How to Create a Glow Effect in Lightroom Like a Pro (Easy Guide)

Many photos look flat or lifeless, even when the subject is interesting. Without the right edits, images can feel dull, and the details you want to highlight might get lost. This can make your photos appear unfinished and less engaging.

Adding a glow effect can change that quickly. It brightens key areas, softens light, and gives images a polished, professional feel. In this guide, you will learn how to create this effect in Lightroom step by step, from setting up radial gradients to fine-tuning curves and colors. By the end, your photos will stand out with a soft, luminous look.

What Is the Glow Effect?

The glow effect is a visual style that makes parts of a photo appear softly lit or radiant. It creates a gentle light around objects, giving them a subtle shine or halo. This effect does not change the main colors but makes bright areas feel smoother and more luminous.

Visually, the glow effect softens edges and reduces harsh contrasts. Light sources, reflections, or highlights seem to spread slightly, which can make a scene feel warmer or dreamier. For example, sunlight filtering through leaves can be enhanced with a glow to make the rays appear more noticeable. A street lamp at night might gain a soft halo, giving the image a cozy feel.

The glow effect works well in several scenarios. Portraits often benefit from a slight glow on skin, which smooths textures without removing details. Landscapes with morning mist or fog can feel more magical with a subtle glow around light areas. Photos with reflective surfaces, like water or glass, also gain extra depth when a gentle glow is added.

In Lightroom, there are alternatives to create a similar effect. Using the Dehaze slider with negative values can soften the scene. Adding a small amount of Clarity reduction or adjusting the Highlights can also mimic a glow. Combining these adjustments with the Radial Filter or Adjustment Brush allows for controlled application on specific areas.

Step-by-Step Guide to Create a Glow Effect in Lightroom

Creating a glow effect can make your photos look soft and magical. It adds warmth and focus without changing the entire image. Keep reading for a clear step-by-step guide to achieve this effect in Lightroom.

Step 1 – Open the Image

Start by launching Lightroom and selecting the photo you want to edit. Click the Library panel to find your image, then switch to the Develop module. Hover over the image to make sure it loads fully. Take a moment to observe the areas you want to enhance. This initial look will guide your gradient placement later.

Step 2 – Open Radial Gradient

In the Develop panel, locate the Radial Gradient tool. It looks like an oval icon near the top of the adjustment panel. Click it to activate. You can also press the shortcut Shift + M to open the tool quickly. Notice the sliders appear on the right, ready for adjustments.

Step 3 – Create a Radial Gradient

Click and drag on your image to draw the gradient. The starting point marks the center of the effect, and the drag defines the size and shape. You can make it circular or oval, depending on the subject. The gradient overlay shows the area that will be affected.

Step 4 – Adjust Gradient Settings

Use the sliders in the panel to modify the gradient. Adjust Exposure to lighten or darken the area. Change Contrast to make details stand out. Move Highlights or Shadows sliders to refine brightness. Pay attention to the feathering circle, which softens edges and blends the effect naturally.

Step 5 – Adjust Color

Scroll down to the Color section in the gradient panel. Move the Temperature slider to warm or cool the area. Adjust Tint to shift the color slightly green or magenta. Subtle changes often work best, so make small adjustments and watch the image respond.

Step 6 – Adjust the Curve

Open the Tone Curve panel. Click Region Curve and adjust the curve line to fine-tune brightness and contrast within the gradient. Lift parts of the curve to brighten, pull down to darken. The curve gives more control than sliders alone.

Step 7 – Effects Settings

Scroll to the Effects section. Adjust Clarity to bring out texture or soften areas. Use Dehaze to reduce or add atmospheric haze. These sliders help the gradient blend naturally while highlighting key details.

Step 8 – Create More Radial Gradients

Add additional gradients for other areas of the image. Repeat the process: click, drag, and adjust sliders. Multiple gradients let you highlight subjects and adjust the background independently. Layer them carefully so the edits feel balanced.

