How do I add a radial gradient in Lightroom?

To add a radial gradient in Lightroom, you need to use the Radial Gradient tool within the Develop module. Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Open the Develop Module: In Lightroom Classic or Lightroom, navigate to the Develop module. This is where you make adjustments to your photos.

2. Select the Radial Gradient Tool: Locate the toolstrip beneath the histogram in the Develop module. Click on the Radial Gradient tool icon. You can also activate it by pressing the shortcut Shift + M.

3. Create the Radial Gradient:

   • Click and drag on the image to create an elliptical or circular selection. The point where you initially click becomes the center of the radial gradient.
   • Dragging outward determines the size and shape (ellipse or circle) of the gradient.

4. Adjust Settings: After creating the radial gradient, you can adjust various settings to fine-tune its effect. These settings are located in the Radial Filter panel:

   • Exposure: Adjust the brightness within the selected area.
   • Contrast: Adjust the contrast within the selected area.
   • Highlights, Shadows, Whites, Blacks: Fine-tune the tonal range within the gradient.
   • Temperature: Adjust the white balance (warmth or coolness).
   • Tint: Adjust the color tint (green or magenta).
   • Clarity: Adjust the amount of sharpness and detail.
   • Saturation: Adjust the color intensity.
   • Sharpness: Add or reduce sharpness.
   • Noise Reduction: Reduce noise.
   • Moire: Reduce moiré patterns.
   • Defringe: Remove color fringing.

5. Feather: The Feather slider controls the softness of the transition between the affected area and the surrounding image. A higher Feather value creates a smoother, more gradual transition.

6. Invert: Check the "Invert" box if you want the adjustments to affect the area outside the radial gradient instead of inside.

7. Multiple Gradients: You can add multiple radial gradients to a single image to apply different adjustments to various areas. Simply repeat steps 3-6 for each additional gradient.

8. Mask Visualization: Press "O" to toggle the mask overlay. This helps visualize the area being affected by the radial gradient.

9. Refinement: Use the Brush tool (available within the Radial Gradient settings) to refine the edges of the gradient mask by adding or subtracting from the selected area.

By using the Radial Gradient tool effectively, you can selectively enhance specific areas of your photographs, draw attention to key subjects, and create visually compelling images.