Sean Byrne: How to use the Grad Filter in Lightroom
Our Lightroom Coffee Break series is in full swing and over the last four weeks we’ve seen some of the best photographers and Instagrammers across wildlife, travel, landscape and lifestyle bring you their quick hacks for editing your photos in Lightroom and making them look amazing in 60 seconds or less.
This week’s star of the show is landscape photographer Sean Byrne. We chatted to Sean to find out how he got into the industry, what his career highlights are and to discuss what he’s up to at the moment. Check out the full interview below and leave your thoughts in the comments section – we love hearing from you!
Adobe: How did you start out in photography, has it always been your passion?
Sean: I started out in photography nearly five years ago when I was using my iPhone 4 to take pictures for Instagram. From that point on, my passion grew. I was never interested in photography before, so it was completely unexpected. I found that I wanted to improve massively once I saw my first long exposure image and I was mesmerised by the look of it. I then started to research techniques, equipment and software that would help me to become a better photographer. I also made friends with other photographers on Instagram, who helped guide me on the things I needed to improve on. I would say photographing landscapes is where I feel completely relaxed and I’m in my comfort zone.
A: You’ve got an impressive following on Instagram, how did it all start?
S: I used to be in graphic design but unfortunately it didn’t work out. I ended up driving a heavy goods vehicle but I found driving along motorways very boring. So, I looked for things I could do to keep me being creative and that’s where Instagram came in. Being able to add filters and use apps to enhance your images was easy for me and I guess people who saw my posts enjoyed what I was doing too. It became an addiction to keep creating content and try to keep inspiring people to do the same. This had a great positive effect on my account and my followers grew and grew.
A: You’ve worked with some amazing brands over the years. Do you have any projects that stand out as highlights?
S: I have been very fortunate as I have so many highlights so far that I find pinpointing them very difficult. I will mention a few but as I said there are many.
One of my favourites was from my last visit to Turkey for Inflow Travel & Turkish Airlines. I got to visit the stunning region of Cappadocia and see it from a hot air balloon during a magnificent sunrise. It was a moment I will NEVER forget and any hot air balloon ride from now on has a lot to live up too.
Another great memory is when I visited Alberta in Canada for Travel Alberta and feeding wolf dogs at a local sanctuary. It was a very intimidating experience to be next to such large captivating animals. But totally exhilarating at the same time.
Lastly, swimming with turtles in Barbados on a campaign for Thomson was unforgettable. It was the first time I’d ever shot underwater and swam with these magnificent sea creatures. Thankfully they weren’t camera shy, it was a very magical experience in what felt like another planet.
A: Working for the likes of Swiss Air and Iceland Air, you must have shot in some incredible locations. Do you have any favourites?
S: As a landscape photographer, I would have to say that probably my favourite country for natural beauty is Iceland. Ever since I picked up my first DSLR camera, Iceland was somewhere I wanted to visit. I have a huge passion for landscape photography and it has so much natural beauty that your jaw drops at every corner. I’ve been lucky to visit twice now and both times I wasn’t disappointed. The last time I went, Iceland Air arranged for me to walk and climb up some large glaciers. It felt weird that only days before I was at home watching TV with my family on the sofa!
A: What’s one of your favourite shots that you’ve taken and why?
S: WOW what a question. I guess family pics mean the most to me for personal reasons. They’re even better if I can bring my family on a campaign with me.
A: Have you got any tips for capturing the perfect shot?
S: What I think could be the perfect shot someone else may not agree with. Photography can be addictive because of how subjective it is. These are my top things to consider:
- Composition
- Exposure
- Interesting subject(s)
If you take care of these three things, you’re half way towards capturing that perfect shot.
A: Who do you turn to for inspiration? Whose work do you admire?
S: I have many inspirations. It can be someone who’s just started out as a photographer or someone who’s been doing it professionally for years. I’m not a snob when it comes to inspiration. I generally like all types of photography at all different levels.
A: What are some of your favourite go-to features in Lightroom?
S: I love using Grad Filters and Vignettes. These are always used along with the Tone Curve to help give my shots that film look.
A: What’s next – have you got any exciting projects coming up?
S: I have a busy few months coming up and I’m super excited. I’ve just returned from Dublin and next up is Turkey, then, Cornwall, Wales, Menorca, France, the Caribbean, Norway and Scotland. I’m sure more opportunities will crop up too! I’m a very lucky man to be able to travel as much as I do. I also have a resilient and strong wife who looks after the mini Byrnes whilst I’m away and she’s very proud of my achievements so far.
Watch Sean as he explains how to use Grad Filters in Lightroom in just 60 seconds:
A big thank you to Sean Byrne for sharing his insights with us. Keep up to date with Sean’s whereabouts and check out more of his beautiful photography on Instagram and on his personal website.
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