Summary
In this tutorial, Chris walks us through a practical and easy-to-follow editing workflow using On1 Photo RAW. He starts with a dark, underexposed image and demonstrates how to enhance it step-by-step, focusing on tools like Brilliance AI, the Healing Brush, the Match Color tool, and the Vignette filter. Chris emphasizes working with your own photos to understand how these features interact with your images rather than relying on samples.
The tutorial kicks off with opening an image in the Edit module and applying Brilliance AI to brighten and improve the tonal range. Chris explains how to control the intensity through sliders and fine-tune the balance between tone and color, helping users achieve the right exposure and color temperature without overwhelming their image.
He also provides a quick troubleshooting tip for when the color slider doesn’t seem to work due to white balance settings.
Next, he tackles removing distractions using the Healing Brush in the Retouch module. Chris details how to select and size the brush and strategically sample nearby pixels to seamlessly cover unwanted elements, stressing the importance of matching texture and pattern for a natural look.
Then, Chris introduces the Match Color tool, a newer feature in On1 Photo RAW 2025, which allows you to import a reference image to borrow color characteristics. He explains how users can adjust color intensity, luminosity, and saturation to subtly or boldly shift the mood of their photo. Throughout, Chris encourages experimentation with sliders, reassuring users that edits are non-destructive and reversible.
Finally, he demonstrates adding a vignette effect to focus attention on the subject by darkening the corners, showing how to reposition the vignette to avoid obscuring the main subject. This finishing touch enhances the overall composition and visual impact, making the photo ready to share.
Chris’ tone throughout is laid-back and supportive, making photo editing accessible even for beginners.
Highlights
- Using Brilliance AI to brighten and adjust tone and color effortlessly
- How to fine-tune the balance between tone and color for natural results
- Removing distractions with the Healing Brush and matching patterns precisely
- Match Color tool: borrow colors from other images for creative control
- Experimenting with sliders for exposure, saturation, and luminosity without fear
- Adding a vignette to draw focus and enhance subject prominence
- Practical tips for troubleshooting and making the most out of On1 Photo RAW
Key Insights
- Brilliance AI simplifies complex tone and color adjustments: This tool leverages AI to enhance underexposed images instantly, making it ideal for photographers who want quick improvements without diving into complicated settings. By separating tone and color adjustments, users can better control the look and avoid unnatural color shifts while improving exposure. This insight highlights how AI can democratize photo editing by reducing the technical barrier.
- Healing Brush requires attention to detail for seamless retouching: Effective use of the healing brush isn’t just about covering a spot but involves sampling pixels smartly to match existing textures and patterns. Chris’s approach to aligning spiraling lines on a column shows that successful retouching demands a bit of patience and observation, reinforcing that even AI-assisted tools need thoughtful human input to look natural.
- Match Color tool offers creative freedom without needing color theory knowledge: Many photographers struggle with color adjustments, especially if they lack formal color theory training. On1’s Match Color tool bridges this gap by allowing users to simply “borrow” color styles from other images, blending luminosity and saturation to their liking. This makes creative color grading more accessible and fun, encouraging users to experiment without fear of messing up.
- Non-destructive editing encourages experimentation and learning: Chris stresses that edits in On1 Photo RAW are non-destructive, meaning you can always revert or delete adjustments without losing your original image. This is crucial for beginners who might hesitate to try new tools for fear of ruining their photos. The freedom to try and undo promotes confidence and creative exploration.
- Understanding white balance settings is key to effective color editing: The tutorial’s troubleshooting tip about white balance affecting the color slider functionality is a great reminder that sometimes the simplest settings can block your editing workflow. This insight underscores the importance of foundational knowledge—knowing what “auto white balance” does can save time and frustration.
- Vignette effect can subtly enhance subject focus without overpowering: Adding a vignette is a classic technique to draw the viewer’s eye to the center or main subject by darkening the edges. Chris’s method of repositioning the vignette ensures it doesn’t obscure important details, highlighting the importance of customization rather than applying default effects blindly.
- Step-wise editing builds confidence and produces professional results: The tutorial’s structured approach—first fixing exposure and tone, then removing distractions, adjusting color, and finally adding creative effects—demonstrates a logical workflow. This prevents users from feeling overwhelmed and helps them see tangible improvements with each step, making photo editing more approachable and rewarding.
Overall, Chris’s tutorial is a fantastic blend of technical know-how, practical tips, and encouragement, making On1 Photo RAW a friendlier tool for photographers of all levels.