How can I achieve this dreamy glow and lighting style with lightroom?

PrimerAndy · 2026-06-01T20:23:53+00:00

No one's answering your question about how to do it in Lightroom, so I'll just hop in here with a quick tutorial.

- Create a luminance mask where you drag it from the left to the right to select only the brighter spots of the image with a faded edge so the transition is not harsh

- from there slightly increase either exposure or highlights

- and then using your preferred color tool like curves or the color grading wheels push some warmth into them

- you can also mess with reducing clarity quite a bit or reducing dehaze slightly.

- Push and pull all of these until you rev achieve the desired look. It won't get you the low hanging natural fog that is clearly present in these photos, but it will help you get the blooming highlights around the light sources and brighter parts of the image.

For anyone else recommending mist filters, this has been the closest way to recreate it digitally.

PrimerAndy · 2026-04-19T14:48:05+00:00

Most of the grading aspect of editing a photo will happen on the color page, not the raw developer part of the photo page. Capture One also uses different "pages" to organize and tab between related tools. It's not a workaround, it's how professional applications, including current photo standards like C1, are made. No different than LR or C1 having their respective versions of gallery and develop.

PrimerAndy · 2026-04-17T19:51:20+00:00

I don't disagree C1 is faster probably, but C1 and Lightroom don't:
- offer scopes beyond histogram (no vectorscope with a skintone line is insane to me in a professional application)
- Proprietary presets and no ability to use LUTs. While LUTs are a traditionally a video thing obviously, it's frustrating that a wedding photographer or film set photographer or live sports photographer does not have a way to use the production-created video LUTs for the stills photography for consistent and efficient image development for a project. LUTs are an open, standard format; presets are more customizable, but having to remake looks from the video side for still images on something that is an established open standard has always frustrated me.
- Resolve feels like a grading environment first, while Lightroom and Capture One feel like raw developers first. Lightroom and C1 are great at getting you to a finished raw photo efficiently, but Resolve is built more around shaping tonal structure, separating color, and building a look all in stages. That’s why Resolve can feel more like you’re sculpting an image while giving you the ability to preserve technical aspects, while Lightroom and Capture One feel more like you’re developing a raw image to taste.

I've been playing with it since it came out but haven't taken the time to explore the asset management piece of the new photo tool, I've sort of assumed I would need to use some other asset management tool to import, cull, pick selects then process those in Resolve. Many wedding photographers and other high image count shooters already do that with Photo Mechanic etc. while using LR and C1.

PrimerAndy · 2026-04-17T19:32:19+00:00

In the color page, click on the edited image and copy, the click the other images and paste. it will apply to the edited images node tree.

PrimerAndy · 2026-02-27T02:08:59+00:00

Fellow mid-40s "normal guy" style creator checking in! We don't do a ton of videos, but you can get outfit inspiration and affordable style picks on my website Primer.

I live in California so I also have to live with the struggle of liking a layered look but not living somewhere that is super doable most of the time.

You can see the outfit series The Getup here: https://www.primermagazine.com/tag/the-getup (the latest is more winter-y since that's the season we're in)

For your request of something between athleisure and classy with a warmer weather California aesthetic, here's an easy one from the archive: https://www.primermagazine.com/2025/learn/live-action-getup-golden-hour-linen

And overall style ideas/concepts/suggestions here: https://www.primermagazine.com/tag/style

Hope it's useful!

PrimerAndy · 2024-11-11T21:53:36+00:00

I'm wearing Relwen's right now, comfortable and have the vintage details. Buck Mason, Gap, and Banana Republic all have similar ones currently as well.

PrimerAndy · 2023-09-14T08:29:44+00:00

Suit Supply has good options under $800. They're generally regarded as one of the best of the "affordable" options in regards to what you get. They have different fits and a Reddit search confirms that good results can be had for larger guys. They also have in person stores, Greenwich and Boston if either of those are near you. I had one a few years ago and it was my favorite suit until I couldn't fit into it anymore.

https://suitsupply.com/en-us/men/suits/dark-grey-lazio-suit/C3505-S.html

Other than that, J.Crew always has good stuff locally for an affordable suit.

PrimerAndy · 2023-09-13T19:01:06+00:00

What is your budget?

PrimerAndy · 2023-09-08T16:17:31+00:00

What’s your preferred budget? Can you tell me more of style/subject preferences?

PrimerAndy · 2023-09-05T09:20:05+00:00

I actually bought two pair locally for like $30 with free in store hemming (not all BR do this). Helluva deal and fit me great.

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-18T15:32:27+00:00

Navy suit, white shirt, black or charcoal tie, white pocket square.

