https://youtu.be/YUoWbQ0oVyw
In this detailed tutorial, Anthony Morganti demonstrates how to achieve a classic noir “Ripley” look on photographs, inspired by the black-and-white aesthetic of the Netflix series Ripley. The series is known for its high-contrast, low-key lighting, with predominant dark areas punctuated by strategic splashes of light that highlight the subject. Although this distinctive lighting style is mostly achieved in-camera with elaborate setups, Anthony shows how to approximate the effect using Lightroom Classic editing tools, applicable to most image editing software.
Anthony walks through the practical steps of creating these “splashes of light” using Lightroom’s masking and radial gradient features, explaining how to adjust feathering, brightness, contrast, and clarity to enhance the dramatic effect. He also describes the proper technique for duplicating radial gradients independently, warning against a common Lightroom bug that causes linked adjustments when duplicating incorrectly. Further refinements include masking the sky for texture and clarity adjustments, adding texture to the main subject, and applying a dark vignette to frame the image and enhance the noir mood.
He demonstrates the process on multiple images to provide a clearer understanding of the technique and discusses how this style—while challenging to replicate perfectly without ideal lighting setups—can produce a compelling and modern black-and-white architectural look.
Highlights:
- The first step is to convert the RAW photo to black and white early in the editing process [02:26].
- The overall exposure is lowered to create a dark, low-key base for the image [03:09].
- Radial gradients are used to selectively brighten specific areas of the photo, creating splashes of light and contrast [03:13].
- Within the gradients, the exposure, whites, and clarity are increased, while blacks are lowered to enhance contrast [04:44].
- The video also shows how to use subject and sky masks to add texture and clarity to the main elements [08:46].
- A dark vignette is added at the end to further darken the edges and draw focus to the center of the image [09:26].
Key Insights:
- The most effective way to achieve this black and white noir look is through proper lighting during the initial photography stage [01:30].
- The demonstrated editing techniques can be used to emulate the style on photos that were originally taken with ambient, even lighting [01:55].
- Early conversion to black and white allows you to make editing decisions while viewing the final aesthetic [02:32].
You can watch the full video at https://youtu.be/YUoWbQ0oVyw.
Conclusion
Anthony Morganti’s tutorial captures the essence of what makes his approach valuable to photographers. The acknowledgment that authentic film noir aesthetics primarily stem from in-camera lighting demonstrates professional honesty, while his post-processing method provides an accessible alternative for those working with limited equipment.
The tutorial’s strength lies in bridging the gap between ideal conditions and practical reality. Many photographers lack access to professional lighting setups, making Morganti’s workflow particularly relevant for independent creators and enthusiasts seeking to explore noir aesthetics.
This approach exemplifies how digital post-processing can serve as both a learning tool and a creative solution. By understanding how to recreate these effects in editing, photographers develop a deeper appreciation for the original lighting techniques while gaining practical skills for their own work.
The tutorial’s emphasis on experimentation encourages photographers to move beyond mere imitation toward developing their own interpretation of classic noir visuals. This balance between technical instruction and creative inspiration makes it a valuable resource for photographers at various skill levels.
A Cheat Sheet for you to print or put on your phone is available in pdf format.