Profiles
In simple terms, profiles are a look applied to an image. Some profiles are neutral (so the image appears very similar to the data captured by a camera), while others are much more dramatic. The list of possibilities is endless, and it’s possible to fine-tune an image to almost any look. Here we have taken an example image of the beautiful Courtney, standing outside in a lovely patterned dress and applied different profiles to give an idea of what is possible.
In each scenario, the image with the profile applied is compared to a neutral profile applied (after the rest of the editing process has been completed). The original image is a nice photograph, but it appears flat.
Endless possibilities
It’s also possible to target specific areas of a photo with local adjustments; for example, you may wish to bring out the colours and detail in a fabulous dress but leave the background unchanged to draw the viewer’s focus onto the model. At the same time as bringing out the detail in a dress, you may not want to bring out the details in the face as this will emphasise wrinkles; for the face, you want to show nice skin tones.
The Possibilities are endless
As an example, we can make the background black and white and leave the subject in colour.
Targeted adjustments
Very targeted adjustments are also possible.
In the example below, Courtney is given a soft glamour profile, which is slightly brightened. The background features a slight desaturation and blurring effect, which draws attention to the model. Then, an additional change is made that specifically targets Courtney’s dress and hat, bringing out the details and colour in both.