The Lightroom Healing Brush vs AI Object Removal: When and How to Use Each
Underwater photography is truly a magical yet challenging art. When you're capturing those unforgettable moments beneath the surface, you might find that your shots aren't always as perfect as you envision. Sometimes, curious divers drift unexpectedly into your frame, or bubbles rise unexpectedly from regulators, and reflections off your dome port can add to the visual chaos. These little distractions can make your beautiful underwater scenes look cluttered or less polished than you'd like. But don't worry, there's good news! Today's powerful editing tools in Lightroom offer us two fantastic options to help clean up these distractions and bring out the best in your photos.
First, we have the classic Healing and Cloning Brush. This tried-and-true tool has been a photographer's companion for years, allowing you to carefully paint over unwanted spots, distractions, or imperfections, blending them seamlessly into the surrounding area. It's like giving your photos a gentle caretaking touch, perfect for minor issues.
Then, there's the newer AI-powered Object Removal tool, introduced in Lightroom Classic version 14.3, Lightroom version 8.5, and Lightroom Mobile version 9.5. This innovative feature utilizes artificial intelligence to intelligently analyze and remove larger or more complex distractions, a real game-changer for underwater photography, where unexpected elements can sometimes be challenging to fix manually.
Understanding when to use each tool can make a big difference. A quick, natural-looking edit can be achieved with the Healing Brush, especially for small blemishes or minor imperfections. For more substantial distractions, the AI Object Removal can save you time and produce seamless results if used thoughtfully.
In this guide, I'll share practical underwater-specific tips for using both tools. My goal is to help you achieve stunning results without the frustration of guesswork or endless trial and error. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting to explore underwater photography, incorporating these techniques will elevate your images and boost your confidence behind the camera. Happy shooting and happy editing!
👉 Learn more editing
strategies at: info.robertherb.com/lm-2-blog
The Healing Brush: Tried and True
The Healing Brush (shortcut Q) has long been a vital tool in Lightroom, prized for its ability to effortlessly remove minor distractions and imperfections in your photos. Its effectiveness lies in its simple yet robust functionality, allowing both beginners and experienced photographers to expertly retouch their images with precision and ease. Understanding how to utilize the Healing Brush effectively can significantly enhance your editing process, ensuring your photos look polished and professional while maintaining their natural beauty. Whether you're fixing minor blemishes, dust spots, or subtle imperfections, the Healing Brush serves as a reliable, go-to tool that helps you achieve clean, distraction-free images, ultimately elevating the quality of your photographic work.
Best Uses Underwater
- Backscatter
cleanup: Tiny white dots from particles in your strobe path.
- Bubbles:
A few stray ones near the edge of your frame.
- Minor
gear reflections: A light spot on your dome from the sun.
How to Use It
- Press Q
to activate the Healing tool.
- Choose
Heal (blends color and texture) or Clone (copies exact
pixels).
- Adjust
brush size with [ and ].
- Click
or drag over the unwanted spot. Lightroom auto-selects a sample area, but
you can drag it elsewhere.
💡 Pro Tip: For
scatter-heavy shots, zoom in (Z) and work methodically from one corner to
another. This avoids missing specks.
The AI Object Removal Tool: Smart and Powerful
Added in Lightroom Classic 14.3 and synchronized across Lightroom and Mobile, this innovative tool brings the power of Photoshop's Content-Aware Fill directly into Lightroom. It offers photographers an advanced, seamless way to remove unwanted elements and retouch their images without needing to switch applications or learn complex techniques. Designed with both experienced professionals and passionate enthusiasts in mind, this feature simplifies the editing process, enabling smoother workflows and more natural-looking results. Whether you're refining portraits or adjusting landscapes, this tool enhances your creative possibilities while maintaining the lightweight, user-friendly environment you've come to love.
Shortcut: Shift + Q
Best Uses Underwater
- Removing
divers: A fin in the corner of your reefscape.
- Stray
fish: That one that swam through your perfect nudibranch shot.
- Light
beams or strobe arms: Distracting gear creeping into frame.
- Large
clusters of bubbles: More complex than the Healing Brush, handles well.
How to Use It
- Press Shift
+ Q to open Object Removal.
- Brush
or lasso around the object.
- Choose
Remove - Lightroom's AI analyzes and fills the area.
- If the
result isn't perfect, click Refresh for alternate fills.
💡 Pro Tip: Use
Object Removal for bigger distractions, then clean up the leftover edges with
the Healing Brush.
Side-by-Side: Which Tool to Choose?
|
Scenario |
Healing Brush (Q) |
AI Object Removal (Shift + Q) |
|
Backscatter |
✅ Best choice |
❌ Overkill |
|
Stray diver fin |
❌ Slow & patchy |
✅ Removes seamlessly |
|
Single bubble |
✅ Easy & fast |
❌ Too much processing |
|
Large gear reflection |
❌ Blends poorly |
✅ AI handles transitions |
|
Reef fish photobomb |
❌ Clone leaves smudge |
✅ AI fills water naturally |
File Compatibility
Both tools work with:
- RAW
(DNG, CR3, NEF, ARW, etc.) - Best for seamless blending.
- JPEG
/ HEIC / HEIF - Fully supported, but edits can look flatter due to
limited tonal data.
- TIFF
/ PSD - Supported if coming from Photoshop round-trips.
For best results, always work in RAW. AI removal in
particular benefits from complete sensor data to create clean fills.
Final Thoughts: The One-Two Punch
Think of these editing tools as essential allies in your photography workflow, each playing a vital role in helping you achieve the clean, professional look you desire. The Healing Brush serves as a precise tool for making minor, repetitive fixes, such as removing backscatter spots, sensor dust, or minor blemishes. Its gentle, targeted approach allows you to seamlessly blend imperfections into the surrounding area, ensuring a natural finish.
On the other hand, AI Object Removal is your go-to solution for larger, more complex distractions, such as stray divers, moving equipment, or unexpected objects that disrupt the composition. When used wisely, these tools become powerful partners, complementing each other to salvage shots that might otherwise be discarded.
From my experience, I reach for the Healing Brush almost daily to correct subtle issues like backscatter, which can be tricky to see and easy to fix. Meanwhile, the AI Object Removal feature has proven invaluable for capturing wide-angle reefscapes, especially when divers drift unexpectedly into the frame.
The key to mastering these tools is understanding their strengths: knowing which one is faster, provides more natural results, and is less likely to cause damage or unnecessary editing artifacts for your specific image. With practice, you'll develop an intuitive sense of when to use each tool, making your editing process more efficient and enjoyable.
So, next time you're frustrated by a distracting fin, a bubbling bubble, or an unwelcome strobe arm, remember that Lightroom offers you these two powerful pathways. By selecting the right tool for the situation, you can capture a clean, distraction-free shot that showcases the true beauty of your underwater adventures.
📌 Learn more editing strategies at: info.robertherb.com/lm-2-blog
📷 Share your edits using #RobertHerbPhotography
Until next time, dive smart, shoot sharp, and edit with intention.
— Bob Herb
📷 info.robertherb.com/lm-2-blog
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Written by Robert Herb – Empowering underwater photographers to capture and enhance the beauty of our oceans since 1978
Stay tuned for more in-depth insights into underwater photography. Let's dive deeper into the art and craft of capturing the marine world! If you have any comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.
Get ready for an exciting underwater photography adventure! For more details on my upcoming online training course, check out my "Training" page at RobertHerb.com or email me at bob@robertherb.com.
Sincerely,
Bob Herb
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