The beauty behind Adobe's Lightroom is that it offers multi-level functions. This means you can use it at its most elementary level to make simple edits.

But why be "basic" when you can be better? Lightroom's Brush tool is one such example. Are you maximizing its true potential?

You can use the Brush tool to take things up a notch and make use of its various benefits. Something useful to remember is if you ever want to erase some part of the brush, press the option key, and the brush becomes an eraser!

With that in mind, let us show you the multiple uses of the Brush tool! 

Dodge and Burn

You can use the brush tool to wash over brighter areas or areas you want to highlight to add backlight. To do this, open the brush tool and click on it. Double click on effect to reset all the brush settings to zero.

We suggest making sure that the brush isn't too noticeable/intense. You can do that by experimenting with its flow and density. (Its minimum setting is 70.) Note that the feather slider can affect the brush's natural appearance. 

Precise Brush

You can be very precise with a brush to make very selective or precise changes. Start with a new brush and select auto mask so that only the center of your brush is affected.  

Enhancing Snow's Appearance

As you likely know, capturing snow in a photograph can be tricky. However, Lightroom's Brush tool can be a lifesaver. Use a brush to boost exposure and add some clarity to certain areas. To do this, click on Range Mask > Luminance. This will allow you more control over which areas to change.

Fix Graduated Filter

The graduated filter can add visual drama, but it sometimes affects the image in ways you might not want. We suggest using a graduated filter, then select the brush within the graduated filter section. Use the range mask > Luminance to remove the effect of the graduated filter wherever you don't want its effects.

 Fog

Did you know that you can use the brush tool to add or create some fog in an image? To do this, you will need to lower the clarity and dehaze. You will also need to increase the exposure somewhat. Once you do that, you can paint the fog onto the image.  

Those are our five suggestions for maximizing the benefits of Lightroom's Brush tool! We hope you found them useful and can put them to use in your workflow.