As a photographer, capturing the perfect shot requires not only skill and creativity but also the right tools and techniques. One tool that can be incredibly helpful for photographers are presets. Because presets are pre-configured settings that can be applied to a photo to achieve a desired look or style, they are sometimes a handy shortcut to achieving a particular aesthetic or mood in your photos.

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Whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer, presets can save you time, help you stay consistent with your editing style, and enhance your overall workflow. In this blog post, we’ll share our list of the top 10 presets for photographers, dive deeper into how presets can benefit photographers, and provide tips for using them effectively.

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Photographer editing with presets in lighthouse.

How Presets can help Photographers

Faster turnaround time- By using presets effectively, you can offer your clients a faster turnaround time without sacrificing quality, resulting in happier clients and more referrals. Presets can save you a significant amount of time during the editing process. Instead of manually adjusting each setting on every photo, photographers can apply a preset with just a few clicks, allowing you to focus on other areas of your business.

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Consistency: Presets can help you achieve a consistent look and feel across your portfolio. By applying a pre-made set of adjustments to each photo, you can ensure that your style and branding remain consistent, which can help you stand out among the competition.

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Customization: Presets can be customized to suit your unique style and preferences. By creating your own presets, or purchasing presets, you can apply a specific set of adjustments to each photo that reflects your brand and aesthetic.

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Workflow: Presets can help you streamline your workflow and improve your productivity. By using presets, you can quickly edit a large number of photos, allowing you to take on more clients and increase your revenue.

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By using presets, you can save time and offer your clients a faster turnaround time without sacrificing quality. This can help you be more productive, efficient, and successful in your business.

How to use Lightroom Presets

To use presets, you will need to download them from a preset store or website.(scroll down to see some of our fave presets with links to their stores)
Once you have downloaded the presets, you will need to install them in your photo editing software.
Once the presets are installed, you can apply them to your photos by clicking on the preset name in the presets menu.
You can adjust the strength of the preset to get the look you want.

The Top 12 Presets for Photographers

Here are some presets we love. Do you use (and LOVE!) a preset we didn’t mention? Drop it in the comments below and we’ll add them to the list and tag them 😍

Visual Flow Lightroom Presets

Pretty Presets

Smal and Soulmate Presets

Luminous Presets

Jessica G Photography Shop

‍Reverie and Oak Presets and Brushes

Greater Than Gatsby Actions and Presets

Kyle Goldie Lightroom Presets for Wedding and Portrait Photographers

P.S If you offer presets in your business dm us on instagram and we’ll share with our readers 🙂

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Photographer sitting in front of her computer editing.

Tips for Using Presets For Your Photography

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Read the preset's description before using it. This will give you an idea of what it will do to your photo and how it might affect the colors and tones.
Start with a low-strength setting. You can always increase the strength of the preset later if you need to. Adjusting the strength of photography presets is a crucial step to make sure that the final image looks perfect. Some presets might make the image too bright or too dark, so it's important to adjust the strength to achieve the desired result. Most presets come with a slider that allows you to adjust the strength of the preset. By moving the slider to the left, you can decrease the strength of the preset, while moving it to the right increases the strength of the preset. It's recommended to make small adjustments and preview the image after each adjustment to see the effect of the changes.

Some presets might work better with certain types of images, so it's important to experiment with different strengths to find the right balance for each image. With some practice, you can master the art of adjusting the strength of presets to achieve the desired result in your photos.

Experiment with different presets on different photos. Not all presets will work well with all photos, so it's important to experiment to find the ones that work best for you.Some presets might work better with certain types of images, so it's important to experiment with different strengths to find the right balance for each image.
Use presets to create a cohesive look and feel in your portfolio. This will help your portfolio look more professional and polished. When choosing presets for your portfolio, it's important to select ones that fit with your overall vision and style. Experiment with different presets and adjust them as needed to create the look and feel that you want.
Be careful when buying presets from unknown sources. There are many presets available online, but not all of them are created equal. Be sure to do your research before buying a preset to make sure it's from a reputable source.
Have fun! Experiment with different presets and see what you can create. Using presets should also be a fun and enjoyable experience. Don't be afraid to experiment with different presets and see what you can create. You might be surprised at the amazing results that you can achieve by using different presets on your images.

Tip: Keep in mind that presets can be used in moderation, and that not every image needs to have a preset applied to it. Use your creative judgment 🙂

Wrapping Up: Photography Presets

Presets can be a great addition to your photography business. They can save you time, help create a cohesive look and feel in your portfolio, and add your personal touch to each image. By experimenting with different presets, adjusting their strength, and making them work for your unique style, you can enhance your photography and expand your creative process. Remember to not rely solely on presets and continue to hone your photography skills, but also enjoy the fun and creative aspect they bring to your work.

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