How To Achieve A Beautiful Matte Effect In Just Two Easy Steps

How To Achieve A Beautiful Matte Effect In Just Two Easy Steps

If you’ve wondered how to create a matte effect in Lightroom or Photoshop, this tutorial is for you. Today, I will show you how to achieve a beautiful Matte Effect in just two easy steps.

The matte effect is a fun and stylish way to transform your photos. Especially if you want your photo to have a more moody, dreamy and artistic look.

The secret to creating the matte effect is using the CURVE TOOL. Whether you use Lightroom or Photoshop you can find the curve tool inside the editing software.

The curve tool is one of the most powerful editing tools available. You can create so many styles with just this one tool but today we will focus on creating the matte effect.

So let’s get started.

How To Achieve A Beautiful Matte Effect In Just Two Easy Steps

Before you start playing wit the matte effect, I recommend that you do some basic editing to your photo and then let the matte effect be your final step in the editing process.

Adjust exposure, saturation, contrast, vibrance, clarity, and the white balance. When you are happy with your image proceed with the curve tool to add the matte effect.

To get started with the matte effect open up the curve box and follow the instructions shown in the images below.

How To Create The Matte Effect In Photoshop

How To Create The Matte Effect In Lightroom

You might find that the matte effect works better for some photos and not so well for others. The only way to find out is to experiment and be playful.

And remember; when you work with the curve tool “a little goes a long way”. You only have to do a small pull on the curve to get a huge effect.

About Christina Greve

Christina Greve is a Lifestyle photographer, educator, and mindfulness therapist with a deep passion for inspiring women to slow down, embrace self-compassion, and connect with their intuition and creativity. Through her work, she encourages women to live with intention, foster self-acceptance, and tap into their inner wisdom. Known for her elegant, story-driven photography, Christina draws inspiration from the Nordic countryside, her travels, and the simple beauty of food and still life. Her stunning work has been featured in numerous high-end magazines, blogs, and books worldwide. After a decade in psychology, Christina’s passion for photography evolved into a full-time business, seamlessly blending her expertise in mindfulness with her love for creative expression and lifestyle photography. Today, she offers tools, education, and inspiration for multi-passionate women, artists, and creatives to find direction, overcome self-doubt, and pursue a life doing what they love. Christina has coached thousands of women from over 40 countries. Through her popular podcast, The Empowered Creative, and her sold-out workshops, she has become a trusted mentor for creatives seeking genuine support, heartfelt encouragement, and a sense of community.