From Ordinary to Extraordinary: How to Edit High Key Images in Lightroom 3

Pye Jirsa

high-key-background-ordinary-to-extraordinary-before-vs-after-splash

high-key-background-ordinary-to-extraordinary-before-vs-after

(The Lightroom video tutorial in this post is just under the introductory text below. The working files for this Lightroom video tutorial can be found just above the video. So that we can keep on providing free paid-quality content, please share these videos and raise awareness of SLR Lounge by Facebooking or Tweeting the site and articles, thank you!)

Post production is such a large part of the artistry behind the photographic process. While I am always telling photographers to “Get it Right in Camera” knowing post production, and having a vision for your final product, will help you to create shots when you may not have the time and tools needed to get the shot perfect in camera.

In this Lightroom video tutorial, I am going to show you how to create a clean high key backlit image from a simple RAW file that was shot over an unclean background. Prior to editing the image, we will briefly discuss some camera settings that you will need to use in order to achieve this type of shot and effect in post production.

Related Product Offers Recommended by SLR Lounge

1) Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 – As of April 4, 2011 – Among the larger reputable dealers, the lowest price we found for Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 is $236.99 (Free Shipping) through Amazon. Click any of these links to take you to the offer.

Click here to purchase Adobe Lightroom 3 from Amazon.com

2) Student and Teacher Editions of Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 – For teachers and students, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3 is available for $89 through the Adobe Educational Purchasing Site.

Post Production Pye
SLR Lounge Senior Editor
Partner of Lin and Jirsa Photography

Pye Jirsa

Pye Jirsa is the co-founder of SLR Lounge and Lin & Jirsa Photography, one of Southern California's most recognized wedding photography studios. He is the creator of SLR Lounge's full educational library and has trained over 20,000 photographers since 2008 across lighting, posing, editing, and business strategy. He is also the co-creator of Visual Flow Presets and has spoken at WPPI, PPA, CreativeLive, Fstoppers, and Adorama.

More articles by Pye Jirsa →

RELATED POSTS

DxO Nik Collection 9 Review | A Complete Suite For Photo Editors

May 22, 2026

In a world where creativity itself is being outsourced to what I will politely...

Vividon Launches AI Relighting Plugin for Photoshop That Requires Zero Prompting

May 22, 2026

Most tools that promise to fix problems in post generally deliver on that promise,...

Before and after AI photo enhancement showing restored and sharpened faces.

Aiarty Image Enhancer V3.11 Update: Restore Old Photos & Fix Blurry Faces with AI (49% Off Lifetime License + Extra Coupon)

May 14, 2026

We all have images that we wish we could save, whether we captured them...

raw vs dng

RAW vs. DNG – A Practical Overview of the Differences

April 25, 2026

In photography and photo editing, the choice of file format is an...