When it comes to photo editing, everything seems possible. Our advanced technology nowadays has given us tons of options to facilitate various photo modifications and achieve certain results. However, we cannot deny that some of them are not a walk in the park. One of which is color grading. Obviously, this kind of procedure involves a lot of work, especially if you’re doing it from scratch. You have to make a number of adjustments one by one and go over them. But don’t worry. Photo LUTs have simplified the intricate process of color grading. If you wish to take this approach, all you need to do is select and apply a LUT. It’s just as simple as that.
In this article, we will talk about the role of LUTs in photography. We will suggest a few LUT selections and provide a short guide on how to apply them. Continue reading below to learn more.
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Can You Use LUTs in Videography?
The role of LUTs and the benefits they offer are remarkably useful nowadays. Imagine adding color modifications and getting stunning results with just the snap of a finger. Of course. That’s indeed a whole new level of convenience. Good thing the use of LUTs is not limited to photos only. So long as your LUT file is supported, you can import and apply them to videos, too. Yes. Wondershare Filmora allows you to do such configurations. This potent content-creation software is packed with advanced tools and tons of creative resources, including LUTs. Do you wish to give it a shot? If that is so, then read the discussions below to learn more.
Key Features
Wondershare Filmora has a lot to offer when it comes to video editing and content creation. To give you an idea, some of them are listed below. Check out the items and familiarize yourself with the function of each.
- 3D LUT: It allows you to apply LUTs to your video content. By default, Wondershare Filmora offers several selections. You can use them if you want to. On the one hand, you may also import LUTs from external resources. Let’s say you have some photo LUTs that are also compatible with videos. Then so, you can run these assets into the platform and apply them to your project.
- Simple and advanced video editing: It is equipped with numerous tools that can help you perform a variety of video editing techniques.
- Various creative resources: It is home to a large library of creative assets that you can access and use within the platform. Among them are stock images, video clips, audio bits, effects, filters, and many others.
- Custom-tailored video templates: It offers tons of ready-made video templates that you can easily customize based on your preferences.
- Artificial intelligence: It provides access to a variety of AI-powered tools that you can integrate into your creation process. To name a few, these are AI Copywriting, AI Text-To-Speech, AI Copilot Editing, AI Smart Cut Out, AI Voice Enhancer, and many others.
- Flexible video export options: It allows you to render and export videos in different formats. Among the supported file types are MP4, WMV, AVI, MOV, F4V, MKV, 3GP, MPEG-2, WEBM, GIF, and MP3.
Step-By-Step Guide
Wondershare Filmora has a very responsive and intuitive interface. If you wish to apply some photo LUTs to your video content, you can surely do it in a snap. Just make sure that the LUT file is supported by the video editing platform. Do you want to give it a shot? If that is so, then check out the tutorial written below. Read the instructions very well and follow the indicated steps accordingly.
Step 1: Download the Wondershare Filmora application application from its official website. Right after, install it on your computer.
Step 2: Run the newly installed video editing software on your desktop afterward. Once it fully loads up, head over to the main dashboard and click New Project to start editing. Alternatively, scroll down to the Local Projects section and open an existing session if there is any available.
Step 3: After that, go to the Elements Panel and click Import under the Media tab. Select all the files you will use and then upload them to the platform. Once completed, grab the files one by one and drag them to the Editor Timeline.
Step 4: At this point, you can now commence the actual editing of your video content. Start by finalizing the arrangement of the assets based on your preferences. At the same time, make all the necessary adjustments to avoid unwanted disruptions later on. For instance, you may trim or split the unnecessary video clips, fix the audio timing, add visual effects, and the like.
Step 5: Once done, it’s about time to add some video-compatible photo LUTs. Don’t worry. The process is similar when you use LUTs in photography. To get started, head back to the Editor Timeline and select a video clip.
