Portra 400 Preset - Desktop

FAQs

1. How would you suggest using these presets?

• I’d suggest using them exactly as I do:

  Adjust the white balance (wb) of the photo first. For me, I normally select Auto WB just to see what Lightroom has in mind. In my experience, this can either be very helpful and the photo changes for the better or it’s dramatically cooled/warmed and impacts it too greatly. Either way, I like to take the recommendation into consideration and I’ll adjust the sliders from there. By the end of this, I almost always warm my photos on the temperature slider. I enjoy shooting in sunny conditions and I’d like my photos to reflect what I was seeing (this is not a must-do, but it’s what I enjoy). What I’d like you to take away here is white balance is important not just for these presets, but for your photos overall. Its effects can alter how I feel about a photo.

  Now, choose the preset! I lean towards the 120 grain when I’ve photographed people or landscapes (the grain fineness allows for more sharpness) and 35mm selections when I want a little more texture in my photo overall.

• A notable feature in Lightroom presets is the ability to select how strong you would like the preset to be. After selecting the preset, I’ll sometimes check to see if I’d like the preset at the full amount, if it looks better toned down, or if adding more helps me achieve what I’m looking for. I’ve found this useful with images taken on phones.

  From this point on, play around! Make adjustments as you see fit or leave the photo once the WB and preset have been applied. As I mentioned above, these are intended to emulate film and sometimes the film look is all you’ll need. I personally enjoy lowering my whites and highlights to achieve a “softer” image.

2. How did you decide on this price?

• To put it simply, I want these to be accessible to everyone. I’m hoping these will make it easier to approach the world of editing and also provide more experienced folks with a refreshed look for their images. 

3. How do I install these?

• These are the best steps to install on Lightroom desktop. They’ll sync with your phone if you install on Lightroom CC via desktop. Will not sync with your phone if added to Lightroom Classic CC.

4. Any other tips?

• I enjoy applying “upright” to my images with architecture with them. Having straighter lines can help improve an image quite a bit.

• I’ll occasionally apply the preset, export the photo, and then import the edited photo back into Lightroom. Editing from that point is sort of like editing a film photo at that point in my mind.

• Play with the white balance a lot, which can dramatically change the quality of a photo.

• Check back here for added tips :)

Lightroom Preset Packs are non-refundable.