EDITING Natural Light Portraits in Lightroom | Light and Airy Photography Tutorial

In this Lightroom editing tutorial I'll be sharing the step-by-step process for how to edit natural light portraits in Lightroom to achieve a light and airy look to the photos.
➡️ Get more details on my photography course, Shoot to Edit: shoottoedit.che...
➡️ Free Lightroom Preset: bit.ly/2mdmAcS
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▷ ALSO WATCH - Part 1: ‘How to Shoot Natural Light Portraits’, with shooting tips and techniques for creating a clean, light, bright and airy look that's popular with portrait and wedding photography.
• How to Shoot Light & A...
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Let's Connect!
▷ INSTAGRAM: / chelseanicolephoto
▷ FACEBOOK: / chelseanicolepho. .
SUBSCRIBE for future Lightroom editing workflow + post processing tutorials for portrait and wedding photographers!
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Music Credit:
Retro by Hurley Mover: / hurleymower
ABOUT THIS VIDEO
In this Lightroom photo editing tutorial for photographers I share a full breakdown of my post processing workflow and how I edit portraits in Lightroom to achieve a refined and filmic, light and airy photography style (without losing highlight details.) The light and airy & bright and airy photography style is popular for both portrait photography and wedding photography, especially for natural light portraits - and is a style that's favored by many of the top blogs and magazine editors. I hope this tutorial sharing how to edit light and airy images inspires you to give this style a try! I've also shared my import preset for free for you to try our on your own photos. :) Link for free light and airy preset: bit.ly/2mdmAcS
Happy editing!
Xo
Chelsea

[@ChelseaNicole]

Hey guys! If you liked this tutorial here's a playlist I made with lots more Lightroom editing tutorials sharing different techniques for creating high-end, filmic light and airy images: ua-cam.com/video/PbUNuovNq8s/v-deo.html Happy editing! 🤗 XOXO

[@jusuras]

Chelsea Nicole Photography f

[@randolfvibora5085]

I like the work flow and ofcourse I hit the subscribe button. 😊

[@robsenangote7954]

Josh Susuras

[@KM-gi9ni]

I have spent *hundreds* on well-known preset packages trying to make my workflow more efficient and so far they all do a little too much to my images - which mine don’t need. Finally with your tutorials I know exactly what needs tweaking - way less than the very expensive presets I’ve purchased! I used your tricks on a recent shoot and it was exactly what I see on the back of my camera, which is exactly what I want. Thank you for your knowledge and skills Chelsea!

[@vocabularyoffood]

Possibly the most helpful tutorial that I have ever watched for making portraits bright and airy! Thank you so much.

[@NewLayer]

This is so much different from how I normally edit! It’s great to learn how other people get different looks. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[@Annabellelinker]

This is by far the most helpful editing walkthrough I’ve ever watched

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks so much Annabelle! I'm so happy it was helpful 🤗

[@markuswilliams9785]

I love this I love most that you don’t spend a lot of time on one image, you already know what you wanna go for and voilà lol spending to much time on a image I think you will get lost and “do to much” great video!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Haha, totally agree. Editing can easily become very time consuming, which isn’t always realistic workflow-wise. So glad you enjoyed this video! Thanks Markus! 🙏🏻😊

[@stempipteenspc2221]

Since I subscribed to your channel, I discovered a whole new world. I found everything that I need and I'm so greatful to you Miss Chelsea. Send love from the Philippines 💗

[@lesliebarton5178]

How can you be so young and know so much?! I will be revisiting your videos often.

[@smedz28]

the previous video and this one are probably the most useful tutorials i've come across on this style of shooting/editing

[@ChelseaNicole]

smedz28 - Thanks so much!!

[@AscendantNomad]

Brilliant. As a video guy myself branching into photography, this kind of detail and breakdown of Lightroom is really fantastic. The final turned out really beautiful too. Subbed.