Step 6: A new panel will open on the right-side corner of your workspace. From there, navigate to the Color tab to access all the related settings. Go over the options under Basic and find LUT. Switch on the toggle button next to it to enable the LUT feature. If you wish to use the default LUT collection of Wondershare Filmora, click the LUT Preset menu and select one from the given options. Meanwhile, tap the Add button beside it and upload your preferred photo LUTs if you wish to import from external sources. The effect will be applied immediately as soon as you select the LUT you prefer to use.
Step 7: Wondershare Filmora offers a couple of options to help you customize your output. Just move the Strength and Protect Skin Tones sliders to your desired level or enter a specific percentage into their respective input fields.
Step 8: Finally, play and review the output. Check if the photo LUTs match the style you expect to achieve. If you are satisfied with the results, tap the Export button right above the Preview Panel to render the video and save a copy to your computer. Otherwise, continue making adjustments until a desirable outcome is achieved.
How to Use and Apply Photo LUTs?
At present, many image-processing apps are highly supporting the use of LUTs. They offer a variety of selections and allow users to import from external sources. That said, it’s no surprise that LUTs in photography are now widely preferred. Do you want to try it on your end? If so, below is a tutorial on how to apply photo LUTs using Adobe Photoshop.
Step 1: Launch the Adobe Photoshop application on your desktop and open the image file you want to edit.
Step 2: After that, head over to the right-side panel and click the New Adjustment Layer button under the Layers tab. Select Color Lookup from the list of options.
Step 3: A new Properties panel will pop up on the screen. From there, select 3DLUT File and click the drop-down menu next to it. Tap Load 3D LUT. Browse your local folder and choose the photo LUTs you prefer to use. The effect will be applied immediately as soon as you select the photo LUTs you wish to use.
5 Best Photo LUTs You Should Try
Are you planning to give photo LUTs a try on your next project? If that is so, then check out the list provided below. Browse the top five Photoshop and Affinity photo LUTs that can surely help you a lot in this regard.
Wildlife
Wildlife is the first on the list of free Photoshop and Affinity photo LUTs. It’s a simple video filter that increases the blue color tone of the image and reduces the temperature. You can take this option into consideration if you wish to create a cozy and cool visual effect.
Deep Shadow
Next is Deep Shadow. As the name suggests, this video filter has a strong shadow, contrast, exposure, and highlight configuration. You can also see a highlight of a reddish color tone around the frame while the depth and detail stand out. If you want such visual effects, Deep Shadow is indeed a great choice for you.
Frost Tint
Frost Tint is another option for the free Affinity and Photoshop LUTs. In a way, it looks a bit similar to Wildlife. Frost Tint also has a blue-dominant color tone. But compared to the former, this one has a higher configuration for exposure and brightness. If you want to apply such visual effects to your photos, Frost Tint is indeed an ideal option.
Cityscape
Are you looking for free Photoshop LUTs with a modern vibe? If so, Cityscape is indeed an ideal option in this regard. Apparently, this one has a high-contrast setting that enhances the detail, depth, and clarity of the image. Moreover, the configuration is set to bring out the natural color by setting the vibrance and saturation accordingly. Try this video filter if you wish to create a clean, professional, and decent look for your photos.
Vibrance
Last but not least is Vibrance. Obviously, this photo LUT has a strong vibrance setting. You can consider using it if your images are packed with colorful elements that need a little spotlight. Let’s say a purple sunset or a shot of lively nightlife in the city. For sure, Vibrance will create an outstanding visual effect in this regard.
Conclusion
LUTs in photography are now widely recognized in different parts of the world. Many graphic designers are opting for this tool in order to produce a stunning output very conveniently. You, too, should explore the ultimate power of photo LUTs. Integrate them into your creation process and make the most of the benefits they have to offer. Don’t sweat it. As mentioned earlier, there are tons of free Photoshop LUTs online. You just have to select one that suits your needs. As for video editors, download Wondershare Filmora. It is a potent video editing software that can help you produce stunning video content with the help of LUTs. Explore this platform and take advantage of its amazing functions.
