SUMMARY
Gareth Evans of Park Cameras illustrates a split-tone editing method for sunset photos, emphasizing distinct color treatments for the sky and water. Instead of a global white balance adjustment, he uses masking and tone curves to selectively cool the water and warm the sky, creating layered color zones. This approach, which involves stacking subtle adjustments to contrast, exposure, and individual color channels within masks, offers more dimensional color than a single slider. The technique is applicable to various editing software and can be adapted for different subjects beyond landscapes.
TAKEAWAYS
Split-tone editing treats different image zones (sky, water) separately.
Masking and tone curves provide more control than global white balance.
Layering subtle adjustments builds richer, dimensional color.
Technique is transferable across editing software and subject types.