Create Dreamy Fog & Glow in Lightroom Classic: A Step-by-Step Guide

Updated at: 05/06/2025

Transform your photos into ethereal dreamscapes with this easy-to-follow Lightroom Classic tutorial. Learn how to add captivating fog and a soft, glowing light to your images, enhancing their mood and atmosphere. We'll guide you through each step, from subtle adjustments to dramatic effects, using readily accessible tools. Get ready to unlock the magic of dreamy post-processing and elevate your photography to a new artistic level.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Photo Selection

    • Choose a photo.
    Choose a photo.
    Photo Selection

  2. Initial Glow Adjustment

    • Go to the Develop panel and open the Basics panel.
    • Reduce Clarity to create a natural glow. Aim for -20 or less, but avoid making the photo excessively blurry.
    Reduce Clarity to create a natural glow. Aim for -20 or less, but avoid making the photo excessively blurry. Reduce Clarity to create a natural glow. Aim for -20 or less, but avoid making the photo excessively blurry.
    Initial Glow Adjustment

  3. Fog Effect Application

    • Select the mask.
    • Select the linear gradient.
    • Contrast, Texture, Clarity, Dehaze, and Sharpness.
    • Create a mask by dragging a linear gradient from top to bottom of your photo to add the fog effect.
    Create a mask by dragging a linear gradient from top to bottom of your photo to add the fog effect. Create a mask by dragging a linear gradient from top to bottom of your photo to add the fog effect. Create a mask by dragging a linear gradient from top to bottom of your photo to add the fog effect. Create a mask by dragging a linear gradient from top to bottom of your photo to add the fog effect.
    Fog Effect Application

  4. Fine-tuning Fog Intensity

    • Adjust the Amount slider (found at the top of the panel) to control the fog intensity. 80% is suggested.
    Adjust the Amount slider (found at the top of the panel) to control the fog intensity. 80% is suggested.
    Fine-tuning Fog Intensity
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Tips

  • Don't reduce Clarity too much; below -20 can make the photo look blurry.
  • This technique works well with portrait photos, especially those in rural settings like forests or fields.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overdoing the Glow

Reason: Excessive use of radial filters or luminosity masks to create the glow can lead to a hazy, unnatural look, losing detail and creating a washed-out effect.
Solution: Reduce the opacity and feathering of glow effects and carefully mask the areas where the glow is applied.

2. Incorrect Fog Density and Placement

Reason: Using too much fog or placing it incorrectly can make the image look unrealistic and muddy, obscuring important details and ruining the overall composition.
Solution: Experiment with different fog densities and use gradient filters or brushes to selectively apply fog, focusing on areas where it enhances depth and atmosphere.

FAQs

Can I achieve this dreamy fog and glow effect on any type of photo?
While it works best on landscapes and portraits with existing atmospheric elements, you can apply this technique to almost any image. However, the results will vary depending on the original photo's lighting and composition. Images with less contrast might require more adjustments to achieve the desired effect.