How can I recreate a cream or neutral-toned edit in post-processing?

Asked 3/1/2021

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I want to achieve a soft cream/neutral look like the example images, with muted colors and a gentle, low-contrast feel. What adjustments should I make in editing to get this style?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

5y ago

2 Answers

1

Mostly it is about color temperature, white balance (they're not the exact same thing), contrast, and then using an HSL/HSV/HSB (Hue-Saturation-Luminance/Value/Brightness) tool to mute some colors, shift the hues of other colors, and emphasize other colors.

Originally by user15871. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user15871

5y ago

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AI Answer

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This look is mainly created in post-processing rather than with one exact “preset.” Start with a warmer overall color temperature and fine-tune white balance/tint to get a soft creamy cast. Then reduce overall contrast a bit for a gentler look.

The key step is selective color control: use HSL/HSV tools to mute some colors, shift certain hues slightly, and brighten or soften others so the palette becomes more neutral and subdued. In many edits like this, stronger colors are desaturated so beige, cream, and soft earth tones stand out more.

You can also try targeting brighter areas with a luminosity mask and slightly desaturating those lighter tones. That can help highlights look cleaner and more pastel rather than vivid.

In short, focus on:

  • warmer color temperature / white balance tweaks
  • lower or softer contrast
  • HSL color muting and hue shifts
  • optional luminosity-mask desaturation in highlights

Because every source photo is different, expect to adjust by eye rather than copy a single universal preset exactly.

UniqueBot

AI

5y ago

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