates such a better personal photo experience and leads to less image spam to cull later and much higher image retention. It’s part of the reason many still shoot film and it’s a bit of a nirvana. Another final effect of this is that your imagery becomes incredibly powerful to others, but is so simple for you to envision, shoot, edit, and present what you felt or envisioned and it truly becomes fun and simple even though it was a long term learning process.

I took quite a few classes in college in photography and we were required to shoot film first. We shot 35mm and worked in the dark room in "Photo 1", and then 4x5 in "Photo 2". I may not have understood at the time that this was the idea behind those classes, but I do now. It wasn't so much to teach film, but to teach the process of envisioning an image. It has taken I would say a good 5-6 years from when I was last able to attend classes to learn that lesson and I'm so happy that you are able to teach others the same thing. Thanks Mark, teaching this is what allows a hobby for some, and a profession for others, to continue and thrive.

[Miradce]

I started serious landscape and astro photography hobby a year ago. I used general hdr sliders first. I discovered linear filters 6 months later. Then I started using radial filters. Now, I am starting with brush, inverted masks, color curves. There is still more to discover but I am happy I understand how all these things work together. Thanks for your advices.

[kenstickrod]

Thanks Mark. Your use of radial filters and the manipulation of light has brought my LR editing to a whole new level. Now depth and Light along with radial gradients and yes some brushing are a major step in my landscape photos.

[nicewinerytrainingsessions]

Thank you Mark for this excellent tutorial. I am a retired senior and photography is my passion. Although I have taken photos over the past 50+ years, I never truly studied to develop the skills necessary to produce the quality photos that you and others have. I am going to have to watch this several times to learn the skills you have demonstrated. Once again, thank you for sharing your expertise.

[willypaul]

Again, great job Mark. The way I summarize this video for myself, is first balance the overall exposure, then sculpt the image to provide the “Eye Walk”, then bring up the tones and colors to optimize the scene. Thanks so much for the helpful insights!

[NotAnotherYoutubePhotographer]

I always forget to use a radial filter as a vignette so thanks for reminding me! My most used filter is probably linear gradient, but usually intersected or subtracted with another filter to shape light on certain objects in the image like the foreground log in your image. Really love your videos and have learnt a lot watching them. Great teaching style!

[ralphpayne]

Another great video. What makes this great is the way it shows, not 'what to do' so much as how to approach the changes with your own image, with a clear aim and purpose in mind. 👍🏻

[NicESpurling]

I use inverted radial gradients all the time, so I love that you covered that! I tend to use exposure adjustments only after using shadow adjustments, because I find using shadows to darken those areas looks more natural.

[darrellhornick]

You YouTube guys! You set up a camera to video yourself walking a path or whatever. Then you make the walk, then you walk back to get the camera you had set up to video the walk. Then you walk back to where you were before going back for the camera. 🤔 You walk forever. You should do a video on the whole process.

[keithgarrett]

Thank you so much. During 2019 I was on a trip around the U.S. going to National and state parks. On June 1st I was at this exact same location that that you took this image. Our images are about 90% identical. I did not post-process my image because it just didn't grab me the way that I saw it at the time. Since our images were so close I was able to start and stop your tutorial and apply what you did to your image to my image. WOW did it make a difference. I am going to upload this image to my website. It is really unusual for me to find an image that so closely matches one that I captured and be able to follow the instructions exactly. Thank you.

[bubsscoots]

I just found your channel recently this week and I have learned so much. This video defiantly has helped me understand how the radial filter can help you really take your image to a whole other level.

[dennisfrederick]

I think I've learned the most from your editing videos. You've used radial gradient filters in the past and I've been incorporating them. It's made a big impact in my images. A big thanks to you.

[richardhutson]

Mark, as always, your tutorials are truly educational, and your communication skills are excellent.

[martinbache]

Thank you Mark, another excellent Post process edit. I have been following your channel for a few years and learnt a lot of excellent composition and editing techniques. This has enabled me to get 30+ images published in several 2024 calendars around the UK.

[richardhutson]

Thank you, Mark, for another excellent lesson in creating beautiful photographs using the tools in Lightroom. Your presentation style is always engaging.

[bferori]

Hi Mark, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation for the invaluable coaching you provide. The content you generously share with the world has immensely contributed to the improvement of my photography skills. I am truly grateful to have found you and your expertise. Thank you again for being an outstanding coach.

[MDesignSolutions]

Very nice video. Logical and well done. Thanks!