Things You Don't Know About Tone Curves In Lightroom | Master Your Craft

In this video, Pye will show you everything you need to know about the Tone Curve in Adobe Lightroom. You can download the exercise files below and edit along with Pye as he helps you navigate why the Tone Curve is one of the most useful panels for editing photos in Lightroom.
Download the exercise files here ► bit.ly/slrltone
Welcome to “Master Your Craft,” a photography educational series by SLR Lounge, exclusively on Adorama TV. From gear advice to in-depth instruction, our goal is to give you practical, real-world advice to help you master the craft of photography. Whether you’re a beginner just learning your camera, an amateur looking to become pro, or a professional seeking inspiration, this is the series you’ve been looking for to help you become a better photographer.
Disclaimer: This video was filmed prior to the announcement of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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✶ Can you master tone curves in lightroom?
Tag us on Instagram, we would love to see a before and after!
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THANKS SO MUCH FOR WATCHING!

[@emesshots1161]

Can we talk about how soothing his voice is?

[@diegoskt5]

Sometimes i don't even look at the video, just listen to his voice.

[@mladenvisuals]

All these years and no one has explained this the way you have. In 15 min you gave me a masterclass in tone curve that will forever change how i edit my work, thank you for this and i am glad i found it.

[@wiseowl09]

Tone curve masterclass in 15mins!! Loved it!!

[@patrickwest9049]

one of the best explanations of this area I've listened oo. The fact I have listened to a lot means it's not easily described but this was great. Thank you

[@upupawayandbeyond]

Pye u r the best instructor ever. For years I’ve been following your tutorial and courses. Boy... u r charismatic and so knowledgeable, buddy! Thanks for all the years of sharing knowledge!

[@margocrawford9239]

Great information but please, please, please turn the music off on the background... So distracting for us ADD kids!

[@bewbtewb]

As a new photographer this has totally demystified the tone curve for me. Thank you so much. I can see myself using it so much more now.

[@todddammit4628]

This video helped a LOT. I've been fumbling around the tone curve for years. This video finally makes sense of it for me.

[@FernandoPeralta]

This is me.

[@allenahale1]

I could listen to him all day long. I am confident that during that day, I would be learning something the entire time. He is so knowledgeable, creative, and an excellent teacher.

[@BornUncreative]

Appreciate it Allen!

[@SundayRacers]

Thank you Pye and Adorama! Such high-quality & free education is such a privilege to have access to

[@jordandoucet6887]

This is the best and most comprehensive tone curve tutorial I have seen.

[@jnccreativestudios]

Love how you broke this down! I've seen so many videos on tone curve, it think this was the best I've seen out there!!

[@thomastarner8683]

Love your teaching style man. You do a great job explaining the subject matter.

[@vinodp195]

This is something amazing. So much simplified. Thank you!! Do you have the Lightroom tutorial series?

[@maariog13]

Best explanation of the tone curve ever .. thanks alot

[@dennisdekoster1187]

Wow, found this channel while searching for curves explained. Your voice and way of telling is so good! Thanks a lot!

[@GNSS-4138]

This was possibly the best Lightroom tutorial video I've watched. And I've watched A LOT of them. Thank you, Pye, for helping me to take my editing to the next level in just 16 minutes.

[@jimothybikael]

I just watched the video and for the first time in 2 months, I'm finally about to play around with the curves but this time with a little knowledge. Thank you, Pye🤠✌️

[@cxssetteman182]

Jesus Christ! this is literally the best video on Tone Curve. Much obliged, kind sir 😭🙌

[@bpplus9713]

This video blew my mind. I have a whole new approach to editing my work. Thank you so much for this.

[@JobuRum]

I’m not exagerating here. This is the best tutorial I’ve ever seen. Well done.

[@jordanmeleschi7680]

I knew the tone curve at the most basic level but this video just elevated it’s possibilities for me. I’m so excited to use it to its full potential now. Thank you!

[@kavanlake871]

Pye my man, this is amazing! I learn something ew every time you and Adorama drop a video. You guys are awesome. Thank you.

