# How to make a Photo more Creative

There are various ways to add creativity to your photo and turn the original image into a piece of art. Let’s take a look at some techniques that you can use in **Luminar Neo** on the example photo with these swans.

{% @arcade/embed flowId="boldTjzYgSN8mwrBE6is" url="<https://app.arcade.software/share/boldTjzYgSN8mwrBE6is>" %}

***

### 1. Color Grading

* Make a shift of some colors to unify them or make them more contrasting.\
  For example, you may turn **yellows into more orange**, and **blues into more cyan**.

➡️ **Steps:**

* Go to the [**Color**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/essential-tools/color) tool
* Open the **HSL** panel
* Switch to **Hue**, drag the “yellow” and the “blue” sliders left
* Switch to **Saturation** under HSL panel
* Drag the sliders right to increase saturation for **orange** and **cyan**

***

### 2. Temperature Contrast

Create a temperature contrast between the **main subject** and the **background**.

➡️ **Steps:**

* Go to [**Develop**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/essential-tools/develop-raw-develop) **tool** → **Masking** → **Object Select AI**
* Keep the selecting “+” cursor in **Add** mode and click on the swans
* Refine selected areas (include reflection) with [**Masking Brush**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/masking-options/brush-mask)
* Switch to **Adjustments** → **Color**
* Add **warmer temperature** and more **magenta tint** to make the swans pop against the cool water

***

### 3. Gradients and Lighting

Use **linear** or **radial gradients** to control or balance the lighting.

➡️ **Steps:**

* Use [**Relight AI**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/creative-tools/relight-ai) **tool** → **Masking** → [**Linear Gradient**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/masking-options/linear-gradient-mask)
* Add the gradient to the darker part of the image (bottom)
* Switch to **Adjustments**, drag **Brightness Far/Near** sliders to the right

{% hint style="success" %}
Apply the same gradient to the **left and right** edges
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="info" %}
📌 Optional: Use [**Radial Gradient**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/masking-options/using-a-radial-mask) to reduce light on the swans, if needed
{% endhint %}

***

### 4. Black & White Elements

Use the [**Black & White**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/essential-tools/black-and-white) tool to convert the entire photo or parts of it.

➡️ **Creative Tip:**

* Leave one part of the image in color (e.g. swans)
* Turn the rest to black-and-white (e.g. background)

**Steps:**

* Go to **Masking** → **Object Select AI** → "Add" mode
* Select areas around the swans
* Refine with the **Masking Brush**, if needed
* Switch to **Adjustments** → **Convert to B\&W**

***

### 5. Background Blur

Blur the background to emphasize the subject.

➡️ **Steps:**

* Use the [**Blur**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/creative-tools/blur) **Tool**
* Select the background with **Object Select AI** (skip swans)
* Switch to **Adjustments**, select the blur type (e.g. "Motion")
* Adjust **Amount** slider to the right

***

### 6. Textures

Add texture for a creative film-like or artistic look.

➡️ **Steps:**

* Use the [**Film Grain**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/creative-tools/film-grain) tool for grain effects
* Add external textures via the **Layers** tool
* Explore packs like:
  * [*Artist's Surface Overlays by Nicole S. Young*](https://skylum.com/marketplace/textures/artists-surface?utm_source=support\&utm_medium=organic\&utm_campaign=content)
  * [*Scratches Textures Pack*](https://skylum.com/marketplace/textures/scratches?utm_source=support\&utm_medium=organic\&utm_campaign=content)

{% hint style="success" %}
Experiment with **opacity** and **blend modes** in **Layer Properties**
{% endhint %}

***

### 7. Double Exposure

Overlay two images to achieve a surreal effect.

➡️ **Steps:**

* Use the [**Layers**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/layers) tool to add a second image
* Set **opacity** to \~50% so both images are visible

***

### 8. Sky Replacement

Change the mood of the photo by replacing the sky.

➡️ **Step:**

* Use the [**Sky AI**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/landscape-tools/sky-ai) tool to replace the sky with another one of a different color or pattern

***

### 9. Sparkling/Shining Effects

Add magical lighting effects for extra flair.

➡️ **Tools to Use:**

* [**Sunrays Tool**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/landscape-tools/sunrays) — Add natural-looking sunlight
* [**Glow Tool**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/creative-tools/glow) — Add glow to key areas
* [**Mystical Tool**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/creative-tools/mystical) — Enhance glow in lighter zones
* [**Magic Light Tool**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/creative-tools/magic-light-ai) — Place sparkling light sources anywhere

***

### 10. Generate a New Object or Effect

Use [**Gen Swap**](https://support.skylum.com/catalog-tools/generative-tools/genswap) to create new, imaginative elements in your scene.

➡️ **Tip:**

* Let your creativity guide you—try new decorations or fantasy-style additions!

***

💡 **Bonus Tip:**\
Explore even more tools like [**Structure AI**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/essential-tools/structure-ai), [**Atmosphere AI**,](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/landscape-tools/atmosphere-ai) [**Dramatic**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/creative-tools/dramatic), [**Vignette**](https://support.skylum.com/editing-tools/essential-tools/vignette), and others in Luminar Neo to continue unlocking your photo’s creative potential!