78 DIGITAL CAMERA^ JUNE 2019 http://www.digitalcameraworld.com
Create a matte retro look
f there’s one thing that seems
to be flourishing rather than
fading, it’s our appetite for
the antique – and this is even
true of our digital photos,
where retro colour is in fashion. Some of it
stems from the films we watch: they often
have their own unique colour palette to
evoke moods, and the colour changes
subtly as the movie progresses. Some of
it stems from a reaction to the harsh reality
of digital photographs: the clinical look is
cold in comparison to the warmth of the
Polaroids and slides of yesteryear.
And, of course, social media platforms
like Instagram and camera apps likeHipstamatic also drive this look through
the filter of nostalgia. Fortunately we’re not
restricted to our precise digital renderings,
and can inject a little analogue feel into
our photos with Lightroom.
The main tool for this in Lightroom is the
Point Curve. While you can colour photos
with Split Toning, the Point Curve offers far
more control. As well as allowing overall
contrast control, you get access to the
individual colour channels: red, green and
blue. This enables you to change the colour
hues within a photo as well. Using a mix
of points on the curve or even just by
moving the end points of the curve, you
can create really interesting looks quickly.I
FUNDAMENTALSFILE & VIDEO
Download the
disc: http://www.bit.ly/
dc217discSave a curve
If you’ve created a curve you
might want to reuse, you can
save it. From the Point Curve
dropdown, choose Save... to
create a new Curve preset. Name
the curve to have it show in the
menu, for use by both Lightroom
and Camera Raw. Anytime you
want to access it, just go to the
dropdown again and select it.After
Use the Point Curve in Lightroom to give your photos
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Before
Sean
McCormack
Sean McCormack is
a photographer and
writer, based in Ireland.
He’s the author of The
Indispensable Guide
to Lightroom CC.