[@BornUncreative]

Glad you are enjoying!

[@dabreucosta]

This is hands down the best tone tutorial out there! Thank you so much! Things make sense now!

[@johnarobb]

Shift key to constrain vertical, nice easy takeaway from this tutorial, thanks.

[@alexg.5850]

Dude this is so insightful, thak you so much for this video, I'm so glad I clicked it because I was tired of seeing others videos about the tone curve and just ended up being a S curve tutorial, now I understand better the concept as a whole

[@MarvPido]

Shift clicking on the point curve to restrain control to up and down movement is already worth the price of admission. Smashed (to use that silly Gen Z term for "clicked") the Like button after you showed us that. Thanks Pye!

[@simonekakabor9020]

I love you Mr. Pye. From Nigeria🇳🇬🇳🇬🇳🇬

[@jackyleecs]

Wonderful demonstration! Thanks!

[@LexChan]

this solved my confusion on tone curve... thanks man...

[@norbertalexy8803]

Pye, I've been an amateur photographer for many years now, progressing slowly but steadily in my understanding how things work. I followed your Dodge & Burn tutorial yesterday and your Tone Curve tutorial right now. It was like two revelations! I understood so much in so little time, it's mind-blowing. Thank you so much. And: Congratultations! I have rarely found someone who is NOT ONLY KNOWLEDGEABLE BUT CAN ALSO EXPLAIN THINGS as well as you do. I know what I'm talking about. I've been an instructor and facilitator myself for three decades. - Pye, please, keep going like you do. I will certainly want to follow you and hear more from you! - Norbert from Germany

[@theeverydayguy7692]

6 years in photography, no regrets just getting to fully understand tone curves. thank you

[@chopster01]

Finally a clear explanation. So powerful.

[@oamyway975]

U guys r so detailed.. Explain everything in details, at length.... With a soothing background music. Education was never so stylish. 👍👍👍👍 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@BornUncreative]

Haha, appreciate it!

[@bluecheese20401]

So I've paid for online tuition for Lightroom and Photoshop and it was only when I watched this video right here that I actually understood it. This is legit a fantastic overview.

[@jusren]

Amazing and helpful video! Maybe a video next on colour grading feature in Lightroom!

[@AnthonyBonillaPR]

As always, nicely explained, thanks.

[@nnisargpatel]

Thank you for creating such an excellent valuable content. Big thanks and cheers 🥂 from India. We learn a lot from your channel

[@BornUncreative]

Glad to have you here!

[@ThomasRuhlandPhotography]

So good to have every single explanation in one video. Thanks

[@groggu]

This is the best explanation of tone curve ever! Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@therealBocaStudios]

Thank you for such a comprehensive explanation.

[@soniajimenez5105]

🤯 Yes. YES YES YES! What I love so much about this is the parametric curve explanation AND ALSO the comment about how you build your presets. I want more of this! I’m not into selling presets but I make my own to improve/quicken my workflow. Paving my own preset path since there isn’t much out there for sports. (Also, i spend all my money on gear 😅)

[@ProfAhmedBilalSCD]

I love your sequence , easy move from point to the next

[@stigottesencreations]

Been looking for years for Tone Curve tutorials - Think I've found the One and Only! Thanks a million - this was great stuff to watch!

[@BornUncreative]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@nikolayproychev1574]

That's the best video about tone curve so far I have watched! Thank you :)

[@guerradigital]

Very clear tutorial. Thanks. Greetings from Mexico City.

[@murofirenze]

One of the best video on tone curves

[@bhatta123ab]

What you made with this tutorial is to throw the fear out of me to use the tonal curves. Thank you very much. And your vocal tone surprisingly complemented the tonality of this tutorial 🙂. Subscribed and will check out all other videos in your channel now. Stay blessed!