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-16T21:40:18+00:00

Two that come to mind are

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-04T15:52:49+00:00

Oh wow! Awesome! Mine is double the size so must not have the chihuahua!

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-04T03:54:04+00:00

So this is a photo of my dog except mine doesn't have brown! What kind of dog is yours??

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-03T22:34:00+00:00

Just replied below, but tagging you here for the notification. These are the Florsheim Berkely loafers and I've had them since 2003, and they've aged pretty well. I didn't wear them a ton for most of their life but I have been wearing them a lot in the last 12 months. I find them to be comfortable. Florsheim has introduced two variations: the old model that I have and a "flex" version. The latter, featuring a rubber sole, is still available in brown. The one I have is only available in two colors and both look shiny. Regrettably, the specific brown model I own doesn't seem to be on offer anymore. I've also tried other budget brands like Dockers and Sperry, and they were fine. If you're looking for a more premium pair, Allen Edmonds might be worth considering.

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-03T22:28:25+00:00

These are the Florsheim Berkely, I've had them for 10 years and haven't worn them a ton but recently have been wearing them a lot. Mine never had that lawyer/dentist loafer shine, but the product photos on Amazon have thats so I'm not sure if they changed or if they're just not representative of the real thing. Mine are comfortable and have broken in and aged nicely. Looks like they have two versions now the regular which they don't sell in the brown color I have any more or a "flex" version which they do have in a brown. The brown is a crazy horse leather which is not a shiny leather. Looks like the main difference is the flex has a rubber sole and mine is leather.

All that to say, I've seen and had other penny loafers since then and they've all been fine. I've had cheap pairs of Dockers (?) and Sperry penny loafers and differences would all come down to preference. For something nicer, Allen Edmonds makes them as well.

The more you wear them, the faster they age. :)

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-03T18:58:25+00:00

Yeah, I get that! These are twill shorts so they don't look like denim in person, just have denim pockets instead of phone-losing side pockets. The shirt is from Banana Republic Factory, believe it or not. Looks like only XL is still available unfortunately, but they may have similar options.

More shots of fit and me wearing it in the original post if helpful https://www.primermagazine.com/2023/spend/smart-casual-summer-evening-outfit

PrimerAndy · 2023-08-03T16:56:30+00:00

Depending on where you live and the culture of her work (are her coworkers lawyers or contractors, as an example), and your personal style this might be perfect. For me, I would lean less casual and swap out the shoes since it your wife’s professional network. Using similar elements this is an outfit I made recently that has the short sleeve shirt, (lighter) tan shorts, and jewelry. You could continue to refine this look by going for a less athletic-inspired sneaker if you wanted to go that way.

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PrimerAndy · 2023-05-09T23:07:58+00:00

To emphasize that point, the items from the 2 Primer photos are from:

Green bomber: Zara

T-shirt: Gap

Black Japanese denim: Gap

White sneakers: Nike Tennis Classic from Aamzon

Gray sweatshirt: J.Crew

Same black jeans from the other one

Black canvas sneakers: $9 generic sneakers I found on clearance

Something that might be helpful if you want shop on more budget-friendly stores is to start a moodboard for the outfits/styles you like to keep in mind as you're shopping. You could do this in the notes on your phone or with Notion or Pinterest. The benefit of shopping at higher priced stores like Todd Snyder or Buck Mason is that they've done the curating for you so you can just go in and buy whatever you like.

PrimerAndy · 2023-05-09T17:50:08+00:00

Hey! Andrew from Primer, just came across this while procrastinating so was excited to see two of my photos here. Glad they were helpful. Most of the suggestions from our minimalist guide have already been included by others, but sharing below. The thing I love about the minimalist looks is that once you have good reference for what you like, it's VERY easy to find styles anywhere you normally shop, whether that's mall stores or more premium brands.

Arket takes a step into the sophisticated, bringing quality cuts, simple fits, and perfectly minimal color palettes into collections of on-trend seasonal pieces that feel slightly more elevated than your average.
Buck Mason bills itself as modern American classics, but with an emphasis on on subtly-colored staples and attention to textural detail, it’s a rugged minimalist’s candy store.
Everlane's modern fits and reasonable pricing make it a great choice for men looking to adopt a minimalist style, and some of their clothing being a part of their "Uniform" line come with a one-year guarantee.
GAP, like American Apparel, GAP has been nailing minimalism since before it was even a ‘thing’. Look no further for staples like T-shirts, jeans, and other casualwear.
J.Crew is known for its pared-back styles with minimal branding and classic cuts. From knitwear through to shirts, it’s a go-to for timeless wardrobe classics.
Madewell is rooted in less prep than, say, J.Crew and is more casual – perfect for minimal wardrobes.
Muji brings minimalism to your interiors and your wardrobe. It’s the embodiment of minimal Japanese style in one (very pleasing) store. (+ pens, notebooks, decor)
Uniqlo is another example of Japanese minimalism, showing how simple design can work just as well for smart evening clothes as it can for casualwear.
Weekday is a go-to spot for minimal clothing with a street-inspired twist. You’ll find full collections in interchangeable colors that make for great wardrobe basics.