Step 9 – Tweak or Delete Edits

Review your gradients. Click on any gradient pin to tweak settings. Move the sliders or change the size and feathering. If an effect does not work, select the pin and hit Delete. Don’t worry, removing a gradient does not affect the rest of your edits.

Step 10 – Final Comparison

Press the ** key to toggle between before and after views. This comparison shows the changes the gradients made. Zoom in to check details and ensure smooth transitions. Adjust any sliders further if an area looks too bright or too dark.

Step 11 – Save the Image

Once satisfied, click File > Export to save your image. Choose format, resolution, and destination folder. You can also create a preset for these gradient settings if you want to reuse them on other photos.

Add Glow Effect to Background in Three Quick Steps

Creating a soft glow behind your subject can make your photo stand out. This method is quick and gives clear results without complicated editing. Follow these three steps to add a subtle glow to your background.

Step 1 – Select the Subject

Click on the subject using the selection tool. Lightroom will create a mask around the area. Make sure the edges are smooth and cover the subject completely. This helps keep the glow effect on the background only.

Step 2 – Adjust Curve

Open the Tone Curve panel. Pull the highlights slightly up to brighten the background. Watch how the area behind the subject starts to glow. Small adjustments work best to keep the effect natural.

Step 3 – Adjust Dehaze

Go to the Effects panel and move the Dehaze slider left. This softens the background and adds a gentle glow. Slide slowly and check the visual balance so the subject remains clear.

After these three steps, your background should have a soft glow that draws attention to the subject. You can combine this with color adjustments or radial filters for extra emphasis. For more creative effects, try similar tutorials on light and texture enhancements.

Tips for Better Results

• Shoot with even lighting to reduce harsh shadows. Soft light helps colors and details stay natural.
  

• Use RAW images for more control over exposure, color, and detail during editing.
  

• Keep your camera steady. A tripod or stable surface prevents blur and keeps details sharp.
  

• Don’t overdo adjustments. Small changes often look more natural than extreme edits.
  

• Check your masks carefully. Make sure they only affect the areas you want to adjust.
  

• Stack multiple gradients or combine with brushes for tricky scenes. This adds precision without over-editing.
  

• Sync edits across similar photos to save time and maintain consistency.
  

• Take breaks while editing. Fresh eyes help you spot areas that need subtle corrections.
  

• Experiment with subtle color adjustments, but avoid drastic shifts that make the image feel unnatural.
  

• Combine gradients with other Lightroom tools, like the Tone Curve or Color Mixer, for balanced results.

Final Words: 

By adding a glow effect, your photos can feel softer and more lively. It highlights the important parts and gives a gentle spread. Using radial gradients, curves, and subtle color adjustments lets you control exactly where the glow appears. Small, careful changes often look better than big edits. With practice, this effect can make portraits, landscapes, and reflective scenes more appealing. Keep experimenting and layering adjustments, and your images will have a polished, professional look without losing their natural feel.

FAQs:

1. What is a glow effect?
A glow effect makes parts of a photo look softly lit. It adds a gentle shine or halo around objects without changing the main colors.

2. Can I use glow on portraits?
Yes. A slight glow on the skin can smooth textures and make the subject stand out while keeping details clear.

3. Will the glow effect work on landscapes?
Yes. It can enhance sunlight, mist, or reflections. It gives bright areas a soft, warm feel.

4. Do I need special tools in Lightroom?
No. You can create the effect using Radial Gradients, Adjustment Brush, Tone Curve, and sliders like Exposure, Highlights, and Dehaze.

5. How many gradients should I use?
It depends on your photo. Multiple gradients help highlight subjects and adjust the background separately. Start with a few and add more if needed.

6. Can I save my glow settings for other photos?
Yes. You can create a preset with your gradient and adjustment settings for future edits.

7. How do I make the glow look natural?
Keep adjustments small. Feather edges of gradients, adjust curves lightly, and avoid over-brightening. Check your masks to apply the effect only where needed.

8. Will using RAW images help?
Yes. RAW files give more control over exposure, color, and details, making it easier to create a smooth glow.