How does one create a glowy/halation effect in post?

Question

Newbie at post processing here. I stumbled across this photographer who has these really soft glowy auras around his light sources (see below). I believe he shoots digital and does all this in post (saw a comment about Lightroom), because he has similar effects on his phone pictures.

Any tips on how to achieve this effect?

Answer 1

With Photoshop

_{Image source}

• Menu Select > Color Range > Highlights
• Menu Layer > New > Layer Via Copy
• Menu Filter > Other > Minimum
  • Choose an amount that increases the light object by 30-40%
• Menu Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur
  • Choose amount based on smoothing
• Change the Layer blending mode to Screen or Soft Light
• Optional: duplicate this layer and change the opacity to increase the effect

Result:

_{Image source}

Answer 2

Alternative - Not so much in postproduction, but already applied in camera:

If you want to have that effect predominantly on light sources, but not on the overall image, you can also use a Mist Filter while shooting.

This is a clear filter with little black dots on it which causes blooming on any light source while trying to maintain some clarity on the rest of the image. They are hugely popular in video capture right now, as they apply some atmosphere and soften the harsh digital sharpness a bit.

They are available in various strength. Usually 1/4 or even 1/8 is taken. 1/2 or Full is having a rather over pronounced effect.

For examples, head over to https://www.dpreview.com/articles/9999362588/what-are-mist-filters-and-what-do-they-do-to-your-photographs

Answer 3

In Lightroom:

• Increase Whites and Highlights.
• Apply a slight negative Dehaze.
• Reduce Clarity.

In Photoshop:

• Select Highlights (Select > Color Range > Highlights).
• Create a new layer via copy.
• Expand light objects (Filter > Other > Minimum).
• Apply Gaussian Blur (Filter > Blur > Gaussian Blur).
• Set layer to Screen or Soft Light.

**Or use a Mist Filter on your lens for a natural effect.