The wrong way to add contrast (and what to do instead)

The contrast slider in Lightroom and Photoshop isn't as smart as you think. For many images, it actually works against you, functioning more like an Exposure adjustment. In this video, I'll show you exactly what's happening under the hood with the Contrast slider, and how to apply smarter, more adaptive contrast globally and locally to your photos. Update (3/28/2026): Inspired by this video, developer Tony Kuyper created a FREE Photoshop plugin that automates this process! Download it here: https://bit.ly/47sc4mg 🎒 GEAR AND LINKS What’s in my bag: https://bit.ly/dominey-gear My LUTs and presets: https://dominey.lemonsqueezy.com/ Music and SFX for videos: https://bit.ly/dominey-epidemic-sound Photography: https://dominey.photography Blog: https://blog.dominey.photography Instagram: https://instagram.com/dominey Glass: https://glass.photo/tdominey Email: dominey@gmail.com LEGAL DISCLOSURE Some of the links in this description will direct you to online stores where I may earn referral credits at no additional cost to you. If you want to shop and support this channel, you may also use the following storewide links. 🛒 Amazon: https://geni.us/gotoamazon 🛒 B&H: https://geni.us/shopbandh 🛒 Adorama: https://geni.us/shopadorama