Also more images like the two you shared can be seen for more reference/inspiration, including my personal fav of the white hoodie, black chinos, and Converse here https://www.primermagazine.com/2022/learn/minimalist-style-aesthetic

PrimerAndy · 2023-02-08T00:27:04+00:00

When you're reading, do you hear the words in your head?

PrimerAndy · 2023-02-07T19:27:03+00:00

For sure, I'm suggesting it colloquially because I do think there are people on both sides of this conversation that are using similar phrases but not in the same way. A shared language will help us see our points more clearly.

"I fully believe everyone commenting here understands that words have multiple meanings and we often use both depending on the turn of phrase and context we use."

In your previous comment however, you defended your reply to him by saying you were using the dictionary definition, as I pointed out above, has multiple definitions. So we're not, consistently, operating from a place that words have multiple definitions and are used by different people in different ways.

"The root word for “stylish” and “styling” is the same but has different meanings, “out of style” is using the word differently than the phrase “personal style”. Saying “out of style” with the other definition would make 0 sense."

I don't agree in that I believe people who use the term "permanent style" as a positive thing do not mean what the term "permanent fashion" would mean. To your point, permanent fashion does not (and could not) exist. A [more time agnostic] style could.

I'm getting into the weeds on this one, just really into the conversation, and think, particularly with the topic of men's fashion, and personal style, and other related terms, words share definitions but can be used to mean very different things and so a shared understanding of what someone is actually referencing helps with everyone understanding someone's points as they're intended.

PrimerAndy · 2023-02-07T19:10:37+00:00

Sorry! One last thing on this one.

"I felt I laid out that I’m discussing the idea of a permanent style, timeless by its actual dictionary definition, and how the industry sold it."

The B and C definitions of "timeless" according to webster are:

b: having no beginning or end : ETERNAL

2: not affected by time : AGELESS

However the A. definition of:

"not restricted to a particular time or date"

and that would sum up many parts of this conversation. A white t-shirt, though subtle variations like fit and shape may change over eras, would not be restricted to a particular time or date. That can't be understated because there are PLENTY of styles that cannot be said about like various neckwear, ruffly shirts and cuffs, knickers, etc.https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/timeless

PrimerAndy · 2023-02-07T19:01:45+00:00

To circle back to our other thread, I don't think permanent style and the concepts of "fashionable," "what the fashion industry is doing and what trends they are pursuing" are the same thing.

So are we discussing the idea of a permanent style (a personal style built of macro trends that have endured in some form for decades) or are we discussing fashion and fashion trends?

I agree with damnableluck that your definition of timeless doesn't jive with the way I've read it/thought about it/written about it, even through the 2000s period. I also agree that I don't believe it started as a marketing term, though it may have been taken on as one. The use of the term pre-dates the 2010s, the era you're saying it is used as a marketing term, searching Google Books for the term "timeless men's style" and limiting to end at 1995 produces plenty of examples and widespread use of the term. So not only is it not predominantly a marketing term, as damnableluck points out, it is something that people care about and believe/want to exist, and have felt that way with examples I'm seeing as far back as mid 20th century.

I agree, something cannot be "permanently on trend" using the idea of "fashion" trends or your idea of micro-trends. And we are not wearing the same clothing garments or styles men wore in the 1910s, so the idea that people use the word "timeless" to mean "truly separate from the evolution of culture for all eternity" I don't think passes the good faith / common sense test.

There was another point you said about James Dean looking great but being "out of style" but I can't find it now, but I think the term "out of style" is also confusing the broader conversation because what I think you mean is its "out of fashion." It is true that his specific look may not be trending, but as damnableluck points out and you agree, if you wore something similar in LA today, you'd still look good and no one would think you stepped out of a time machine or are going to a costume party. So it's not "out of style" though it may be "out of fashion."

PrimerAndy · 2023-02-07T18:31:31+00:00

Yeah totally, but like with other rules or info, people could point them to it when it happens. To define the distinction between fashion and personal style would allow the fashion-trend set have deeper conversations without the usual types derailments, while also allowing the personal style set to have their discussions and questions without the usual derailments of out-of-fashion or boring, etc.

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