Shotkit may earn a commission on affiliate links. Learn more.
Have you ever taken a photo outdoors on a cloudy day and ended up with a flat, lifeless image?
Or maybe tried taking a lifestyle food photo using window light, but your hero piece gets lost and blends with the other props?
These situations are extremely common, especially for beginners. But the good news is that you don’t need to be an expert photo editor to fix the problem in post.
Using Luminar Neo‘s Light Depth feature, you can easily add volume to your images and make the subject pop. Using just a few sliders and interacting with the AI-generated depth map, you’ll be able to select exactly where the light falls.
Whether you want the light falling on the subject at the front, across the middle ground, or deep in the background, you have complete control.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to use it and what each setting does, so you can fine-tune your adjustments.
Plus, I’ll share some jaw-dropping examples that will inspire you to bring some three-dimensionality to your images.
Don’t have Luminar Neo? Access the Luminar Ecosystem here.
What is the Light Depth Tool in Luminar Neo?
Light Depth is an AI-powered feature that helps you shape light and add volume to your images. It was introduced in the big 2025 fall update of Luminar Neo, replacing the Relight AI tool.
If you’re familiar with the Relight AI tool, you’ll already have some idea of what this tool is all about. However, you’ll also find it offers more advanced features for greater control.
For those who have never used Relight AI, you won’t find any difficulty jumping in and learning how Light Depth can revolutionize your editing workflow.
This tool allows you to control how light falls on your scene across the foreground, middle ground, and background. Let me show you how easy it is to use and the stunning results you can achieve.
How to Use the Light Depth Tool in Luminar Neo?
First things first, you need to open Luminar Neo and import your image into the Catalog. Then, open it in the Edit workspace.
Now, find the Creative panel on the right side and expand it. The first tool you’ll find here is Light Depth.
When you click the Light Depth tool, its panel opens. You’ll see how, using AI, it forms a depth map of your picture.
If your image is very heavy or your computer isn’t very powerful, this may take a few seconds – I’ve never found it to be an issue.
The first thing you need to do is move the Amount slider. This controls the intensity of the effect. Before you move the Amount slider, everything else will be disabled.
Even with the smallest amount, you’ll be able to use the rest of the settings. However, I like to start with a high amount so that the effect is clearly visible.
This way, it’s easier for me to move around the map and find the best spot – I can always come back and adjust the amount later.
However, feel free to experiment with the tool and find your own process. Everything you do reflects live on the map and on your picture.
Once the effect is visible, you can use the map to move around the center of the main light. Then, use the handlers to expand or narrow the falloff area.
Next, you’ll want to use the sliders to fine-tune the effect.
Softness feathers the effect as it fades out.
Warmth controls the color temperature.
If you want more control, you can open Advanced Settings. Here, you can adjust the brightness and color temperature of the foreground and background separately.
At any time, you can click on the Eye to temporarily hide the edits so that you can see the before and after.
It’s also possible to enable the before-and-after view if you prefer to use the slider rather than toggle it on and off.
If you’re not happy and you want to start fresh, you can remove the effect by clicking on the back arrow in the top menu.
Next to the arrow, you’ll also find the Information button, which opens a pop-up window with a brief explanation of the tool. You can also be redirected to the official Skylum user’s guide if you need more help.
What Type of Photos Can You Use the Light Depth Tool On?
The Light Depth tool is very versatile and can be used on any photo that needs extra oomph.
If you were shooting outdoors on an overcast day, or you were using ambient light indoors, you’ll likely end up with a flat photo – this is where Light Depth comes in.
In the example I used before, you saw how you can make an object pop in a lifestyle scene. Let me show you a couple more examples, changing the type of photograph.
Portrait Photography
Credit: Elif Aksoy
Landscape Photography
Credit: İlknur Yıldırım
Tips and Best Practices
As you can see, the Light Depth tool is very intuitive and easy to use. Still, here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results.
Use the masking tool. Because it’s a depth map, you can only move forward and backward and control the top and bottom edges. To adjust the sides, you can use the masking tool.
Consider the original light source. To obtain a more realistic result, consider the direction of the original light source and where it was falling.
Combine Light Depth with other Luminar Neo tools. While the Light Depth feature offers impressive results, you can use it in combination with all the different tools in Luminar Neo to achieve not only beautiful photos but also ones that convey your style and message.
Luminar Neo Light Depth – FAQs
Is Light Depth the same as Relight AI?
No. Light Depth replaced Relight AI because it’s a more advanced tool. While both aim to achieve the same effect, the Light Depth tool offers the user more control.
Can Light Depth replace the traditional Dodge and Burn?
Light Depth applies a specific dodge-and-burn effect based on distance. However, using the traditional dodge-and-burn technique offers high precision, allowing you to target specific shapes, textures, and details.
Does Light Depth work on any photo?
Yes, you can use Light Depth on any type of photo, from product to portrait to landscape. However, not all images will require this type of editing; it depends on the scene’s original lighting conditions.
Can I remove the Light Depth effect?
Yes, you can use the back arrow on the Light Depth panel to remove the effect if you’re unsatisfied. If you are further along in the editing process, you can go to the Edits section and remove it there.
Is Light Depth easy to use for beginners?
Yes, anyone can use the Light Depth tool regardless of their skill level. Everything is very intuitive and can be seen live in the picture. So, you just have to interact with the tool to see the effects and achieve what you’re looking for.
Kako da skinem Luminar Neo?