Master Autumn Editing in Luminar NEO: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hello everyone! Jakub here from Clever Photographer. Today, I’m excited to share a detailed guide on mastering the Autumn colors and look in your photos using Luminar Neo. This guide is based on my recent video tutorial (watch it here), where I walk you through each step to achieve a stunning, warm, and cozy Autumn effect in your images. Whether you're capturing a serene forest path or vibrant fall foliage, these tips will help you enhance the seasonal vibe using simple yet powerful tools in Luminar Neo. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Basic Development

First, load your image into Luminar Neo’s Catalog module. If you’d like to follow along, download the sample file here, import it into Luminar Neo, and move it into the Edit module.

I began by applying a basic enhancement using the Develop RAW tool. I cropped the image slightly, adjusted the exposure, and balanced the initial tones to set a solid foundation for our edit. The scene I chose is a lovely little forest path captured at the end of October last year, and while the colors are already quite beautiful, we can do more to enhance them.

Step 2: Enhance AI for Initial Balance

The first tool I like to use is Enhance AI. This tool is perfect for opening up shadows, balancing colors, and boosting contrast subtly but effectively. I increased the Accent AI slider to about 40, which instantly brought out more detail and color balance in the image.

Step 3: Adjusting White Balance for a Warm Autumn Look

Next, I adjusted the white balance to create that classic Autumn warmth. I opened the Develop tool, went into the Color section, and increased the Temperature slider to around 12 to add warmth. To counteract the green tints, I also adjusted the Tint slider towards magenta, setting it at about 20. This adjustment shifts the overall color tone towards the warm, cozy hues we associate with Fall.

Step 4: Enhancing Autumn Colors with HSL Adjustments

To make the autumn colors pop, I used the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) panel found under the Color tool.

• Saturation: I increased the saturation of the Reds, Oranges, Yellows, and Greens. This helps to amplify the natural colors of Autumn, making them more vibrant and engaging.
• Hue: I adjusted the Green hues towards Yellow by dragging the slider to -60, enhancing the Autumn look by transforming lingering greens into warm yellows.
• Luminance: I brightened the key colors, such as Reds, Oranges, and Yellows, while slightly darkening the Greens to add depth and contrast to the scene.

Step 5: Adding Mystical Glow with the Mystical and Glow Tools

For that soft, magical Autumn feel, I love using the Mystical tool. This tool adds a beautiful glow and slightly softens the image while also increasing contrast and warmth. I set the slider to about 50 for a balanced yet noticeable effect.

To draw more attention to the center of the photo, I used the Glow tool with the Soft Focus preset, adjusting the amount to 25. Then, in Masking, I selected Radial Gradient and adjusted the size and location of the mask. This additional glow intensifies the focus on the heart of the image, enhancing the depth and guiding the viewer’s eye towards the center.

Step 6: Creating Depth with the Blur Tool

Adding blur is a fantastic way to emphasize depth. I used the Blur tool in the Creative section, first applying a Gaussian blur (Amount 10) to the foreground to simulate a shallow depth of field. Using a Linear Gradient in Masking, I positioned the blur so it naturally fades, enhancing the focal point in the middle ground of the image.

I also applied another blur to the background (Gaussian, amount 5). In Masking, I used the Brush (Size 100, Softness 100, Strength 100)  to selectively blur the distant elements of the path. This subtle effect creates a beautiful, layered composition, making the viewer feel like they’re being drawn into the scene.

Step 7: Final Touches: Vignette and Mood Tool

To finalize the edit, I added a Vignette to subtly darken the edges of the image and pull focus towards the center. I adjusted the vignette position, size, and feathering, making sure it softly complements the scene without overwhelming it.

Lastly, I used the Mood tool with a cinematic toning preset, which helps to unify the entire edit. I chose the "Long Beach" LUT, which adds a cohesive, warm, and slightly cinematic look to the photo, perfect for those Autumn vibes.

Conclusion

With these simple steps, we’ve transformed a typical forest capture into a stunning Autumn masterpiece, filled with warm tones, soft glows, and a magical atmosphere. Remember to play around with the sliders to suit your image and personal style.

If you enjoyed this guide, feel free to watch the video tutorial and leave a comment with any questions. Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel for more tutorials. Happy editing, and I can’t wait to see your Autumn creations!

Jakub from Clever Photographer

Enhance Your Autumn Editing with the Luminar Neo Autumn Bundle

If you’re eager to take your autumn photo editing to the next level, our Luminar Neo Autumn Bundle is the perfect addition to your toolkit. Packed with over 720 autumn-themed elements, this bundle is designed to help you effortlessly enhance the vibrant colors and textures of fall.

What’s Inside the Luminar Neo Autumn Bundle?

• Autumn Skies: A variety of moody and atmospheric skies to complement your autumn landscapes.
• Seasonal Textures: A collection of textures that add depth and warmth to your images.
• Creative Presets and LUTs: Ready-to-use presets and LUTs that bring out the best in your fall photos with just a few clicks.
• Custom Overlays and Elements: Additional elements to add a touch of creativity and uniqueness to your images.

Why Choose the Luminar Neo Autumn Bundle?

Our bundle provides all the tools you need to transform your autumn shots quickly and professionally. With these resources, you can easily adjust colors, enhance textures, and apply creative effects that make your photos pop. Plus, it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with Luminar Neo, ensuring a smooth editing experience.

Ready to Elevate Your Autumn Photography?

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enrich your photo editing skills and create stunning autumn imagery. Visit Clever Photographer’s Luminar Neo Autumn Bundle to explore the bundle and make your purchase today.