Exposing Lightroom's Mystery Tool You Never Knew Existed!

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In this week’s episode, we expose Lightroom's mystery tool you never knew existed. When it comes to photo editing, there is no shortage of tools, features, bells & whistles at our disposal, which could be a good and bad thing. There's something called the paradox of choice which basically means that more options is not always the best solution, and this couldn't be more relevant when it comes to editing our landscape photos in Lightroom. With all the many tools available, it's easy to overlook some and in this video I'll uncover the mystery surrounding one of these tools that's extremely powerful and hiding in plain sight! I hope you enjoy this week's video and as always thanks so much for watching! - Mark D.
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[@Rumplestiltskin7]

Tip: If you press the "Alt" key and move around the tone curve it reduces the sensitivity of the cursor, so you are able to make small changes easier

[@nancyclarke6624]

Love the idea of all colours being proportionately increased, rather than just the dominant hue!! Lends to a much more natural image in my opinion. Thanks Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Totally agree with you Nancy!

[@DaveBerthiaume]

Good stuff, Mark. The only downside to me is that they're global adjustments. I wish you could constrain them within a mask. I usually jump over to Photoshop and use the TK panel to make these type of adjustments in very targeted areas of the image.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Dave!

[@Snickers_GLNY]

100%

[@bertjenkins4803]

Lightroom now has Curves within masks (as of April 2023). Our prayers have been answered!

[@kenbair6001]

As an aside, if you grind up a leaf and extract with alcohol, simple chromatography (a process that can separate mixtures of unique pigments) you can see yellow, orange and green components). The tool you show essentially electronically responds to the individual components in the leaf. Cool!

[@robertsmith5745]

Excellent presentation. I avoided using the tone curve because I didn’t understand it. Now after your presentation I see how it can really benefit my editing. Thanks

[@brandonmjohnsonphotography]

Fantastic is always Mark! I knew about the HSL/Color one, but I had no idea you could do it in the tone curve as well. That's very interesting! Thank you for another great video!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Always great to hear you were able to get something helpful out of it!

[@danlundgren262]

Thanks for the insight on this subtle tool that I have never paid any attention to. Your alter-ego character was also helpful.

[@Sundara229]

If you use a regular mouse, you can point somewhere on the image and simply use the scroll wheel to adjust the tone cruve.

[@tjsinva]

Adventures in Lightroom, the saga continues. Mind blown......again. .👍🧠

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahaha! Awesome comment!

[@bridiemacdonald9436]

This is great - I've been using Lightroom for years and did not know about this.

[@motorradmike]

Excellent demonstration of a unknown tool to most LR tool. Thank you!

[@rickyoumans3777]

Thanks Mark! Another more great tips to make me produce better pics. I can't wait to use this one.

[@amundson1942]

thanks for the great video! Am I missing something? My HLS/Color tool doesn't contain the small tool. It has small circles of color across the top. I'm using LRClassic 12.2 on my MAC.

[@janicelind7]

I don't have it either in the HSL/Color tool panel. Kind of bummed. I wanted to try it.

[@jerrykita8767]

I will definitely use this. I wasn't aware of this at all!

[@terry.iverson]

14 years shooting Real Estate using LR and never knew about this. Starting using it today and oh my, what a valuable tool. Thank you so much for sharing this. Subscribed!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Terry!

[@DaveKingMusic]

You can use the hue adjustment to change a summer photo into a fall photo.

[@stephenschmid492]

That was very helpful, thanks Mark. It's a shame that the tone curve and the color adjustments are not available when you make a mask. I don't know why they don't make all the tools available when working with a mask

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yes that would be nice

[@scomart]

Nah, been using these for years!

[@RobertLitschauer]

Thank you for this tipps!

[@alanbrunelle1546]

Regarding choice - from DEVO's "Freedom of Choice" In ancient Rome There was a poem About a dog Who found two bones He picked at one He licked the other He went in circles He dropped dead

[@ddmarty]

Please help. All of a sudden, when I use masks in LRc, when I select "Subject" and edit just the subject, LRc adjusts the background. I have to actually click the "Invert" box to make it edit the subject. This just started happening. Normally, when I select "Subject" in the mask took, my subject is highlighted with the color overlay (black) and when I make edits, it edits the subject. Now, all of a sudden, it edits the background instead. I did everything you showed when working with masks, and it worked fine. But today it started acting up like this.

