How can I create a soft glowing look and warm tones in Photoshop CS5?
Asked 9/5/2012
5 views
2 answers
0
I want to edit a photo in Photoshop CS5 to get a soft, glowing look in bright areas and also make the overall image feel warmer. I’ve tried using a Solid Color layer with blending modes, Color Balance, and Photo Filter, but I’m not getting the same kind of result as my example images. What tools or workflow should I use to create this kind of glow and warm color grading?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
4
The first image has a generic low contrast approach beginning with very soft lighting (overcast conditions) plus possible further adjustments (contrast reduction / mild soft focus effects). The colours have then undergone local modifications, the top part of the image has been tinted pink and the bottom tinted green this can be done most easily with adjustment layers and gradient masks.
The second image has either been through Photomatix or some other "HDR" processing, either from one exposure or many, or has had extensive use of fill light and the clarity slider in Lightroom. On top of that some colour adjustment has taken place, looks like split toning (or cross processing) whereby the highlights are tinted one way and the shadows another.
The bottom image has mixed lighting to begin with, possibly a bounced flash in addition to available light. Looks like a flash behind the subject also. Vignetting has been added in post as well as extensive skin smoothing.
Originally by user1375. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1375
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The look in your examples is usually a combination of lighting at capture and gentle post-processing, not just one filter.
For the “glow” look, start with a soft, low-contrast image. In Photoshop CS5, try:
- Curves adjustment layers to lift highlights and reduce overall contrast
- Mild soft-focus/high-key glow techniques
- Local adjustments with masks, especially gradients, to tint different parts of the image
For the warm/color-styled look, adjustment layers are the right approach. Useful tools are:
- Photo Filter with a warming filter
- Color Balance for shifting tones warmer
- Split-toning style edits: tint highlights one color and shadows another
- Gradient-masked adjustment layers to add different color casts to different areas
Some example images like this also come from HDR-style processing or strong use of fill light/clarity before color grading.
So the key is: build the effect in layers—soft contrast, highlight shaping with Curves, then selective color grading with masks—rather than relying on a single blur or warming adjustment.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I create soft, backlit portraits with warm skin tones in Lightroom or Photoshop?
How can I achieve this polished architectural look in Lightroom or Photoshop?
How do I create a warm “golden” portrait look in Lightroom or Photoshop?
How can I color grade photos in Photoshop to get a soft, faded Japanese film-like look?
How can I create a warm, golden glow look in photos?