[@hbhavsi]

Many people might know the subject, but only a few can teach like you can. This was by far the most clear tutorial on RGB tone curves. Also, your voice is so soothing and easy to follow! Where can I learn more on this topic and other layers/aspects of Lightroom from you? Also, thank you!! 😊

[@otisrobertson3086]

This was such a great video. I have been playing with these curves, but I only end up messing up my photo which makes me go back to the sliders. Thank you for this video.

[@andymartin3962]

Simply stunning Pye as usual!

[@syedsubhan1589]

finally, i understood the CURVES :D Thanks Pye, Now ill treat myself with a Pie

[@iiSluGz]

hey Pye, you did a wonderful job with this tutorial. very clear and concise. thank you very much

[@aptly6]

This is an excellent explanation of the tone curve!

[@SenorGancho]

Nicely done Pye I like how you broke it down to Contrast and Exposure. That helps remove the aura of complexity with this tool. Still working on how to 'tweak' the image using the Parametric curve. Not sure if I'm a fan of the softening style. I think for me I need to see more side by sides to compare

[@shart7912]

best tone curve vid i've ever seen

[@Suhailkhan53]

Excellent video indeed. Thank you.

[@ricflomusic]

Beyond global adjustments what is the difference between Tone Curve and Control Grading Panel?

[@michaelk.6431]

Pye, You are the Guru!!! I always learn great info from your videos! Very informative, not Corney!

[@AmritrajLaishram]

This is by far the best tutorial on tone curves!

[@BornUncreative]

Appreciate it!

[@sherifwahba4653]

Thank you very much for this informative tutorial :)

[@dr4sail852]

This was so well presented . I have my iPad Pro with Lightroom and will certainly try out your instructions

[@BornUncreative]

Thank you Lawrence, enjoy!

[@jpdj2715]

Pye, that is an excellent overview. I had to discover these things myself in the past, too. As to the "Tone Curve", you missed a point that, IMO, is very important. The left-bottom start point of the Tone Curve and the top-right end of the Tone Curve mark the "Black Point" and "White Point" IN YOUR OPINION in your photo. These points can be shifted horizontally. The shot you use in this lesson, has a little happening in about 40% of the X-axis in the Tone Curve diagram (the histogram under the line you manipulate). Imagine you shift the White Point horizontally-left to the 60% X-axis point (so it stays at the top), then you now have told LR that it can treat that X-axis point as 255 White. As a consequence, with 0% X-axis being the Black Point, you now distribute the 0..255 reach over the 60% X-axis domain. This changes your photo's representation in another way than messing with sliders of exposure/zones and contrast. In camera - I have shot metering "expose for highlights" recently, and there may be a tiny bright highlight spot in the subject driving exposure, that IMO does not need any detail at all, and I have no or almost no histogram for the top 40% X-axis - this White Point approach totally pulls such shots up from dark and moody. (Wait, but aren't you afraid to lose shadow detail? Haha, only if I shot the same camera brand as Pye. But seriously, you could. you have to build an understanding - experience - of circumstances when metering for the highlights plays against you.) Back in LR. You can still apply the Y-axis shifts to the Black Point and White Point as per your demonstration too, of course. Note you can "reverse" the image processing in LR. Take a scan of a negative, shift the Black Point from 0,0 to 0,100% and the White Point from 100%,100% to 100%,0 and 'bam' you have your positive and the sliders all avail still (but they may need to be mirrored in your thinking). Compared with Capture One, Lightroom does the Black & White Points in the Tone Curve. C1 allows this and the mid grey point to be applied in the Histogram - where it should be, IMO. (I don't own C1.)

[@BornUncreative]

You are totally right. Quite advanced, but I did miss this piece! Great catch.

[@jpdj2715]

@@BornUncreative - Let's call this reciprocity instead of a catch. If software developers had been great communicators they had not chosen a programming language with a display and keyboard as dominant interface in their careers. You and I suffer the consequences.

[@iainmacdonald7034]

This was a revelation, Pye, and you explained it very well. Thank you.

[@rogerwalton8160]

Excellent - the best explanation of Curves I've ever watched - and I've seen a lot of them!