[@AlexSmithAdventures]

Wow this is amazing. I’m red/green color blind, so going in an messing with color band specific values has basically been a no-go zone for me. Having a tool that guides me to the right color band is literally the only way I could even begin to attempt this.

[@EmilWall]

Same here, and it sure makes things a little harder. I try to be brave and get feedback from friends when I'm unsure. Of course sometimes I decide to err on the side of caution.

[@ompratihary2844]

This was really helpful sir.

[@jensbondarenko9195]

If someone use a high end RAW developer and doesn‘t know anything about curves, well… have hammer, find nails. Therefore clickbait title and very sad 😢

[@marciastraublund5213]

thanks! everytime I watch you , I learn something new. I feel my images took a step up using the Mist Filter, and in other the Calibration blue adjustment. Now this. Thanks!

[@EdBacon]

We were staying on Sakrisoy in the yellow cottages. I have a similar shot from February 10 at 1:30, but with more snow. I would guess your shot is from 2/14?

[@reidnorthrup2688]

Good informative video. Thanks. I did know about the HSL technique and use it frequently but the curve one was new to me. It just might motivate me to play with the curves adjustments.

[@Auhana50]

OMG what a game changer 😮❤

[@AdamMatthewsPhotography]

It's funny, I pretty much only change HSL using this tool.....but I never even thought about using it with the tone curve! Thanks for pointing out the value there!!

[@agrnbrg]

Mark, my LrC does not have HSL/Color it has Color Grading and looks totally different. Any recommendations? Alan

[@MLC48]

Thanks Mark! I love your instruction methods! Love this video; there are so many parts of lightroom that I forget about; nice to be reminded of them. :)

[@keithwcaselman]

Good stuff, I always learn something from your videos. Thank you, keep them coming!

[@mr.t5610]

I know that these tools existed, I use it quite frequently. However I do never use the tonecurve, but after this vid. I might go for a try. Thanx ever so much for a great vid. Mark.

[@vincealcazar2870]

Enjoyed the tongue in cheek towards the beginning. Yes, powerful tool(s). Thx

[@OutdoorActionPhoto]

Thanks Mark. I use Lightroom mobile on my iPad Pro. Although it translates a little bit differently, the features are still work great.

[@ScottSiegler]

Does this provide additional functionality vs using the highlights/shadows/whites/blacks in basic panel

[@JohnDrummondPhoto]

Didn't you mean "paralysis by analysis"? You were overthinking. 😉😆

[@ralphpayne6259]

What a great video! Very useful tool. Now I will definitely have to revisit and re-edit the pictures I took in Canada in the fall. 🙄😄

[@bmeclipse]

I preset some of these so much that I forget about them. Great tips, Mark. BTW, you get movements in red and yellow in Orange because they together make the orange tones.

[@philmabarak5421]

I've subscribed a while back but haven't regularly checked out your channel consistently. Going to change. Not only delivering instruction clear and concise with follow up detail that is also clear and concise, but the manner of delivery is just awesome. Feels like I have a personal coach that is encouraging progress at every step and is enthusiastic of the the tools being explored. Totally dig your approach to learning. Thanks.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Phil - really appreciate this friend!

[@JDaddyT777]

This opening 45 seconds was directed right at me.. I know it! You watching me Mark?

[@norselig1241]

Every new video , i always learn something useful .....Thanks

[@barriepotter3753]

Curiously, I’m happy to use the tone curve in PS, but tend to pass it by in Lightroom!

[@tomwd.2825]

Mh... why did you place the Black to the right and the white to the left? It would be much more logic if you have reversed the scale.

[@steinr98]

Great video!! No question about it! It would be nice if U used a larger cursor.. was hard to follow at times. Had to watch twice.

