Make your images POP with LAB Color Mode

Ever notice how the color in some photos seems to be more lively and almost pop off the screen?  This is a technique that seperates amateur’s images from professionals. Read below to learn how to use it!

In photoshop, there are different color modes that are based on the channels of color.  The standard is RGB or Red, Green, Blue.  This is the most common mode and the one that you will save all images in.  It is possible, however, to convert an image to another color mode, modify it using that mode, and convert it back.  This is where LAB color mode comes in.  It’s LAB for Lightness, A, and B channels.  It just handles the colors differently than RGB or CMYK (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and blacK).

Using this mode to make an image pop is actually quite simple, just follow these steps below, and watch the tutorial video at the bottom to see it in action.

1. Convert image to LAB color mode by selecting Image, Mode, LAB.

2. Create a new layer from the background by pressing CMD+J on a mac, or CTRL+J on a PC.

3. Convert layer to soft light mode and adjust opacity to desired look in the layer’s palette.  Don’t overdo this or the image will look fake and you’ll lose detail.

4. Flatten image by right-clicking on layer 1 and choosing flatten image.  Head back to Image, Mode, and choose RGB.

5. That’s it!

About Connor Walberg

At only 25 years old, Connor has been published in many major international publications and is a signed Getty photographer. His writing and photos have been published in Photoshop User and Light It Magazines, amongst many others. He believes that if you work at what you love, you'll be able to make a great living. Connor currently resides in Edwards, CO with his wife, Kelly, and dog Tucker. You can view his portfolio at www.cnwphoto.com

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