People go on about selecting a creative digital skill, but many only speak about tech-related skills. Some skills are not in the tech industry but still make waves in our current world. One of these is photography, and it falls Under the digital and creative skill that you can learn and monetize. There are different opportunities for people who possess a mastery of this skill, and they also earn a lot online. They also use tools, and one of them is the LUTs which helps them give you pictures with better quality. If you are a photographer, you need to know how to use LUTs with Photoshop as you practice. So, let us check out the meaning, procedures, and other things you need to note about these two combination tools.
What Are LUTs
LUTs simply translates to Look Up Tables, and it’s a tool category that helps visual multimedia manipulators to work better. Many photographers do their editing while others only do editing alone, leaving out the other on-site activities. These LUTs are tools they implement to give pictures and videos better tones which they classify as color grading. LUTs come in both the 1D and 3D versions, and it is a great resource to get accurate results. They also help you achieve the desired results in the shortest amount of time with the slightest effort. Here are some of the benefits of using LUTs with Photoshop, especially if you didn’t consider them initially.
Importance And Benefits of Using LUTs With Photoshop
Presets is the tag team partner of LUTs, and they both give you improved benefits when editing images with them. Aside from the fact that they help you edit your photos faster, you also get pinpoint accuracy in your editing. It simply means that editing an image to fit a specific theme will manually give you slightly-off results. You will also find it hard to recreate the process accurately like the previous results during your editing. However, these LUTs give you accurate results without going off the mark that you set when creating them. Everyone has a deadline to meet, so you will always need a faster workflow regardless of your pending contract. So, it’s time for you to learn how to use LUTs with Photoshop for better image editing and color grading.
Guide To Using LUTs With Photoshop for Image Editing
Your 3D LUTs don’t just magically appear in your Photoshop editing environment or start affecting the images you have imported. You need to install them and pick them out from the respective window in the photoshop software before it works. You shouldn’t worry too much since the installation process is not like the process for software installation on your PC. However, it might be pretty technical, especially for newbies, so here are some steps to help you through the process.
- Open your layers panel
- Create an adjustment layer
- Pick the 3D LUT checkbox
- Select your Preferred LUT
- Repeat the process for other Images
Open your layers panel
The first thing you need to do is have your Photoshop installed, and your 3D LUTs downloaded on your PC. Next is to open your photoshop application and survey the windows at the top section where most categories are placed. Locate the window category and search the dropdown menu for the layers feature, which you will toggle on there. Once you do that, the layers panel will become visible on the right side, where you can easily access it.
Create an adjustment layer
Your next activity involves creating an avenue for bringing out your 3D LUTs so you can use them for editing. Head over to the right side of your application and click the button representing the adjustment layer to view the menu. Search for the color lookup feature in the pop-up menu and connect it to reveal the setting for LUTs. It will create an adjustment layer for color lookup holding the same title, allowing you to edit the settings.
Pick the 3D LUT checkbox
There are three icons on that particular selection: a blank white page, a chain, and a table-like icon. You should click the table-like icon to reveal an extra hidden setting containing some options for 3D LUTs. Click the 3D LUTs option from the list, and you will get a dialogue box with a dropdown for selections. The dropdown is the list where you get to choose your preferred LUT but will hold frequently used LUTs.
Select your Preferred LUT
Once you can access the dropdown menu, you will see a list of LUTs you use frequently but not all. All you have to do is click the insert 3D LUTs and visit the directory where you store them all. Your directories might be different depending on the source where you get your LUTs and the Photoshop version you use. However, if you download them from browsers, then they should be in your download folder on your PC
Repeat the process for other Images
Once you find them, click on them, and they will be recorded among your frequently used LUTs on the layers panel. It will then apply the Image editing settings in the LUT file, helping you edit your image. Your next step is to save your results or export them since you wouldn’t want to start from scratch again. You can now repeat the LUT application for all the images you want to follow in that editing style.
Conclusion
Do not look down on photographers because their digital skill is also in high demand, especially as professionals. If you are one, then this step-by-step guide will help you in more ways to improve your skills. You get a faster workflow in addition to a more accurate editing process for all your images without any issues. Every client needs a professional, and you will definitely qualify since you know how to use LUTs with Photoshop. Leverage the help guide above and enjoy a hassle-free workflow that is open to professionals in the industry.