STOP Using SLIDERS to EDIT Your Landscape Photos!

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In this week’s episode, we discuss why you should stop using sliders to edit your landscape photos. Perhaps the single biggest turning point for me, from an photo editing perspective, was my progressive shift away from using mostly sliders and more towards using filters to edit my landscape photos - that and my understanding of the difference between a global adjustment versus that of a local adjustment. Most outdoor and landscape photos are comprised of areas of imbalance and the majority of these imbalances could all benefit from using a targeted local filter as opposed to that of a global slider.
In this video, I'll discuss and show you the difference between a global adjustment slider and a targeted local adjustment filter, along with why it's important to understand the difference. I'm a visual learner so I decided to edit one of my landscape photos only using sliders or global adjustments, then I took the same photograph and edited it only using filters or local adjustments so you can see the difference. I've never actually gone through this exercise before, but the end results were pretty astonishing! I hope you enjoy this week's episode and are able to get some helpful information out of it that you can apply to your landscape photography editing workflow. Thanks for watching! - Mark D.
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[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

What’s your most used local adjustment? Grad, Radial or Adjustment Brush?

[@MFP_Photography]

I think the radial gets used the most. I find I use it many times on objects/areas which have different light on them. Using the luminance masking lets you bring out those differences easier than trying the brush. Great video. Thanks for your time on this subject.

[@wanderingdevonian]

I use both, more towards local for further tweaks.

[@guru82master]

For me it's Grad and Radial.

[@kaiolsen6963]

I use them all, but I probably use radal the most.

[@cynderelliee]

Radial gets used the most

[@luxurycardetailingthehamptons]

Holding down shift while pulling out the graduated filter. Mind blown. Thank you!

[@seseikkailija5373]

When I clicked this video i thought that it would be about moving over your editing process to Photoshop. But instead it was about local vs global adjustments, which was pretty cool in the end. You always use sliders to do adjustments, local or/and global when editing in LR.

[@kai64]

Here is the issue that I have when I edit landscape. When I keep looking at the same pic and editing it over period of time, I lose the track of over editing or under editing. Sometimes I thought “wow I nailed it” then later on when I come back and look at it. I would be like “omg this is bad!” It seems like your eyes get too dull and lose the sense of good and bad. Doesn’t this happen to you?

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

I know what you mean! What helps is just coming back to the image a bit later before considering it your "final" version, and also what helps, I think, is frequently comparing it to the original.

[@kai64]

@@TimvanderLeeuw thanks! probably comparing to the original frequently would help me the most since once i get into editing i have this eager to finish it and post on social media 😂 Wish I had this side by side comparison during editing

[@jasonserkowski7194]

90% of my edits get changed on day 2 or 3. If you stare at a picture too long you’ll lose focus on something and it’ll slip past you

[@jasonmach6548]

I experience that as well! When I come back a few days later to pick the best ones from wherever I shot, the number of times I say to myself, “what were you even thinking?” on an image that I spent quite a bit of time on is borderline embarrassing! But adding that step of letting things sit for a few days and revisiting has improved the quality of my edits.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Oh yeah! Best thing to do is just walk away for awhile and let your eyes reset and then revisit your edit at a later point.

[@brunmedia]

Misleading title I think, because you're still using sliders, just not globally. And also I think a combination of both is the best way to achieve your goal. I always start with a few global adjustments getting the image to a good starting point and then continue with local adjustment like you describe it. Although your adjustments were hardly visible in the image in the video, perhaps due to YT compression and the screen I watched it on, I think most people got the idea. And it is an extremely powerful method of tuning an image. :-) Thanks for a good show!!

[@radassrobin4870]

Thank you for taking the time to show me this today. what an amazing difference!

