Mastering Split-Toning for Unique Underwater Color Effects

By Robert Herb Photography
An AI-generated image demonstrating Split-Toning

Split-toning is often regarded as one of Lightroom's hidden gems. It provides excellent opportunities for creativity, especially for underwater photographers eager to enhance their images with a touch of artistic flair. This advanced technique enables photographers to selectively apply various hues to the highlights and shadows of their images, resulting in vibrant color gradients. These gradients not only elevate the overall mood of the photograph but also skillfully guide the viewer’s eye toward particular areas of interest in the composition.

As we delve into the world of split-toning, I will take you through the essential steps to master this technique in Lightroom. We will explore leveraging the latest AI tools and incorporating efficient keyboard shortcuts to streamline your editing workflow and maximize creativity.

I will also present five examples explicitly tailored for underwater photography to deepen your understanding of split-toning. Each example will be accompanied by expanded insights, tips, and techniques that can be applied to your work, ensuring you can make the most of this powerful editing tool. So, let’s dive into this enriching journey of color and creativity!

What is Split-Toning?

Split-toning enables you to independently add hues to an image's highlights and shadows, creating a subtle or dramatic color contrast. This technique is ideal for underwater photography, where different lighting conditions and watercolors can sometimes flatten shots.

Getting Started with Split-Toning in Lightroom

  1. Open your photo in Lightroom’s Develop module (D).
  2. Navigate to the Color Grading panel on the right sidebar.
  3. Adjust the hue, saturation, and luminance for shadows, midtones, and highlights using the color wheels or sliders.
  4. Use the Balance slider to control the blending between shadows and highlights.
  5. Apply AI tools such as Masking for targeted edits before split-toning.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the Global color wheel to introduce overarching tonal adjustments that complement your split-toning. Lightroom’s AI can also suggest areas for improvement with the Enhance AI feature, which is accessible from the masking tools.

Now, let’s explore five examples of split-toning for underwater photography, with step-by-step instructions and expanded techniques for each effect.

Five Creative Examples of Split-Toning for Underwater Images

1. Classic Teal and Orange Contrast

This timeless combination brings out the blues of the water and warms up your subject—perfect for divers or marine life.

Steps:

  1. Open your photo in the Develop Module (D).
  2. Go to the Color Grading panel (formerly Split-Toning).
  3. Adjust the Highlights Hue slider to a warm orange (30–50) and set the Saturation to around 20.
  4. For Shadows, move the slider to teal (180–200) with a saturation of 25–30.
  5. Use the Balance slider to fine-tune the interplay between teal and orange.
    • Keyboard Shortcut: Use Shift + T to quickly access the Color Grading panel.
  6. Use Lightroom’s AI tools, such as Masking, to isolate your subject and refine color contrast for extra impact.

2. Deep Ocean Mystery

For a dramatic, moody feel, enhance the shadows with dark blues and add subtle greens to the highlights.

Steps:

  1. Navigate to the Develop Module and open the Color Grading panel.
  2. Set the Highlights Hue to green (120–135) with a saturation of 15.
  3. Adjust the Shadows Hue to navy blue (220–240) and push saturation to 30.
  4. Set the Midtones Hue to cyan for a smooth transition.
  5. Fine-tune the Balance to favor shadows.
  6. Enable AI-Powered Select Subject Mask to isolate your diver or marine life and adjust its exposure for emphasis.
    • Keyboard Shortcut: Use O to toggle the overlay on your mask.

3. Sunlit Coral Reef Glow

This style mimics the warm, golden light you see during shallow dives over coral reefs.

Steps:

  1. Open the photo in the Develop Module and access the Color Grading panel.
  2. Adjust the Highlights Hue to yellow (50–70) and set saturation to 40.
  3. Shift the Shadows Hue to purple (280–300) with a saturation of 20.
  4. Add a slight magenta hue to the Midtones for a dreamy feel.
  5. Apply a Linear Gradient Mask (M) to warm up the foreground where the coral reef is located.
    • AI Shortcut: Use the Depth Mask to isolate deeper water layers for natural blending.

4. Vibrant Reef Pop

Objective: Make colorful reefs and marine life pop with complementary tones.

