We’re all looking for a creative edge when it comes to creating landscape images that really capture attention. One very effective technique is to use Lightroom’s Split-Toning tools to enhance color and contrast.

Instructor Christian Mohrle is a German landscape pro, popular educator, and founder of the PHLOG Photography YouTube channel. In this quick episode you’ll learn how easy it is to create epic outdoor photos with a simple method of adding Split Toning to images shot outdoors.

Mohrle’s demonstration photo is a very nice seaside shot that just needs a bit more “punch,” and we suggest you download the Raw file with a link beneath the video so you can make the necessary changes yourself as they’re explained.

Mohrle always begins with a few global adjustments so he has the best possible base image for the selective enhancements that follow. Here he begins by opening Lightroom’s Basic panel and changing the profile from Adobe Color to Adobe Standard. This lessens Contrast so he has more control over the photo.

Other preliminary adjustments include dropping overall exposure and cutting highlights to accentuate buildings on the right side of the frame. He also opens up shadows to bring out details in the darkest parts of the shot and increases whites to enhance contrast. Mohrle is after a cooler look, so he also modifies White Balance and Tint in a creative way.

Lastly he increases Texture and drops Clarity. With the image now much improved Mohrle turns his attention to selective adjustments to various portions of the shot with the use of simple masks. He first targets the sky with an interesting selection trick, and then move on to the water in the foreground.

Mohrle then applies some straightforward color grading to refine his previous enhancements, and then it’s finally time for Split Toning that really makes the image stand out. This is a two-step process for improving both color and contrast.

All that’s left to complete the dramatic transformation is a bit of judicious sharpening. Take a look at Mohrle’s before/after examples and you’ll be very impressed. Then head over to his instructional YouTube channel where you’ll find a wealth of information for making all your outdoor photos as good as they can be.

We also suggest watching the tutorial we posted from another top pro who demonstrates how to use Lightroom’s Lens Blur panel to control the look and feel of your photographs.

One filter that’s in the bag of every experienced outdoor photographer is the versatile polarizer. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there about the best way to use this affordable tool, and today’s tutorial from Photo Masters clears up all the confusion in barely 12 minutes.

Polarizing filters enhance images in a variety of ways, so you don’t always have to reply upon post processing for certain enhancements. Instructor Ian Plant is founder of the popular YouTube channel, and he’s a very accomplished landscape photographer.

Plant summarizes the benefits of a polarizer like  this: “Its designed to remove reflections and unwanted glare, and when used properly in the right environment a polarizer will also help you boost color and contrast” while darkening pale blue skies. As you’ll see, it’s important to take a cautious approach and not overdue the effect.

Another key concern is understanding the situations in which you should leave this filter in your bag. Plant explains the difference between the two types of polarizers; one is referred to as “linear” (even though it’s round) while the other is deemed “circular.” The distinction doesn’t have to do with the shape of the filters, but rather the manner in which they polarize light.

The key takeaway here is that the linear type can interfere with certain camera’s autofocus and metering systems; a problem can occur when using older DSLRs. Hence the best bet is to get yourself a Circular Polarizer (CPL) even though it may cost a bit more. In terms of results, both varieties perform the same.

So when should you thread one on your lens? The answer, according to Plant, is simple: “anytime your scene includes unwanted reflections—particularly if there’s a lot of bright glare.” Flowing water like in waterfalls or streams are examples of when polarizers really work their magic. So are wet objects like plants or rocks covered in morning dew. Waxy leaves also benefit from shooting through a polarizer.

The lesson includes a discussion of how these filters work, and the best techniques for getting the job done. The filters have a rotating ring, which increases or lessens the effect when you turn it in either direction. In most cases you want to reduce—not eliminate—reflections, otherwise your images my look rather lifeless.

Another key consideration is your position relative to the angle of the sun. There are a couple other factors to keep in mind for achieving optimum results. As for those times you don’t want to use a polarizing filter, watch the video to find out.

There’s much more to learn about elevating your landscape photography on Plant’s popular YouTube channel, so be sure to pay a visit.

We also recommend watching an earlier tutorial we posted from another pro who discusses the truths and fallacies about always shooting outdoor photos at ISO.