Learn how to create directional lighting in ON1 Photo RAW using local adjustments and reflected gradients. This step-by-step tutorial shows you how to enhance contrast, guide viewer attention, and add dramatic light to your photos without advanced compositing. You’ll also see why black and white editing can strengthen lighting effects and how to control exposure, contrast, and feathering for a natural result. If you want to improve your photo editing workflow and create more dynamic images, this technique is a must-know.
2026ON1 Photo RAWIntermediate / AdvancedCityscape / UrbanEffectsDylan KoteckiDevelopTips & TechniquesEditExposure & LightFilters, Effects, StylingMasking & SelectionsLocalCreate Directional Light in ON1 Photo RAW (Easy Reflected Gradient Trick)
Published: Mar 18 2026 4214 Views
On March 21, 2026 at 6:29 pm David Ausman wrote:
This is a nice on. Been using it on several shots already. Many thanks!
On March 28, 2026 at 8:59 am Wayne Howarth wrote:
Just amazing!
On March 28, 2026 at 9:50 am Cameron Fetty wrote:
Thanks for the tip!
On March 28, 2026 at 8:17 pm Ted Schade wrote:
This is really good. I’ve been using it on landscapes and intersecting the reflected gradient with a sky mask to put some light on the landscape. A touch of warmth brings sunlight to areas of emphasis.
On March 29, 2026 at 12:31 am rhcoates123 wrote:
Great tip. Thanks, and cheers from DownUnder 🦘
On April 14, 2026 at 3:30 am Stephen Dicken wrote:
I’ve been using this on portraits i’ve taken at mansion houses/studios the effects are pretty good.