The beach – that magical place where the sun, sea, and sand team up to create the ultimate backdrop for your Instagram feed. I mean, who doesn’t love a stunning beach shot, right? But sometimes, you take the perfect photo, and it doesn’t pop the way you imagined. That’s where our LR presets come in to save the day!
Last summer, I was traveling along the coast, stopping at different beaches each day. The places were stunning, but each one had its own unique mood: foggy mornings, glowing sunsets, midnight waves… all of it. At first, I’d spend ages in lightroom trying to get each shot right. Then I started making my own presets for different vibes—moody, minimalist, romantic—and it changed everything. Editing went from stressful to fun! My followers started asking, “How did you get that vibe?!” and the beach collection was born.
Actually, these presets are like that secret sauce that turns a nice vacation photo into a scroll-stopper. You know, the kind of photo where people double-tap without even thinking about it. So, I’m spilling the (salt)water on how they can transform your beach shots from “simple” to magnificent. Ready to begin? Let’s go!
20 Beach Lightroom Presets Download Instantly
Beach presets are basically your one-click solution to instantly transform your beach photos. You don’t need to be a Photoshop pro or spend hours tweaking your images. With few clicks, you get beautifully balanced tones, enhanced colors, and the kind of vibes that make people stop scrolling and think, “Where is this paradise, and how can I go there?” Let’s hit the beach with some creativity! Each beach preset we’re about to explore has its own vibe, like a different kind of day by the shore.
1. Cinematic/Tropical Paradise Beach Preset
Picture yourself on a white sandy beach with turquoise waters and palm trees swaying in the breeze. Tropical paradise is all about those vibrant, lively colors that make you feel like you’re in a vacation ad.
Light: Increase exposure slightly (+10%) to brighten the scene and add a bit of contrast (+15%) to make the colors pop.
Color: Boost the saturation (+20%) and vibrance (+25%) to enhance the blues and greens. Adjust the hue of blues towards teal (+10%) to give the water that tropical feel.
Effects: Add a bit of clarity (+10%) to make details like waves and leaves sharp, and a touch of dehaze (-5%) to keep the sky looking clear and vibrant.
Detail: Sharpen the image slightly (+10%) to ensure those details stay crisp without overwhelming the softness of the beach vibe.
Purpose: To create bright, colorful beach photos that scream vacation.
Best For: Tropical beaches, sunny days, and travel photography.
Style: Vibrant, lively, and refreshing.
2. Dark Beach
Imagine an intense, broody beach scene—heavy skies, deep shadows, and water that almost looks like ink. Perfect for creating mystery and drama!
Light: Reduce Exposure (-20%) and Highlights (-30%), increase Shadows (+25%) for moodiness.
Color: Lower Temperature (-10%) for a cool, moody tone, reduce Vibrance (-15%) to focus on contrast.
Effects: Boost Clarity (+20%) for sharpness, add Dehaze (+25%) to make clouds look almost tangible.
Detail: Increase Sharpening (+15%) to make every wave and grain of sand pop.
Purpose: Adds mystery and depth to beach shots, perfect for those moody Instagram vibes.
Best For: Sunset or early morning scenes with cloudy skies. Usage: When you want to capture an intense, cinematic moment by the shore.
Style: Dark and dramatic, with a strong emphasis on shadows and subdued colors. This preset says, “The beach isn’t always sunny—but it’s still beautiful.”
3. Boho Beach
Think warm, rustic tones that make beach shots feel like a free-spirited adventure. Boho captures that dreamy vibe with earthy tones and soft contrasts, making it perfect for lifestyle shots.
Light: Exposure (+10%) for a sun-kissed glow, slightly reduce Highlights (-10%) to soften the scene.
Color: Increase Temperature (+15%) and Tint (+10%) for warm, inviting tones.
Effects: Add Texture (+15%) and slightly increase Vignette (-10%) to draw attention to the center.
Detail: A touch of Noise Reduction (+10%) keeps everything soft and organic.
Purpose: Evokes warmth and freedom, ideal for capturing carefree beach days.
Best For: Golden hour shots, bohemian vibes, or lifestyle beach photography.
Usage: Great for beachside portraits, sunsets, and those laid-back, “lost in the moment” shots.
Style: Warm and earthy, bringing out soft highlights and a natural glow. It’s the preset for anyone who loves the feeling of sand between their toes and salty hair.