[@BornUncreative]

Glad you enjoyed Roger!

[@AmanecerLosAngeles]

Awesome! I didn’t know 50% of all that was taught. Thank you!

[@ianharper6015]

Very clear and useful. Thank you.

[@annextesfaye7088]

Thank you for this video. I was given up on Tone Curve for a while and didn't bother to play around it.

[@retirementhobbyfarmdiyadve1511]

Best video on the tone curve I've seen. What is the best way to learn Lightroom for someone just starting out using it? It seem like there is so much to the program.

[@PaulaCarterPhotography]

Wow! This was awesome. I am excited to go actually try the tone curve now where I played with it one time and had no clue what I was doing. I mean I kind of did but it seemed so much more daunting than this. Thank you for this.

[@JL-vk1rs]

fantastic video, thanks so much!

[@jasongreenwood3260]

I love this! It helps me understand it completely now! Thank you!

[@bigshotmedia]

First time someone made it easy. Thanks!!!

[@jirkanemcuj]

Probably best video about curves I have seen so far!!!

[@girardjeremie1939]

Great teacher!!!

[@celeritasc9207]

Excellent, very informative and helpful. Many thanks!

[@heatherk9094]

Great instruction!

[@kirannama]

That was a beautiful tutorial, just 1 question, when i work in my latest lightroom point curve and parametric curve are independent(not able to refine as you explain in the video- it looks like a untouched curve, do we have to link it or something) hope i am clear to you?

[@Think.Make.Generate]

after 7 years of using lightroom I finally get the tone curve...thank you

[@LoksPH]

Do you recommend to jump straight in to tone curves before anything else?

[@jordansyoutube]

This was great ! Thank you .

[@Azdak]

Best video on curves I've ever seen

[@robertp7289]

Great Video! Helps a lot!

[@Poxilau]

Thanks for a great tutorial! You are a very good teacher!

[@MohamedShamsUlHaq]

Very clear and to the point explanation! Great job! 👏🏽

[@ServingUpSarcasm]

this was a fantastic video. wow

[@carlosasilvas]

Great vídeo, thanks from Portugal.

[@ericwyatt5756]

talented teacher

[@PrisonTorture34]

Incredible video.

[@boatman222345]

Great video! One of the best I've ever watched on LR Curves. That said I found the background music to be very annoying...didn't add anything just got in the way.

[@willjefferies192]

Pye, It seems like you're advocating using the tone curves FIRST and then sliders to make more subtle adjustments. I thought this video was awesome and make sense, but I am curious because most photographers I've seen suggest using the sliders to make corrections BEFORE you use the tone curve to do any color adjustments. I'd really love if you could elaborate on this workflow?

[@Seek2002]

Thank you for the information

[@matlynwood6225]

Pye I can only say it this way, Thank you Thank you Thank you for this absolute life altering curves tutorial.

[@BornUncreative]

Yay, so glad we hit the mark!

[@yassineamri643]

Just amazing

[@ME2K23]

🙌👍🏻👍🏻Great video Pye!! But...do you recommend to allways start by adjusting the tone curve rather than starting with the basic sliders? Couldnt we acheive the same result by only using the sliders instead of the tone curve? Honestly, I find the sliders more intuitive to use 🙃

[@alang253]

I like Pye's strategy of having the tone curves do the heavy lifting (possibly for creating presets), and use the sliders to manually tweak settings for each individual photo. The advantage of the tone curve is its a visual representation and when you keep the curves subtle the changes look natural. Versus if you go crazy with the sliders you can create unnatural looking edits. There is more balance with the curve.

[@pedroazevedo3640]

Outstanding!!

[@Micko5685]

Thank you. More Curve vs Grading

[@asheeshkchopra]

Great inputs!

[@timlee9811]

I don’t know if you remember but I asked you about this in your Tik Tok Live a few weeks ago. Thank you for making such a thorough video about it!

[@robertburnett4442]

Great video, thanks.

[@zilvinasstravinskas3172]

Amazing, all that's left is to try.