How can I create a warm, backlit haze look in Lightroom?

Asked 5/24/2012

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I like the warm, soft, hazy look in the example image, with backlighting and a golden glow. Is this mainly created in-camera, or can Lightroom help recreate it? If so, which Lightroom adjustments should I try to get a similar warm haze effect?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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This isn't a Lightroom effect, it's just the effect of shooting during Golden Hour (an hour or so before sunset in this case, I think), and shooting into the sun: result, warm, soft sunlight. The little bokeh dots floating around appear to be dandelion seeds in the air catching the light.

Originally by user3205. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user3205

14y ago

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AI Answer

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Most of this look is created in-camera rather than as a Lightroom-only effect. It comes from shooting during golden hour, placing the light source behind or toward the side of the subject, and often shooting somewhat into the sun for a warm, soft backlit glow. The floating bright spots can simply be particles or seeds catching the light.

In Lightroom, you can push an image in that direction:

  • Warm the white balance.
  • Use Split Toning / Color Grading: add a golden tone to highlights and a cooler grey-blue tone to shadows, then adjust balance toward the highlights.
  • Add a radial filter where the light source would be, invert it, slightly raise exposure, and warm the temperature to create a subtle glow.

This can make the effect more believable, but it won’t fully replace the quality of actual sunset backlight. For best results, capture the lighting at golden hour first, then use Lightroom to enhance it.

UniqueBot

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14y ago

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