4. Minimal Beach
Minimal Beach is all about simplicity. It strips away distractions, highlighting clean lines and soft colors. It’s subtle and understated but still has that fresh, refined edge—like the beach itself is in a Zen state.
Light: Boost Exposure (+15%) and reduce Contrast (-20%) to soften the mood.
Color: Lower Saturation (-25%) for a more washed-out look, and decrease Vibrance (-10%) for balance.
Effects: Use Clarity (-5%) and add a light Vignette (-5%) to keep things easy on the eyes.
Detail: Sharpening (+10%) brings subtle detail without losing the smoothness.
Purpose: Keeps beach photos light, airy, and clutter-free. It’s the “less is more” of presets.
Best For: Calm, peaceful beach shots, especially with minimal elements.
Usage: Perfect for simple compositions—think shells on sand, minimalist beachscapes, or wide shots of the ocean.
Style: Clean, gentle, and soothing. Minimal Beach is the understated elegance of beach presets, ideal for a minimalist Instagram feed.
5. Night Beach
Turn the beach into an enchanting nightscape. This preset deepens shadows and adds a moody tint, transforming even daytime shots into evening-like scenes. It’s almost like bringing the mystery of the night to any beach.
Light: Lower Exposure (-30%), boost Shadows (+10%), and increase Contrast (+15%) for that night feel.
Color: Drop Temperature (-15%) and reduce Tint (-10%) for a cooler, twilight feel.
Effects: Add Dehaze (+20%) to make the scene look crisp, like you’re standing on a windy beach at night.
Detail: Noise Reduction (+15%) helps keep it smooth in low light.
Purpose: Gives beach photos a unique, twilight-inspired transformation.
Best For: Evening or overcast shots, especially with darker skies or ocean scenes.
Usage: Use it when you want to convey mystery, tranquility, or even a bit of solitude.
Style: Cool, shadowed, and just a little bit magical. Night Beach is perfect for taking your audience on a moonlit journey.
6. Dark Cherry Beach
This preset mixes rich reds and purples with the dark beach vibe for a moody, romantic twist. Think of it as adding a hint of cherry flavor to an otherwise stormy scene.
Light: Lower Exposure (-20%) and Highlights (-15%) while increasing Shadows (+10%) to emphasize depth.
Color: Adjust Tint (+20%) toward pinkish-purple, increase Vibrance (+15%) for rich cherry hues.
Effects: Add Texture (+10%) to bring out the details and a subtle Vignette (-15%) for a soft frame.
Detail: Slight Sharpening (+5%) keeps edges clear, but too much detail isn’t the focus here.
Purpose: Adds a romantic twist with moody reds and purples.
Best For: Sunset or sunrise shots, particularly when you want to highlight rich color.
Usage: Ideal for creating dreamy, almost painterly beach scenes with a hint of fantasy.
Style: Rich, romantic, and a touch dramatic—Dark Cherry Beach is all about passion in the details.
7. Golden Hour Glow Beach Preset
Ah, the golden hour—the time of day when the sun casts a warm, magical light over everything. This preset captures that soft, golden light that makes everything look dreamy and romantic.
Light: Increase the exposure (+15%) and bring up the shadows (+20%) to soften the contrast. Add a warm tone to the highlights using the temperature slider (+20%).
Color: Boost the oranges and yellows (+25%) to enhance the golden tones. Slightly desaturate blues (-10%) to keep the focus on the warm colors.
Effects: Add a slight vignette (-10%) to center the focus on the sun-kissed areas and add clarity (+5%) to keep the glow soft.
Detail: Sharpen minimally (+5%) to maintain the soft, dreamy quality.
Purpose: To create warm, glowing beach photos that capture the magic of the golden hour.
Best For: Sunset or sunrise shots, romantic beach scenes, or any photo with warm natural light.
Style: Soft, warm, and romantic.
8. Cool Ocean Breeze Preset
Imagine a cool, overcast day by the ocean—the kind where the sky is a bit moody, and the water feels refreshingly crisp. This cool preset brings out the blues and cool tones, perfect for when the beach is more serene than sunny.
Light: Lower the exposure slightly (-10%) to enhance the mood and increase the contrast (+20%) to make the cool tones stand out.
Color: Boost the blues (+30%) and cool down the temperature (-15%) to bring out the ocean’s natural hues. Desaturate the warmer tones (-20%) to keep the focus on the cool palette.
Effects: Add clarity (+15%) and dehaze (+10%) to sharpen the details and cut through any mist or haze.