[@Toulzah]

Thanks Chelsea, this has literally curbed by recent frustration with getting edits to look the way I want them! I’m using some of these techniques but not quite as bright (so somewhere inbetween natural and this) to redefine my own style. I know in my head what I wanted my images to look like, but didn’t know how to achieve it until now! Thanks again

[@lucindaflint9570]

So enjoy watching. Thanks Chelsea Nicole. Good info for all levels.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Aw, Thanks Lucinda! I’m so happy you enjoyed it! :) XO

[@ashtrals701]

Thank you for making a video that isn't so reliant on presets! I had a few photos with a light look to them already and wanted to make them even better. Your tutorial did exactly that! Definitely subscribed and will be checking out more of your content! :)

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Ashtrals!! :) Let me know if you have any requests for future vids!

[@alejandroscarlata]

Thank you for your preset Chelsea!

[@ChelseaNicole]

You’re welcome! 🤗

[@samedayeditfilmsandtciphot1275]

Thanks for these techniques, which have become essential to making a living as a wedding photographer. Your expertise is great!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Faith! Glad you enjoyed these tips! I can't wait to share more. :)

[@abdooubach]

Best tutorial i've ever seen

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Abdou!!

[@monicaaguinaga2660]

omg this was amazing! ive been editing in lightroom for 6 years and I learned a few tricks.

[@anitap.3562]

Awesome tutorial. I usually hate watching tutorials, but yours are easy to follow. Thanks so much!!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Anita!! :)

[@xeler8r]

Amazing!!! Especially how you do the skin tones!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks so much! :)

[@cstratag4946]

Please keep creating content! You’re great. Thank you!!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks for the encouragement Cstrata! Took a little break, but I love creating content for you guys so def lots more coming! Btw, your waterfall proposal was epic! 🙌

[@JackysDailyLife]

Thank you so much! I saw so many tutorials before and every look I saw was so unnatural. You show just so few steps to get that nice result! You made my day. :)

[@ChelseaNicole]

Aww thanks Jacky! This comment made MY day. :) I'm so happy my tutorial was helpful!

[@sirdervisvlog9858]

so informative getting hooked by your style of light and airy

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Dervis! 😊

[@tedanthonytarona8355]

As soon as I saw this video, I immediately liked it! I also subscribed. Thank you!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks so much Ted!! Glad you liked it! I’m looking forward to making more like this. :)

[@simonsmith8783]

Really nice to eat some new alternatives to editing work flow. Very useful

[@ChelseaNicole]

So glad you found it useful Simon! :)

[@SchemeEvents]

Wow! I have a whole new appreciation for your editing time! Unbelievable. I will never understand all those terms, but if you ever do a video tutorial on iPhone photos I would be all eyes and ears! Haha

[@ChelseaNicole]

Haha, thanks Tara! This was a quick editing workflow too. 😘 I’ll add the iPhone suggestion to my list of ideas! I’ve actually been thinking about doing an apps video.

[@GentryGamingHD]

I’m new to photography so I really appreciate this. Thank you!!!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Charles! I’m so happy it was helpful. :)

[@valentynaryan3335]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! This tutorial made my day!

[@ChelseaNicole]

So happy you liked it Valentyna! :)

[@mirandavandenberk786]

Thank you so much,I follow this step by step. Its look amazing on my pictures. You so kind sharing this❤

[@ChelseaNicole]

You're so welcome! I'm glad it's helpful! 💖

[@gpraneeth3140]

Thank you

[@chanakasunanda8881]

Thank you

[@kathychaos8682]

Thank you for this video and the preset! I'd like to see more videos like this one, very helpful of you telling us how much is too much and why you are adjusting certain settings. Keep it up, I'm excited to learn more. Thank you!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Kathy! I’ll definitely make more vids like this one. Anything specific I should cover? Let me know! :)

[@kathychaos8682]

It really helps to have the before and after pictures. Personally, I prefer to see creative edits on humans and maybe animals, and some travel images, you know everyday stuff. I would love to see how you could take a regular iphone pic (i have plenty to share, LOL) and turn it into a DSLR image by editing it in LR. Also, it really helps when you tell us your vision for the image or what you are trying to achieve like you did in this video (lighter skin, weird shadows, better coloring, etc). This way you can take us thru your steps of getting there- you did a great job in this video and I feel like you already know what I just said.

[@arcanefilms9380]

Do you have any tutorials on how to make those creamy lens flares you showed in the beginning photos? Thanks!

[@CALLMEaKiNG1]

You're super dope for this!!! Tha I you I have a lot a clients that love this look, but I had a hard time trying to pull it off! Love you

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Akeem!! 🤗 Hope this video helped you achieve the look you wanted!