[@blandemonium]

I learned about this watching Adobe's "Lightroom Coffee Break" videos. Highly recommended for learning lots of little quick tips like this! I only knew about it for HSL though and am excited to try it with the tone curve.

[@buyaport]

I suggest you start with correct colors using a color calibration card, with the software that comes with it, and create a User Preset with it. After you have gotten the real colors of your picture at the time and in the light you shot it, comes the creative play with colors -- with tone curves you can easily even "posterize" your image, if you want to, add tints or what have you. But without a solid base you'd just stumble around, no matter what "mystery" tools you use. Of course a landscape photographer would find using these "studio tools" cumbersome, but think how many hours you spend on editing your pictures..

[@EllenJ-s8d]

Enjoyed this video. I look forward to incorporating this tool into my future editing.

[@iandisney4872]

What a pity. I use the IPad or Android version of Lightroom, so not the full system and unfortunately this option isn’t there as far as I can see.

[@skylerostler2035]

I thought this video was super helpful!!!! To be able to see the process behind the scenes and get a better idea of timing and everything and you process is awesome! I’d be fine to see il even more detail and have the video be even longer! :)

[@garryhughes3747]

Great tip on using the output field with the up and down arrows inn the S Curve module. Many thanks!

[@davidterrie7661]

Learned something new and useful as usual. Going to check it out now. Thanks.

[@eileenconragan1064]

Excellent Mark. Thank you so much I think as I’ve gotten more comfortable with editing, less is more. Maybe you could advise about Square Space - can you connect your own print on demand company or are you locked into using the ones they offer .

[@albertphillips447]

Nice job, I need to remember to play with this, and I like the tone curve explanation too!

[@denegrindal1248]

Interesting that a tool that I never noticed has such an impact. The other interesting thing is that often we adjust what we think is the correct colour, when it’s a combination of many colours

[@antonoat]

That’s a great tip and technique Mark, I had noticed previously in my own editing that yellow is a very prominent colour when at first glance we often think we are seeing green especially in trees, foliage and grass etc, so much so In fact that many times the percentage of green is much lower than it appears! 👏👍😀

[@burtjohnson3848]

I assume you realize the error of one of your first sentences...? It should be "paralysis by analysis," not the other way around... :)

[@rodneyharvey1168]

I hadn't thought of using output numbers for a choice of small increments.

[@davidjboozer]

I've learned that lesson. So, today I carry and own only 4 lenses, and one camera, and am learning to master what I have...

[@wendynewing8834]

This is wonderful. Thank you so much for your brilliant instruction.

[@davidrachlin3557]

You're an excellent instructor. I learn so much from your videos!

[@timelapsebydk]

Nice, many don't use it but I started using that some months ago from seeing some video, I haven't used for Curves but will try here after

[@skymakai]

“Analysis by paralysis”? I think you meant “Paralysis by analysis”? Very different.

[@scothowe539]

Excellent video Mark. I was familiar with that tool as it pertains to the HSL panel as I use it occasionally but I had no idea it was in the tone curve. I really need to pay closer attention. I've ignored the output box even though it's there in plain sight. I can certainly see that being a helpful tool going forward. Thanks for sharing.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Awesome to hear Scot!

[@PhilipLMcAlary]

Thanks!

[@fernandodetablan819]

Thanks Mark..it's a great help especially to a newbie like me.

[@hadouma]

Almost fell asleep during explaining why its such a great tool......

[@donhendricks3190]

Oh my. I LOVE this tutorial, Mark! However, this knowledge now means I will likely go back to many of my fav images and REWORK them for (hopefully) even MORE PLEASING results! I really enjoy learning from you buddy! With Love from Atlanta - Cheers!

[@MartinWolfenden]

Wow! Thank you Mark. A game changer. Have often found myself waggling the HSL sliders and scratching my head wondering why I’m not getting the results I was expecting.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Martin!

[@tompotter7856]

Thanks Mark - Love the info here. It's a game-changer for me!

[@bulgiriri]

I don’t have it on the app on the iPad but it’s ok I still learned something new.

