Better to increase/decrease contrast prior to split toning?

[southwestform]

I want to use split toning to grade my image. Is it better to create good contrast in my photo before using split toning OR to decrease contrast in my photo by making it more flat prior to split toning?

Thanks.

[Ian Lyons]

Photos vary, tastes vary. Best you try increasing/reducing contrast to see which you prefer. That way you'll get what you want rather than somebody else's opinion on how your photos should look.

[southwestform]

I wasn't clear if increasing/decreasing contrast prior to color adjustments made a difference with how well the color effects worked...

[JoeKostoss · Accepted solution]

Edits in Lightroom are independent of each other, meaning the final result is the same regardless of the order in which the edits are made.  The choice is up to you.  You can decide if split toning is easier for you to see without the added contrast or with it.  My experience is that there is always a little back and forth final tweaks require before the image looks the way I want it.