Adobe Lightroom Classic just boosted its raw image processing power with a new AI-driven feature called Adaptive Profiles. This new kind of profile has the potential to significantly streamline your raw image processing workflow. Unlike traditional Profiles that apply adjustments globally, Adaptive Profiles use Artificial Intelligence to target their changes to specific areas of your image.
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The Power of AI: Content-Aware Adjustments
The new Adaptive Color and Adaptive Black & White Profiles analyze your images and apply adjustments dynamically. When you select an Adaptive Profile, such as “Adaptive Color,” Lightroom’s AI analyzes your image, identifying key elements and applying adjustments accordingly. Once activated, the profile’s “Amount” slider allows you to fine-tune the intensity of these adaptive adjustments.
Beyond the Starting Point
It’s important to remember that selecting any profile, even an Adaptive Profile, is merely an initial step in your image editing journey. While Adaptive Profiles are incredibly useful, they are not a “one-click” solution. This new class of profiles is designed to provide a strong foundation for your image, but they are not a replacement for Lightroom’s entire suite of editing tools.
Navigating Potential Pitfalls
There are a couple of potential pitfalls when working with Adaptive Profiles. First, think carefully about the order of operations in your image processing workflow when working with these new tools.
- The Remove Tool: Applying an Adaptive Profile before using the Remove Tool to conceal large areas of your image can result in unwanted “ghosting” artifacts. To avoid this problem, you should either perform your large image cleanup work before you apply an Adaptive Profile or use the new “Update Profile” button in the Basic Panel after doing extensive Remove Tool work.
- The Auto Tone Button: Combining the Auto Exposure feature in the Basic Panel with an Adaptive Profile often leads to over-processed and unnatural-looking images. You are unlikely to get pleasing results if you try to use both of these options on the same photograph.
Your Artistic Vision
Adaptive Profiles represent a significant advancement in Lightroom Classic. While these AI-powered profiles may not deliver perfect results every time, they often provide a more powerful starting point for many images.
Ultimately, your artistic vision is the most crucial element in your editing process. Experiment with different profiles, try everything, and remember that each image is unique. The best profile will always be the one that best matches your creative vision!
