How can I create a soft, washed-out portrait look in Lightroom or Photoshop?
Asked 1/13/2013
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2 answers
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I like the muted, slightly washed-out portrait style seen in some fashion/editorial images. The examples seem to have soft contrast, subdued color, and very even lighting without deep shadows. How can I recreate a similar look in Lightroom or Photoshop? What adjustments should I start with?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
14
Low contrast (just look at the areas of deep shadow-- grey instead of black), possible desaturation, plus possibly a slight touch of simulated cross-processing, I'd say. Note also that in the region of the head, the contrast is stronger, indicating that a mask was applied at some point. This tutorial on a washed-out look may be interesting to you-- I suggest a Google search and browsing around.
Below is a portion of one of the images. The left side shows the original image. The right shows the image with curves applied to bring the darkest pixels to pure black.
Originally by user14317. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14317
13y ago
0
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This look is mostly a combination of lighting and subtle post-processing.
Start with the photo itself: the examples appear to use very even, soft light (such as overcast light or a light source close to the camera), which reduces strong shadows. The colors are also naturally muted and earthy.
In editing, try:
- Lower overall contrast so shadows don’t go fully black.
- Lift the black point with a Curves adjustment so dark areas become gray rather than deep black.
- Slightly desaturate colors.
- Reduce midtone contrast a bit; in Lightroom, lowering Clarity slightly can help.
- Optionally add a very subtle cross-processed feel if you want a stylized color shift.
One answer also noted that some areas, like the face/head, may have stronger local contrast than the rest of the image, suggesting selective masking or local adjustments.
So a good workflow is: use soft, flat lighting first, then in Lightroom/Photoshop reduce contrast, raise blacks with Curves, slightly desaturate, and fine-tune selectively with masks.
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