If you didn’t already know, Adobe Lightroom Classic released new features recently this fall. I want to introduce to you my four favorite 2022 Lightroom Classic Updates! I’ll begin by saying, you will need to be sure you have downloaded the latest version of Lightroom Classic 12 for access to these new features.
Masking
The biggest Lightroom Classic 12 update is with Masking. Masking itself isn’t new to Lightroom, but this version has way more capabilities! Now you can select and edit backgrounds with just one click. YEP! Previously, you’d need to create a mask for the subject(s), click the button to invert for the background, then make your background edits. This one-click update is a game changer!
This update also includes AI capabilities for selecting and editing individual people and objects. When you select the Masking Tool, you’ll notice that LR can identify each individual person in the image. You can then create a mask for a subject’s whole person, face, lips, eyebrows, hair, and more! This allows you to edit those person’s features quickly without making changes to rest of the image. As for editing objects, you use the brush or rectangle tool to select the object you want to edit, then create a mask and voila!
Content Aware Tool
The next wonderful feature in Lightroom Classic version 12 is the new Content Aware tool. Now you don’t have to pull an image into Photoshop to remove an unwanted item from a photo! This tool is not perfect yet, but there are some tricks for how to troubleshoot when you don’t feel like this tool is working perfectly. When all else fails, you can try the improved Heal tool.
Adaptive Presets
My next favorite addition to Lightroom Classic 12 are Adaptive Presets. These are found to the left-hand side of your screen when you’re in the Develop Panel, underneath any other presets you already have installed in Lightroom. Play around with each of the three Adaptive Presets (Portrait, Sky, and Subject) to see what they can do. My favorites are the Sky Adaptive Presets, which allow you to showcase a beautiful sunrise, sunset, or cloudy day while keeping your subjects in proper exposure. Remember that you can adjust each of these presets as a mask as needed. You have full control!
HSL Panel
Lastly, are the updates to the HSL (Hue, Saturation, Luminance) color panel. This feature in Lightroom Classic 12 allows you to edit colors of individual objects without changing the colors in rest of the image. For example, you’re able to make a purple dress richer in color, or tone down the color of an object if it’s distracting from the rest of the image. You’ll be surprised at how often you need to use this feature!
Want to watch a Lightroom screen-sharing tutorial?!
The Membership for Motherhood Photographers lesson for this month includes a screen-sharing tutorial with my personal editor. She shares her screen and takes you inside LR Classic to show you how to use these new features and updates for yourself. Get ready to have your mind blown!
Are you ready to take your editing to the next level without having to touch Photoshop? (Yes, please!) Log in to your course portal to watch the Masterclass now!
If you haven’t already joined us, what are you waiting for?! We would love to welcome you into the BHP Community today! When you join, you’ll get access to the entire vault of video lessons. Get ready to binge to your heart’s content. Start today with the latest 2022 Lightroom Classic Updates!
