Here’s a video that was really fun for me to create. Mainly because the brush tool is such a major part of my workflow. Sure, the sliders, toning controls, and techie stuff are important. But if you only let me have one tool, it would be a brush. That’s where I get my “look” from and it’s something I use all the time.
Anyway, in this video I talk about two advanced, but little known settings in Lightroom (and Photoshop’s Camera Raw): Flow and Density. Between these two settings you can really get creative in the way you brush on your photos. Enjoy!
Here are the files to follow along –Â Â Â Elowah-Falls
I love teaching and photography... In that order. I feel that enjoying photography, and photo editing can get WAY too complicated. So my personal mission (and favorite thing to do), is to create education that simplifies the process of taking great photos, and how to edit them to get the results you’ve always wanted.
Amazing, very good explained.!.
Am in the process of working on some photos I took on a recent trip to Yellowstone. This video was so helpful in helping create more dramatic shots.
Thank you Matt for your concise method of teaching that doesn’t overwhelm me with too much information.
Well explained, thank you for taking time to record and share!
Great tutorial. Density tips very helpful. How do I actually UPDATE to Classic 7.2 ? I don’t want to download the whole application – just the update. If I go to Help>Updates in Lightroom Classic 7.1
it goes to Version 4.4 of CC and asks “install now”.
Hi Joel. You don’t get a choice. When you go to Help > Updates it should walk you through the process. If it doesn’t you can always open your Creative Cloud Updater application and try there. If that doesn’t work, you’d have to contact adobe.
Hi,
I had a littole problem with the explanation, as flow strokes did not quite work as described. Maybe I did not follow correctly. Here is the understanding I gathered on the topic.
Flow is the rate of building up the paint, 100% being all of it in one shot. Opacity sets the final density- like using semi-transparent ink; at 50% opacity, when it’a all in, it is still 50% tranparent.
Nicely Done!!
Thanks
Matt. Great video. I had no idea these advanced settings even existed. Thank you so much for enlightening me. I am going to but my new knowledge to work right now!
Hi Matt,
Hey Great tutorial and info! I do have a question. I thought that once you set the Density you couldn’t change after painting because the pin was set to that Density, and you had to establish a new pin. So, just to make sure … you can actually change the density of the brush using the same pin?
Thanks,
Dennis
Hey Dennis – Yep, it works the way that I showed it on the same pin 🙂
Master Matt, thank you so much for this tutorial. You have a gift teaching the complexities of editing software. I cannot wait to use these tools on past and current photos.
Master Matt… Hmmm… I think I can get used to that 🙂
This was excellent. I really never understood the density until now and can see the usefulness.
Brilliant video Matt. You have solved a few challenges I have had in this area.
Thanks Matt
Hi Matt,
Thanks for that, a really clear explanation which helps a lot.
Regards
Christine
I think you might have over-simplified the math a bit. With Flow set to 50%, you give the impression that with only two swipes, you achieve 100% of your settings. Later you change the Flow to 25% and suggest that with 4 swipes, you will achieve 100% of your settings.
I may be wrong, but I think if you look at your video closely (around the 6 minute mark) or just try it yourself, you will find that it actually takes a few more than the 2 or 4 swipes to get to 100% (with flow set at 50% and 25%, respectively). Of course this has no real impact on one’s workflow, since one just swipes until they reach the desired effect.
I’m sorry I’m such a math nerd.
I’m running Classic 7.1
Thank you Matt. I learned something, and I’ve been working with LR since it first came out.
Thank you for the clear explanation. Now I felt more comfortable to use the adjustment brush.
Thanks so much Matt. I finally understand!
Matt,
Am I the only one without a “Play” button when sent to the link? MacBook Pro…
Thanks,
Lou
PS Not a Facebook user, and never will be ;-(
Love your teaching style, I am learning so much from you! Thank you!
Very high-quality teaching. At last I understand it. Many thanks.