[@Mp3mahes]

Excellent Video. Thank you

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Mahesh! 🙂

[@08nicoleella]

Thank you for this!

[@cpinch73]

Great tutorial thank you

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Christopher! ♥

[@brittanyward9647]

This is amazing and SO helpful. Thank you and please post more!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Brittany! I’m so happy it was helpful! And going to be posting LOTS more in 2018. Send any questions or video requests my way. :)

[@brittanyward9647]

Chelsea Nicole Photography Can’t wait! Maybe a video on the mobile Lightroom app and how you can achieve similar results to the desktop version for those folks on the go ?

[@ChelseaNicole]

I LOVE this idea Brittany. :) I'm loving the new Lightroom mobile app!

[@kathysimindinger8753]

Great video. I love your instructions. Thank you

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Kathy! :)

[@mackysanandres580]

This is what I'm looking for. Thank you :)

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Machy! Happy it helped :)

[@series7thevlog]

Awesome

[@kurtyphotography7959]

Thank you so much for sharing! I've been looking for a tutorial like this for a long time. Your editing method is awesome!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Kurty!! I'm so happy it was helpful! :)

[@gabutajaa6768]

Thank you so much for sharing❤

[@ludivinegilsoul3992]

thanks for this video! it s a big help for me :)

[@ChelseaNicole]

You're so welcome, I'm glad it was helpful!

[@timetravelertales24]

nice job i will try this color tones on my photos

[@Ressimage]

great color tone!!!

[@lgrayespilates]

In the skin softening section, there was no mention of what brush was used. Or was there a different setting to use?

[@darciterry2333]

Love this, Can't wait for more editing videos :)

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Darci! Let me know if you have any requests! I have a new one coming in a couple weeks & can't wait to share more. :)

[@TheShawnsmith10]

This was a GOOOOOOOD tutorial! Very nice

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Shawn! :)

[@jenbrooker2554]

Thank you! Great tutorial!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Jen! :)

[@viktoriatschernenko]

thank you so much for this video!

[@ChelseaNicole]

You're so welcome! :)

[@escuelacerogrados]

You are such a great teacher... can you share with me (if possible) the raw picture to practice what you did?

[@WilsonKowaleski]

Fantastic thanks for your time, effort, and energy on this. Likewise thanks for sharing!

[@redpanda-zk1rd]

Incredible!

[@west4coast77]

Nicely done. Great work and thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Ken! :)

[@tami_zee]

really love this tutorial! I am gonna try it now, thanks!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Tamara! Would love to hear how it works out for you. :)

[@SoundArtsOnline]

Amazing video. Thank you so much!

[@chanysandel5280]

Thanx for sharing..loved it

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Chany! :)

[@michelejones3049]

Thanks. Learn't a lot and it was really helpful.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Michele! Happy it was helpful. :)

[@DianeCrystal]

This is so beautiful!! Thank you✨🙌

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks girl!! 🤗💕

[@mrzacvaughn5921]

Try increasing the saturation all the way, then adjusting the WB before you do anything else. (then bring the saturation back down obviously)

[@ritabarreiros1]

Thank you!! This was super helpful xx

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Rita! :) XO

[@davidnle]

love it.. thanks

[@MariaMunoz-rz1nz]

Amazing tutorial! Thank you!!!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Maria!! :)

[@krg3604]

Excellent tutorial. Thanks.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Keith!

[@jdoud6]

Are you using your 85mm lens in this shot? Sorry if you already mentioned this!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Hey Jdoud! Yep! This was taken with a Nikon 85mm 1.4 :)

[@Risa846]

Speechless. I love your work 😍😇😇 GBU.

[@ChelseaNicole]

Aww thanks so much Risadaroi 🤗❤

[@jerwillebonita4774]

nice... ill try that tactics//...

[@dagmaradrza6552]

This is realy good! I must try :)

[@amberlewis5484]

This is gorgeous! nicely done

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks so much Amber! :)

[@exrobert211]

Do you use a Sony? Great tutorial.

[@mariahelenabernarda7076]

Hi Chelsea. You are amazing! I would love to get those presets.

[@ingridschnader1231]

This is great! Thanks so much.