[@bluejay3945]

Thanks Mark. The thing I love about you is you leave your ego at the door and never act like a know it all. I have learned so much from you. Although I have major issues with Luminar AI, I now hit the masking tool hard and do everything you did in this video by painting the effects in with the brush. It truly gives you the ultimate control and saves tons of time. For example, your vignettes. If you go back you will see that you created the area, made the effects adjustments, then had to erase. You could have done the same thing with a brush and saved time. One more suggestion. Try pushing a tiny bit of blue and cyan into the shadows and a tiny bit of yellow and orange into the midtones and highlights. I think it gives a lot of natural contrast. Finally on that clarity slider. I have issues with that sometimes and I now go with the high pass filter tool to help define edge details and I love the filter. Have you tried it?

[@susanmeyer8885]

Great point! I will try using it. Thanks!

[@curtlewis3446]

What a great demonstration Mark. The difference between the two edits are striking. I have recently begun using filters for local adjustments based upon some of your earlier videos, and am liking the results. Thanks for all your help.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Curt!

[@tothewoodsnet6714]

Another great video - thanks, Mark!

[@jmemac]

Thanks for making this video. Ive always been a little confused and you helped with that. I appreciate it 🤙

[@Chris_2023_]

Awesome video Mark! Love your work!

[@HugeHeff]

Mark - Great video! I’ve been wanting to learn how this process works and has definitely changed the way I will edit moving forward. Thank you!

[@neild108]

Hugely helpful--great point, made very vividly, thanks!

[@DaveJhnsn2]

Helpful information on post processing. Thanks much.

[@andrewkeating8952]

Wow - some difference between the two images - really great demonstration of the benefits of local editing! Separately it was super to hear you on the Irish Photography Podcast with Darren Spoonley earlier in the week - enjoyed it very much - many thanks and continued success in all you are doing !!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much for watching and tuning into the podcast - means a lot!

[@raytbrown2]

Thank you very much for the walk-thru. Truly helpful.

[@kevinriese2167]

That was a big help Mark, Thank you. 👍

[@estherdiskin3968]

Brilliant video Mark on the difference on local and global adjustments. Explained so simply. Thank you.

[@jimwlouavl]

Great video. Thanks for the insight to view an image as regions. I often apply a radial filter to add clarity and exposure to bring attention to a reflection.

[@cliffwood4610]

I am just getting to grips with local adjustments,it is so much easier having you show the way,many thanks

[@alexi2904]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I’m pretty new to editing so I had no idea I could even do this! YOU DA MAN!!! This will take my editing skills to a whole other level now!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it - appreciate you checking it out!

[@samr_-zi6zm]

@@MarkDenneyPhoto Plez reaction trailer the lady of heaven 2M views Cinematiography and photos and colors so nice . Plez make review for this movie

[@wendynewing8834]

This is a brilliant tutorial full of great information! It is so helpful. Thank you very much.

[@kristenaudet2233]

Thanks so much! This was very helpful. Others jump right in and begin spewing jargon without actually showing how to do something on screen, so thank you for taking the time to make this video. It was clear and I learned a lot. :)

[@beachbumblog]

I learn more from these videos than I have almost anything else. So helpful, thank you for sharing!

[@wilmerkrusen7501]

Super helpful video! Thank you!!

[@DavidTpitCabrera]

I learned a lot with this video, ty and good job. :)

[@brandonmjohnsonphotography]

Fantastic video as always! I believe you have touched on this subject in several of your videos but I don't believe you have ever dedicated a video to it. Thank you so much! I will be trying this technique on the new photos I capture.

[@iaincphotography6051]

Very worthwhile Mark, thank you.

[@havardgjesdal]

Great video! I love how you have an old Gameboy just laying around on the table.

[@jeffnewman8261]

Another great and helpful video. Thanks Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it Jeff!

[@nihatnl747]

Nice video Mark! Thank you!

[@ramoncaceres7966]

Great video!! Learned a lot!

[@udflyers87]

This was REALLY interesting. Thank you.

[@RorMac_Photography]

Fantastic tutorial/demonstration of local adjustments verse global adjustments Mark. This will certainly change the way I edit. I look forward to improving images with this editing style. Appreciate your content.