Very entertaining and useful tutorial! Really love the fresh way how you teach your lessons, Matt 🙂
Hey Matt,
Now after 10 yrs with Lightroom and ACR … I finally got it!! 🙂 One question. If you are just planning on doing Density, should you keep the flow at 100%. Do you ever run across a situation where you do both Flow and Opacity. Most of the time I use Flow to build up usually set to 5 or 10 and then slowly build up, but leave my density to 50% … Am I counteracting my flow settings?
Thanks,
Dennis
Hey Dennis – in a way it is counteracting because density at 50% means it’ll never build up to whatever you have your sliders set to. But at the end of the day, if the photo looks good then nothing else matters 🙂
Great tutorial Matt, learn something every time I watch your videos.
Thanks.
Thanks Matt for tutorials. Your step by step of the differences was very helpful and when you are explaining your presentation is very clear.
An excellent instructional video. A keeper for sure!
Thanks, Matt. Very informative.
Great explanation. Thank you. Subtle difference that I’d never figure out!
This is great Matt. Very clear and concise. You are very good teacher. I have learned so many things from your tutorials.
Great and very clear tutorial.
The function of all the sliders are clear now for me.
Thanks so much for sharing, excellent tutorial
Great tutorial Matt. Another brush mystery solved!!
I appreciate you so much Matt. Your little tricks as you call them make big steps in my abilities. You have a delightful normal way of presenting that helps a lot. Seriously thank you.
Great video. Great new tools that I can’t wait to use
Thanks for the info…Very informative. I have used PS/LR for years but never knew this . I was wondering if you could address the …”Color” box at the bottom of the adjustment box.. Thanks Jean
Thank you, Matt! Excellent tutorial! Interesting and informative as always!
Thanks Matt, two great tips, really like the density tip.
Thanks Matt. That place is beautiful was there last May.
Great tutorial, as always, thanks Matt.
However I seem to be missing something, I cannot get “erase” to work.
Any suggestions?
Gilles
Not sure about that one. You should just have to click on it and you’re in Erase mode.
Excellent tutorial. I feel more comfortable about using the Adjustment Brush.
Thank you Matt! Now on instead creating a lot of New brush adjustments, I will just use one or two and manipulate with Density and Flow.
Thank you so much Matt. Now I have a better understanding.
Kenny, Clearwater, Fl.
Great tip on how to use Density! I’ve always left it at 100% and just used flow but I like your model of how to use Density. Thanks!
Thanks Matt for another enlightening tutorial, always find them interesting and so useful.
thanks for the explanations!
You are the best teacher of Lightroom and Photoshop on the planet.
Thank Bill! 🙂
Matt,
Thank you so much. Your step by step and samples of the differences was very helpful. Now I have a clear understanding.
Your fan in Naples, FL.
Thanks Matt, this is a great help. Each time I watch one of your videos I despise LR just a little bit less!
Thanks Matt! Awesome tips. Now I can put my extra pin cushion away.
So that’s how it works. Thank you, Matt!
Is there a comparable technique in On1PhotoRaw2018? I am just now taking your On1 course but jumped into this video because I do a LOT of my adjusting with curves and a history brush in PS. This video shows me a better way in PS, but want to see how much I can use On1 instead.
Hey Cathy – Unfortunately, ON1 doesn’t have this feature or any way to simulate it.
Two more arrows in my post-processing quiver! Thanks for that Matt. A very clear explanation of flow and density. I can’t wait to improve some of my old images.
Thanks Matt, really great tip.
Thanks for adding “clarity” to flow and density.
Tlhank you for demonstrating clearly such an amazing time saver. One can be much more precise than with other masking and toninig options.
Thank you Matt—lots of questions answered today!
Amazing, now, a new tool for me! Thank you
Great Video. Answered a lot of questions I had on brush usage.
Thanks!
Wow ! Thanks Matt. Makes it so clear.
Great, good explanation, thanks for posting.
Love the way you teach! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge!
Thanks Matt, you”re a great teacher and so generous to share these tips with all of us.
Just watched now…………… Am VERY glad I did. I use brushes in all of my work…….. you just made the lower section of the panel more productive for me ……..THANK YOU