[@ChelseaNicole]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching! :)

[@elielc2431]

Awesome tutorial, Love itl!! gotta try out!! =) ...2 questions: 1. Why I did't get the presets? 2. there is a bit of chromatic aberration in her veil, if you remove it, will the photo be affected ? Thanks a lot for this amazing tutorial once again!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Eliel!! Glad you enjoyed the video! 😊
1. Did you end up getting my Lightroom preset? It can a take a few minutes to come through, or may have also gone to promotions folder. If it still hasn’t come, just shoot me an email and I’ll make sure you get it! :)
2. I wanted to kept this video quick and super focused on how I create light & airy style images. But I would remove the CA (and a couple other subtle micro m-tweaks) to put the finishing touches on this photo. I def plan to do more editing videos, so I’ll be sure to touch on that in future!

[@ClaudiaGoodwin]

Can you post a video about how you set up your camera for a shoot? (:

[@ChelseaNicole]

Love this video idea Claudia. :) To clarify - Do you mean how I clean, prep and pack my camera + gear before a shoot, or more-so the general settings I use, etc.?

[@markangelo2065]

this is amazing ! I already followed you on instagram! :)

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Mark! :)

[@llamarvasquez1803]

Awesome tutorial beautiful image!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Llamar! :)

[@getnull]

great tutorial! thumbs up.
one question. what would be the best white balance when shooting wedding and use this kind of color grading? thank you so much! 😘

[@MarkHunter-j5o]

nice, do you take private photo retouching work?

[@srmoscat]

Thank you!!!!!

[@monicab28]

What did you use for the skin softening?

[@vancourverite7779]

thank you

[@David-qw8lb]

Thank you for sharing. It helped me really a lot
:)

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks David! So great hearing it helped! :)

[@woox200sx]

What is the shutter speed so high? Wouldn’t you be better off shooting at a lower ISO and shutter speed so you could have more dynamic range?

[@taraliesandon7250]

Hi Chelsea, The link for the preset said it cannot be found. Is there still a way to receive it? Thanks!

[@sallygo7984]

which brush did you use to soften the skin? thank you amazing style

[@99secondsTrip]

thank you for this

[@fndbiscain]

Great vídeo, I just got a nice result in a similar picture I have!!! Thanks very much.

[@ChelseaNicole]

That’s amazing!! 😃 🙌🏻 so happy my video helped!

[@garretthandwork5440]

Do you shoot using Kelvin? Does shooting with a higher kelvin help make this preset work better? I noticed your photos SOOC seemed to have warmer skin tones. What sort of metering mode do you use? Thanks so much! This is so helpful!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Hey Garrett! Yes - I shoot all manual in RAW - including white balance which I'll dial based on what I plan to do later. For a lot of areas in photography (still life, landscapes, etc) shooting flatter allows you more flexibility - except when working with in skin tones. If you shoot to cool it can be hard to artificially introduce that natural ‘warmth’ back into the skin tones, so I do tend to shoot a slightly on the warmer side. But at the same time - you don't want to shoot TOO overly warm where you're blowing out any of your RGB channels, since there's no recovering from that even in RAW. It’s good to strike a nice balance based on the end result you want (and retaining all the image data), then you can dial things in to be perfect in post.
Glad you liked the video!! Hope this helps! 😊

[@extreme748]

Hi, can you show this for brown or dark skinned model?

[@michivanhalen7086]

Why do you use iso 320 when your shutter speed is this high?

[@t.b2923]

Is lightroom on your phone different than on a computer? I dont remember seeing all these features on my phone app.

[@jlo5134]

Love your work! Do you have more presets, whether free or for sale?

[@alenasuprun8870]

Would it be possible to do these edits on a tablet

[@axisimagery3198]

Great video!!

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks Axis!

[@ElizabethTaylorxo]

What kelvin do you shoot at?

[@mikmiklicayan4483]

Do you use nd filters?

[@kyawsan3211]

Thank q so much!! btw you've angel voice

[@yaridyusoff9246]

Tq chelsea

[@uptownphotography]

Nicely done....

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks! :)

[@DancingWithTim]

Great video! It's done very well! ;)

[@ChelseaNicole]

Thanks a bunch! :)

[@DancingWithTim]

You're more than welcome!! :)