In this article, we’ll break down what LUTs are, why photographers use them, and how you can start using them in your own workflow to give your photos that professional polish.
If you’ve ever played around with color grading in photography or video, you’ve probably come across the term “LUT.” At first, it might sound like some fancy technical jargon reserved for cinematographers and colorists, but LUTs are actually super handy and surprisingly easy to use once you get the hang of them.
What Is a LUT, Exactly?
LUT stands for Look-Up Table. Think of it as a preset or a filter, but smarter. A LUT is a mathematical formula that tells your editing software how to remap the colors in your image. It takes the color values in your photo and shifts them to create a new look based on the rules defined in the LUT.
For example, a LUT might be designed to give your images a cinematic teal-and-orange vibe, or to mimic the tones of a specific film stock. It’s a fast and consistent way to apply complex color grades across multiple images.
Why Photographers Use LUTs
LUTs have been used for years in filmmaking, but photographers are now realizing their potential too. Here’s why:
1. Fast and consistent results
Instead of manually tweaking every photo, you can apply a LUT and instantly see a refined, styled look. This is especially useful for series or batches of photos that need a consistent aesthetic like wedding albums, fashion shoots, or Instagram feeds.
2. Inspiration and creativity
Sometimes, a LUT can take your image in a direction you hadn’t considered. It’s a great way to explore creative color palettes and mood without spending hours experimenting.
3. Professional polish
LUTs can bring a professional touch to your edits, especially when you’re working with high-end looks such as cinematic tones, editorial styles, or vintage film-inspired grades.
The Different Types of LUTs
Before you start applying LUTs everywhere, it’s worth knowing that there are a few different kinds. Here are the two main types photographers deal with:
1D LUTs
These affect only a single color property, typically the brightness (luminance) of each color channel. They’re useful for basic adjustments but limited in creative flexibility.
3D LUTs
This is where things get interesting. A 3D LUT adjusts hue, saturation, and luminance all at once, mapping colors in a three-dimensional space. These are the ones most photographers and filmmakers use for creative grading.
For photography, 3D LUTs are where the magic happens. They’re capable of producing rich, nuanced looks that feel like you spent hours grading the image by hand.
How to Use LUTs in Your Photography Workflow
Using a LUT isn’t complicated, but you do need the right tools. Here’s how to start using LUTs like a pro:
Step 1: Choose the Right Software
You’ll need editing software that supports LUTs. Popular options include:
- Moncrome Free Web App
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Lightroom
- Capture One
- Affinity Photo
- DaVinci Resolve
Step 2: Import the LUT
In Photoshop, for example, you can apply a LUT via an Adjustment Layer. Just go to:
Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Color Lookup
From there, you can load a LUT file (usually with a .CUBE or .3DL extension).
In Lightroom, you’ll typically need to convert your LUT to a profile using Adobe’s Profile Creator tool or third-party software, then import it via the Develop module. In Moncrome we already imported for you hundreds of Luts ready to be used!
Step 3: Apply and Adjust
Once the LUT is applied, you can dial it up or down by adjusting the layer opacity or using masking tools. LUTs are not meant to replace editing. They’re there to enhance your image. Think of them as a strong starting point rather than the final destination.
Step 4: Combine with Other Edits
Most professionals don’t stop at applying a LUT. They use it as a base, then tweak exposure, contrast, white balance, and retouching details afterward. The goal is to make the LUT work with your image, not force your image to fit the LUT.
Pro Tips for Working with LUTs
Don’t go overboard
Just because a LUT looks dramatic doesn’t mean it works for every photo. Always consider the lighting, subject, and mood of your image before applying a strong grade.
Start with a clean edit
LUTs work best when applied to a neutral image. Do your basic corrections first such as exposure, white balance, and contrast then apply the LUT.
Organize your LUTs
As you collect LUTs, create folders based on style (cinematic, moody, vintage, high fashion, etc.) so you can quickly find the right one for the job.
Create your own
Once you’ve mastered using LUTs, consider creating your own to match your personal editing style. Tools like Photoshop, 3D LUT Creator, and even DaVinci Resolve allow you to export your own custom LUTs.
Ready to jump into the LUTs World?
LUTs are more than just trendy tools. They’re powerful shortcuts for creative color grading. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started with editing, using LUTs can dramatically speed up your workflow and elevate the look of your images.
Just remember that like any editing tool, LUTs are most effective when used with intention. They won’t fix a poorly composed shot, but they can help transform a good photo into a visually striking final image.
Experiment with different LUTs, learn what fits your style, and don’t be afraid to make your own rules. That’s how you use LUTs like a pro.