PRESET BASIC EDITING TIPS & TRICKS
HEY O!!! Let’s talk about all things tips and tricks for those amazing things we call presets. This blog post is not centered around just one group of edits. No, whether you are a light and airy style, dark and moody style or even a raw and real style this blog is for you.
Disclaimer: This blog is also meant for what to do next once you already have your preset in the Lightroom app. However, it could help you in basic editing in your photo edit on your phone. If you do not already have a preset and are interest check out the ones in the SHOP.
Ok, so you have your preset loaded into the Lightroom app, you have chosen the photo you want to edit, picked the preset you want to use and now it is time to make those adjustments.
Why does a preset need adjustments?
Presets need adjustments to tailor it to your brand and style. Presets are meant to help, but are not always meant to 100% edit your image full. Yes, there are times where once you add the preset you do not have to add any more adjustments, but there are also times where adjustments need to be made. Adjustments are not meant to be overwhelming and like anything they are going to take a moment to get used to it. The more you work with them, the more it will all become easier for you to add those adjustments.
So, Let’s Chat About My Main Adjustments…
These are all my definitions, not official definitions. & the reason I am not talking about ALL of the adjustments is because most presets will change those adjustments & it helps with the overall uniqueness of the image.
Exposure: Brightening up or deeming an image. I say brightening up and deeming, because it will paint over light or take away light.
Contrast: Enhancing or taking away the edge in an image. (Removing or enhancing the details.)
Highlights: Strengthens or Weakens the natural highlights in an image.
Shadows: Adds light in a natural shadow or deepens the strength of a shadow.
Whites: Strengthens or weakens the white in the image
Blacks: Strengthens or weakens the black in the image
Temp: Warming (The orange side) an image or Cooling (The blue side) an image.
Tint: Adding a little bit of red or green in an image.
Now, Let’s Work to find the overall look you are trying to achieve.
To achieve a brighter image, start by bringing the shadows up as much as possible. If you see the image starting to lose its details then bring up more contrast. If your image still needs to be brighter then adjust the exposure up, until it is more your liking. If your highlights are dull bring them up, but if they are too bright then don’t hesitate to bring them down.
To achieve a darker image, start by looking at your shadows to see if they need to be deeper. Then if your image needs to be darker then bring those exposures down. Finish by adjusting the highlights and it is never a bad idea to bring your blacks down more, so your darker colors are truly rich and dark.
If your image is too cool then adjust your temperature to the right more to add more orange. Or if you are trying to achieve an overall moody, (Antique, orangy, cooler, ect.) then adjust your temp to your liking. Same with your tint. If your green is way too prominent in your image then add some red. Or even to create a mood add some green or some orange.
I adjust exposure after shadows because shadows are really where the bright or darkness of an image will come into play. You will notice exposure is like adding just a little extra bright or darkness.
No matter how you choose to edit your images just play with all the adjustments and find what works best for you. Your presets are meant to help achieve your overall look, but they aren’t always going to be 100% perfect. However, once you find what works best for you editing will come like second nature. You will start to notice what needs to be done to achieve your overall look and it will come like second nature. Have fun and totally enjoy just simply being creative.
Interested in the presets I have in the shop, CLICK HERE!