[@dougedwards7570]

great tips --- even better if you understand a colour wheel - :) loved it

[@todortodorov4642]

Amazing discovery 💡🤩🤩🤩 thank you

[@NZTriggspix]

Wow - this is a game-changer :) thank you for posting this

[@matthewcastillodelmuro1021]

Which version of lightroom is this? Mine looks nothing like this...

[@JDaddyT777]

Could you not remove that pier with LR or PS tools?

[@dychui]

I loved the Mark correcting the embedded Mark 😂 next video I demand a Mark correcting the embedded Mark who is correcting a more deeply embedded Mark. Wonderful video always helpful and appreciated !

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

:)

[@danielrepia1960]

Hi Mark I cant find this tool in my colour section any tips to how to find it

[@keoni37]

Great info Mark! I'm an ACR user and just checked and that same tool is available in the ACR Curve and HSL panels. Thank you Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks John!

[@patcosgrave1546]

You have given me the confidence to use this tool in a targeted way .Much appreciated

[@Keith-n7b]

Great video as always Mark. I'd seen the selector tool in HSL but I hadn't noticed it in the tone curve. Thanks for revealing it

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@MarleneZollnerManly]

I love this! You just levelled me up! Thanx

[@tonyreedphotography5532]

Awesome vid Mark. I’ve used this for HSL for a while but didn’t know it was available on the Tone Curve. Also, great image of Sakrisoy, shot a few images there but not this composition! Will have to go back now .. ah well. BTW we said hi to each other on the bridge at Hamnoy ! But I guess you get that a lot. Keep up the great work !

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

hey Tony!!

[@PDSeverus]

Excellent analysis .Unfortunately, the phrase is either "analysis paralysis" or "Paralysis by analysis" not analysis by paralysis. This slip of the tongue messed up all my Lightroom adjustments 😂

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Hahahah - I bet:)

[@michaelt7320]

A great explanation of the tone curve adjustment which is a new feature to me. Thanks for another great video, Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank ya Michael!

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

The photo is not fully edited, but is your monitor background...somebody loves this photo and I cannot blame them!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks James!

[@rowind151]

Thanks, Mark. You have explained this much better than what I have heard before. Love your blog

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Roger!

[@pederkristensen4691]

Thanks Mark, a great demo on the small little things. I wish Adobe made these little buttons brighter so they stand out a bit more.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Yes, I do as well!

[@matt.coburn]

I have learned SO MUCH since I have subscribed to your channel. Thank you

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Music to my ears - thanks Matthew!

[@dallaswright3577]

Mark, another great tip for editing. Have you considered publishing a book with your editing tips? I would definitely buy it if you did. Your way of explaining things is unique and really gets the point across.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Dallas! No book on the horizon for me but maybe one day

[@KaiTiura]

It’s funny how often we forget about all the insanely helpful and infinitely useful tools in Lightroom when we’re not using it all the time! Thanks, Mark.

[@ingenious247]

I've watched a lot of KZbin videos about secret tools in Lightroom, this is the first one where I feel like I've actually gotten something worth my time. Great job, thank you, and I'll be using this tool going forward.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Awesome man - glad to hear it was helpful!

[@johnarnsdorf]

“Analysis by paralysis”? 😂 Sorry, I am not usually ‘that guy’ who points out errors but this one made me laugh.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

:)

[@LucidCreature]

I use the tone curve 100 percent of the time, and use the S curve.

[@wimsafi]

Great video! The same tool exists when turning an image into B&W and adjusting the black & white mix.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Wim!

[@kathylinford1]

OMG....So helpful!!! Can't wait to use these tools. Thanks Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Love this! Thanks for letting me know Kathy!

[@fabriziobues5786]

good point Mark. but the problem is that everytime you drop these suggestions I should re-edit all my photos :) :) thanks !

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

:)

[@jmg5878]

Thanks Mark always great info

[@kqschwarz]

I use the "targeted" tool all the time and find it one of the most powerful features of LRC. Your example photos were great for illustrating the value of the tool. All the best.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks Karl!

[@imthetech]

I’ve watched a lot of videos about Lightroom here on KZbin Yours are without a doubt the easiest to follow and learn from Thank you sir

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Awesome - thanks so much!