[@ItMakesSpence]

I didn't realize there was a range mask feature. Absolute game changer!

[@wadekehler]

I would consider myself as quite experienced with my LR editing but I focus mainly on global adjustments with only a few local adjustments added at the end. This video will completely change how I do my editing. I really appreciate the comparison between global and local adjustments. It sure added a lot more interest to the image. Thanks.

[@jamesv.wilkerson30]

Great video. It took me forever to learn to use filters. You just saved several new photo editors years of frustration.

[@mattnovak5896]

Great video as always Mark! I always learn something new from your channel 👊🏼

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

This is great to hear Matt!

[@quikmath8071]

Great demo! Much to learn. Hope more examples on local adjustments . Thanks!

[@markbolyea1844]

Great video, thank's so much for your tutorials!

[@ErnieStripling]

Mark...Great video! Your "common man" explanation is much appreciated. You have definitely elevated everyone's game in helping us understand the use of filters. Thanks!!

[@PeterWigenBjarnoe]

VERY helpful and inspiring. I have always used global adjustments and it is stopping right now. It was a very pedagogical and explanatory review.

[@mikol.douglas]

Wow! I learned a LOT in this video! Very helpful. All stuff I could have looked up, but your working in LR and seeing it makes for quick learning. Thanks Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it friend!

[@RobZ1967]

Mark - I used this today doing some edits... what a difference!! Thank you so much for these awesome tips!

[@stykefilmstudios4230]

I can tell this will be extremely helpful. Thanks so much!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it!

[@matthewnew13]

Wow!! I’m convinced. Now to learn how to use the tool

[@bonnieleefowler3206]

Outstanding! Thank you.

[@amandabutler9322]

Thanks for sharing 😊 I always learn something from your videos.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to do it Amanda!

[@bobrutan4735]

Very good Mark..... thanks for sharing.

[@_HMCB_]

Amazing instruction. Thank you.

[@thomasjohn4262]

Thank you for this. I just started learning Lightroom and it’s been pretty good so far. Your techniques have opened up plenty of other options.

[@icogicog8287]

Yes. You are totally correct. Powerful enough to get to a final result in a lot of circumstances with only those local edits. Nice comparison

[@TylerGwilliam]

Love all your videos Mark. It’s the attention to detail that really makes your videos stand out (Like the game boy on your desk😂)

[@irabrucelevine]

Startling demonstration. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@davej6838]

That was so helpful. Thanks mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear Dave and thanks for checking it out!

[@trevornelson4198]

Very helpful. Great information and a very useful comparison of global vs local adjustments.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad you think so Trevor!

[@tonypearcey716]

Thanks Mark, I rarely use the radial filter, great advice - thank you!

[@gharrop1]

Dodging and burning is a great technique to master, excellent tutorial video Mark, plus really liked your overall vignette technique!

[@niftytwo]

Great ideas Mark. Just slowly, slowly seems to work. No rush. Care, not get it done. Thank you Mark.

[@just2cameraguys]

Always love your edits. The big takeaway is to spend time and go through the details. Too many times we try to rush things.

[@Emmermacher]

Thanks for your video, Mark. This gives new ideas to me. Normally I make a basic editing with global settings, and then I try to make local edits on my pictures. The hardest thing is to see, where local editing is needed. That is what I call "try and cry". Experience is the thing, which comes over the time... Stay healthy! Dirk

[@noelmallia]

thanks, Mark for this video very interesting as all ways

[@janboag8361]

Another great informative video thank you💛

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much for watching Jan!

[@cynderelliee]

Really enjoyed this! Thank you!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to do it Cindy!

[@darioperizzolo2364]

I just had this "AHA" moment in the last month with lightroom, and it's really helped to start connect some dots for me in photoshop and overall editing. Great video.

[@h34rsay]

This was so helpful - thank you.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to hear it!

