You can remove a person from an image in Lightroom Classic primarily by using the Healing tool.
Using the Healing Tool in Lightroom Classic
Lightroom Classic's Healing tool is designed to seamlessly blend textures and tones from a source area onto a target area, making it ideal for removing unwanted objects like people from photographs. As highlighted in the reference, a person can be removed from a scene using the Healing tool. This tool works by analyzing the area you want to remove and finding a similar area in the photo to cover it up, attempting to match the texture, lighting, and shading.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing a Person
Follow these steps to use the Healing tool for object removal:
- Enter Develop Module: Select the photo containing the person you want to remove and switch to the Develop module.
- Select the Healing Tool: Click on the Healing Brush icon in the toolbar located just below the Histogram. It looks like a band-aid or a small circle.
- Adjust Brush Settings:
- Size: Adjust the brush size using the slider or the bracket keys (
[and]) so that it is slightly larger than the person (or the specific area you are trying to cover). - Feather: This controls the softness of the brush edge. A higher feather value creates a softer transition between the healed area and the surrounding photo, often useful for blending. Start with a moderate value (e.g., 50-75).
- Opacity: Leave this at 100% for complete removal.
- Size: Adjust the brush size using the slider or the bracket keys (
- Brush Over the Person: Click and drag your mouse over the person you want to remove.
- Lightroom Analyzes and Samples: Once you release the mouse button, Lightroom will automatically select a source area in your photo that it thinks will best cover the area you brushed.
- Review and Adjust: Examine the result. Lightroom will show a circle on the area you brushed (the target) and another circle on the area it sampled from (the source).
- If the result isn't perfect, you can click and drag the source circle to a different area of the photo that provides a better match for texture and tone.
- You can also refine the masked area by dragging the edges of the target circle.
- Repeat if Necessary: For larger or more complex areas, you may need to apply multiple smaller healing strokes instead of one large one. Each stroke will create a new healing pin.
Tips for Best Results
- Zoom In: Always zoom in closely (1:1 or 2:1) to accurately apply the brush and assess the result.
- Multiple Strokes: Instead of one large stroke, try using several smaller strokes to cover different parts of the person or their shadow. This allows Lightroom to find the best source for each specific area.
- Adjust Feather: Experiment with the feather setting. A harder edge (lower feather) might be better for sharp lines, while a softer edge (higher feather) is good for blending into complex textures like grass or water.
- Consider the Clone Tool: For areas with repeating patterns or strong lines, the Clone tool (available within the same spot removal panel) might yield better results. The Clone tool simply copies the source area exactly, whereas the Healing tool attempts to blend.
- Source Selection is Key: Don't hesitate to manually move the source area to find a spot that truly matches the surrounding environment.
By using the Healing tool and refining its application, you can effectively remove unwanted individuals from your photographs in Lightroom Classic.