Steps:

  1. Select a magenta hue (330°) for highlights and increase saturation to 50.
  2. For shadows, choose a cyan hue (180°) with a saturation of 40.
  3. Move the Balance slider toward +30 to prioritize magenta highlights.
  4. Use the Brush Mask Tool (K) to paint over specific reef areas and apply split-toning only where needed.
  5. Leverage AI Enhance Details to sharpen textures after split-toning.
  6. Add vibrance (Shift+Alt+V) to increase the saturation of less dominant colors without oversaturating already vivid areas.

Shortcut Highlight: Press K to toggle the Brush Mask Tool on/off during adjustments. This approach enhances tropical lagoon shots, balancing turquoise water with bright, vibrant accents.

Steps:

  1. Open the image in the Develop Module.
  2. In the Color Grading panel, set the Highlights Hue to turquoise (170–190) with a saturation of 50.
  3. Adjust the Shadows Hue to magenta (290–310) with a saturation of 35.
  4. Push the Midtones toward the green to emphasize lush surroundings.
  5. Use AI to select the sky and water separately, adding texture or clarity for realism.
    • Keyboard Shortcut: Use K for the Brush Tool to fine-tune masked areas.

5. Ethereal Twilight Underwater Scene

This effect is perfect for evening dives or shots with low ambient light, creating a soft, mystical atmosphere.

Steps:

  1. Navigate to the Develop Module and the Color Grading panel.
  2. Set the Highlights Hue to pale pink (320–330) and saturation to 20.
  3. Adjust the Shadows Hue to deep blue (210–230) with a saturation of 40.
  4. Balance the two hues for a smooth, ethereal gradient.
  5. Apply a Radial Gradient Mask (Shift + M) around your main subject to emphasize the color effects softly.
  6. Use the AI-Powered Noise Reduction tool to clean up low-light artifacts.

Pro Tips for Split-Toning Success

  1. Start Subtly: It’s easy to overdo split-toning. Begin with low saturation values and build up gradually.
  2. Experiment with Balance: The Balance slider is your best friend for refining the interaction between highlights and shadows.
  3. Leverage AI Masks: Lightroom’s AI capabilities can isolate elements like subjects, water, or coral for precise adjustments.
  4. Save as a Preset: Once you create a look you love, save it as a preset for future use.
    • Keyboard Shortcut: Use Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + N (Mac) to create a new preset.
  5. Use Before & After View: Toggle the *|* key to compare edits with the original image.

Final Thoughts

Split-toning is a fantastic way to push your creativity and add a unique touch to your underwater photography. By experimenting with these examples, you’ll discover endless possibilities to elevate your images. Have fun exploring the depths of Lightroom’s capabilities, and don’t forget to share your masterpieces with our Oceanic Explorer community!

Ready to dive into more editing tips? Check out my other Lightroom guides at RobertHerb.blogspot.com.

Written by Robert Herb – empowering underwater photographers to capture and enhance the beauty of our oceans.

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New Online Training Program

I am excited to announce that I am creating an online training program to teach underwater hobbyists and enthusiasts how to enhance their photos using Adobe Lightroom. If you are interested in this training or need more information, please go to (Underwater Photo Training) or contact me at bob@robertherb.com to express your interest and to be notified about the details and start date of the classes.

Stay tuned and "Follow" for upcoming blogs on underwater photography tips and tricks for more in-depth insights. Please leave your comments and suggestions. Enjoy your diving and shooting experience!

Get ready for an exciting underwater photography adventure! I will soon launch an online training course to help you enhance your underwater photography skills. To learn more about this course, please check out my "Training" page at - (https://www.robertherb.com/Photography-Photo-Training) or email me at bob@robertherb.com. You can also check out some of my outstanding work on Robert Herb Photography's website.

I am eagerly anticipating your valuable feedback and suggestions. 

Sincerely, 

Bob Herb

photo
Robert Herb
Robert Herb Photography

+1 (714) 594-9262‬  |  +504 9784-0024  |  www.RobertHerb.com

Bob@robertherb.com  |  Roatan, HN or Aliso Viejo, CA (USA)


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Location: Turquoise Bay Rd, Roatán, Islas de la Bahía, Honduras

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