[@tjsinva]

Eye opening video! 😲☘ Nice rundown! 👍

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@rosssayer6524]

Always enjoy your Tutorials, I have tried local adjustments but not to this extent, very helpful. Thanks Mark.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks a million Ross!

[@paullacerda4234]

Very helpful. Interested in adapting this technique to my images.

[@tonymckeage1028]

Great Photo editing Vlog, thanks for sharing

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Much appreciated Tony!

[@terrycavanaugh4961]

Thanks, Mark. I'm just getting started with Lightroom so I'm still figuring out all the sliders and buttons. This has been very helpful and I've put your ideas to work already.

[@kswas2784]

Once again a great tutorial video. I actually like to use both global and local adjustments. Get the overall picture to a certain state using global and then add finesse with local changes.

[@pattyhertogh9294]

Thanks for the comparison Mark! As always, great information!!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Patty!

[@JohnSmith-nt5sx]

Great video! I have been using global, more than local - that will change immediately! Thank you for the aha moment!

[@bernardj.vandenberg3025]

Greet video Mark, I will give it a try

[@walterwiniana]

Thank you very much Mark! This video is very helpful for my future editing! Again thank you! You’re a very clever man 👍🏼

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to hear it was helpful Walter!

[@vatinnifora]

Waiting every Wednesday for your new video. Keep up. Great job.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@leonievanoosten781]

Thank you for these tips!! 👌

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Glad to do it!

[@_mattstacy]

This is eye opening! Great video. I'm excited to start using this technique to enhance my photos

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear you enjoyed it Matt!

[@Nag998]

wow, this is something i am looking for ..great one !!! i am picking up in editing though your videos...really really helpful. thank you so much Mark!! you are an awesome teacher too :)

[@trishfoster9102]

Great video Mark. I was wondering what the differences would be. This is very helpful.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Trish!

[@johndoherty6448]

Thanks Mark, ever helpful, as always.

[@Valleography]

This was yet another amazing video. Thank you for that awesome tutorial.

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Great to hear you enjoyed it!

[@TantissTheEmperor]

Thank you, I was struggling with editing, and you just brought answer :)

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Happy to hear it was helpful!

[@amandabattles4624]

Very helpful. I only do some of this but will push my local adjustment skills

[@danielschmaderer]

This is really cool. Definitely helped me out. I tend to use global adjustments and I know Local adjustments would help my shots when editing.

[@ioanniskostopoulos1210]

master class for free! Thank you Mark

[@brucewdelorme]

I find localized adjustments gives me much more control, and I like control over my vision. Great info Mark.

[@MrDubicz]

Thank you very much, as usual, for your educating tutorial. I learn a lot from this

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@DarioCanadaPhotography]

Really loving the tutorials! Making a lot for my editing. Even find myself looking at the screen saying “before and after, before and after...”

[@Centauri27]

Excellent information Mark! Easily one of the most helpful editing videos I've watched. This explains why my images often lack the "3D pop" that we all seek. Over reliance on global sliders. Cool tip on how you do the custom vignette. I've tried doing it with the radial filter inside the image, with the effect on the outside of the radial, and the results are never satisfying.

[@jackielarena-lacayo9884]

Thanks for another great video Mark! Week after week your videos make a big impact on my photography journey. I am going to do what you just did on some of my own photos that I know I used sliders mostly or only on and see results yielded. Again THANK YOU!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

My pleasure and I hope it makes a big impact on your photos as well!

[@jtinoco9859]

Hit it out of the park again with this tutorial! Thank you Mark!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much!

[@babayagagaming1491]

Started doing this not long ago and really changed the way I edit. Even went back and re-edited some older pics.

[@johnrieder4883]

I just wanted to say thank you for everything you do!

[@Manga-gu5nn]

Mark I've seen the light thank you friend. Now I'm off to use my new found education to find my style in photography.

[@lindaheidle1914]

Great information--thanks!

[@MarkDenneyPhoto]

Thanks so much Linda!

[@craigcompoliphotography1235]

Great video!

[@wellsyboy]

great stuff!