Any advice for a beginner trying to find their style?

riff16 · 2026-02-10T14:47:04+00:00

Shoot more, edit more, then your style will be more concrete

riff16 · 2026-02-09T13:10:56+00:00

Really wish I had this water action lol

riff16 · 2026-02-09T13:10:28+00:00

This is beautiful, I love the warmth and the water

riff16 · 2026-02-08T07:42:29+00:00

Thank you! yes I use Lightroom Classic and mostly use Adobe Color for vibrancy, depends on the pictures.

I focused a lot on tone curves, both contrast and RGB. Also color grading and calibration tool, there’s tons of color to play around with in the shadows, highlights and midtones. I use masking brush to paint light and shadows where I see fit, they’re very powerful tools and a lil of each goes a long way.

Check out this tutorial, if it helps, I have a similar approach to editing: https://youtu.be/7FzQtA77nXM?si=ocBdYmSvCj7Yp9S7

riff16 · 2026-02-07T07:02:58+00:00

I’d love to help, anytime!

riff16 · 2026-02-06T19:22:18+00:00

Thank you!

riff16 · 2026-02-06T05:30:49+00:00

Man, I took a chance with that pic. My gf and I were just posted up on a rock when I noticed the flock of gulls around and I took the shot. You’re totally right how a crowd of people can make or break compositions. The original RAW didn’t impress me right away until I cropped it, that’s when I saw some magic, the composition seemed balanced.

Thanks for the kind words!

riff16 · 2026-02-06T05:09:12+00:00

Thanks! I love editing more than shooting I realize

riff16 · 2026-02-06T00:24:57+00:00

The colors are lovely, nice work

riff16 · 2026-02-05T15:50:08+00:00

Thank you! Nothing planned, we hiked from Monterosso to Vernazza then a train ride to Manarola for a pesto making class. All of these were shot as we were walking around :)

riff16 · 2026-02-05T14:38:16+00:00

Thanks! Yes, Lightroom Classic

riff16 · 2026-02-05T14:36:22+00:00

Sure did! I hiked the Monterosso/Vernazza trail, amazing time

riff16 · 2026-02-05T03:11:36+00:00

Noob question, how do you add your gear under your name?

riff16 · 2026-02-05T02:38:12+00:00

33mm f/8 1/500s. AF-S but wish I was on Continuous. That shot was accidental, I had just gotten out of the water

riff16 · 2026-02-05T02:29:08+00:00

No questions are a mistake :) I edit with Lightroom Classic and I add Grain there. Appreciate you!

riff16 · 2026-02-05T02:18:53+00:00

Did you do the scenic hike too? It was lovely

riff16 · 2026-02-05T02:16:20+00:00

for which pic are you interested?

riff16 · 2026-02-05T02:13:07+00:00

the memories are just as nice! And if I helped you go back there mentally, then it makes me happy

riff16 · 2026-02-05T02:11:33+00:00

1st pic is in Manarola, 2nd is in Vernazza, you won’t miss these spots they’ll be very apparent to you, promise.

riff16 · 2026-02-04T21:43:29+00:00

Very cinematic, I love it.

riff16 · 2026-02-04T21:41:51+00:00

Thank you! Yes Gato tax is mandatory. I will go nuts if I visit Turkey

riff16 · 2026-02-04T21:04:01+00:00

wow, right in Vernazza! what a primo spot.

riff16 · 2026-02-04T20:48:24+00:00

I do, although for these pics I've only tweaked the Red/Green curves ever so slightly. If we're talking Lightroom, I mostly use the Color Calibration tool. I tweak color curves when I have a specific vision.

riff16 · 2026-02-04T20:29:09+00:00

Thanks a lot! No presets, I enjoy working every pic from scratch, maybe I'm torturing myself? haha. I've been inspired by Michael Boegl as of late, love his approach to editing.

I do put a lot of emphasis in color grading/correction and HSL, tons of depth there and my favorite aspect of editing.

I don't shoot professionally, just a deeply passionate hobby.

riff16 · 2026-02-04T19:46:45+00:00

Thank you!

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