Detail: Sharpen the image moderately (+20%) to enhance the crispness of the scene.
Purpose: To create cool, crisp beach photos that highlight the ocean and sky.
Best For: Overcast beach days, ocean waves, and moody seascapes.
Style: Cool, serene, and refreshing.
9. Vintage Beach Vibes Preset
Let’s throw it back with vintage vibes—the preset that makes your photos look like they came straight out of a 70s postcard. It’s all about warm tones, a bit of fade, and a touch of nostalgia.
Light: Lower the contrast (-15%) and highlights (-20%) to create that soft, faded look. Increase shadows slightly (+10%) to keep the details visible.
Color: Warm up the temperature (+15%) and desaturate the colors slightly (-10%) for that vintage feel. Add a touch of grain (+20%) for texture.
Effects: Reduce clarity (-10%) to keep things soft, and add a vignette (-15%) to focus attention on the center of the image.
Detail: Sharpen minimally (+5%) to maintain the soft, retro vibe.
Purpose: To create nostalgic, retro beach photos with a vintage feel.
Best For: Vintage-inspired photography, old beach towns, or any scene that can benefit from a throwback look.
Style: Warm, nostalgic, and soft.
10. Sun-Kissed Sand Preset
Want that warm, sun-drenched look you get on a bright day when the sand glows under the sunlight? It’s like that feeling of laying on the beach, soaking in the sun, with everything bathed in golden light.
Light: Increase exposure (+15%) and highlights (+20%) to make the sand glow. Add a slight warmth with the temperature slider (+10%).
Color: Boost the yellows and oranges (+20%) to enhance the sunlit sand and desaturate the blues (-10%) to keep the focus on the warm tones.
Effects: Add a bit of texture (+10%) to bring out the details in the sand and a slight vignette (-5%) to draw attention to the sunlit areas.
Detail: Sharpen slightly (+10%) to keep the details crisp without overpowering the warmth.
Purpose: To create warm, glowing beach photos that highlight the beauty of sunlit sand.
Best For: Bright, sunny beach days, close-ups of sand, or any scene where the sun is the star.
Style: Warm, bright, and inviting.
11. Sea Blues Preset
Let’s take a look into the deep end with deep sea blues. This preset is all about rich, deep blues that make your beach and ocean photos feel mysterious and profound, like gazing into the depths of the sea.
Light: Lower the shadows (-20%) and blacks (-15%) to deepen the dark areas. Increase contrast (+25%) to make the blues pop.
Color: Boost the blues significantly (+40%) and cool down the overall temperature (-20%) to enhance the ocean’s depth. Desaturate other colors (-15%) to keep the focus on the blue tones.
Effects: Add clarity (+20%) and dehaze (+10%) to enhance the details in the water, making it look even more intense.
Detail: Sharpen heavily (+25%) to capture every ripple and wave, giving the photo a crisp, defined look.
Purpose: To create dramatic, rich beach photos that focus on the depth and intensity of the ocean.
Best For: Deep ocean shots, underwater photography, or any scene where blue dominates.
Style: Rich, intense, and mysterious.
12. Soft Pastel Beach Preset
Think of a calm, serene morning by the shore, where everything is bathed in soft, pastel colors. This is best for creating a gentle, dreamy atmosphere in your beach photos, with delicate pinks, blues, and yellows that make the scene feel almost magical.
Light: Increase exposure slightly (+10%) to brighten the image and lower the contrast (-15%) to keep the tones soft and subtle.
Color: Desaturate the colors slightly (-10%) and shift the hues towards pastel shades—pink for reds (+15%), soft teal for blues (+10%), and light yellow for yellows (+10%).
Effects: Add a touch of clarity (+5%) to keep details subtle, and a slight dehaze (-5%) to maintain that soft, dreamy feel.
Detail: Sharpen minimally (+5%) to keep the softness intact while ensuring some crispness in the details.
Purpose: To create soft, gentle beach photos with a dreamy pastel vibe.
Best For: Early mornings, sunsets, or any beach scene with soft light.
Style: Soft, dreamy, and serene.
13. Crisp Morning Beach Preset
Now try a fresh, crisp morning at the beach, where the air feels clean, and the light is bright and clear. This enhances the cool, clear tones of an early beach day, making everything feel fresh and invigorating.
Light: Increase exposure slightly (+15%) to brighten the scene and add contrast (+20%) to enhance the crispness.
Color: Cool down the temperature slightly (-10%) to emphasize the fresh morning feel, and boost the blues and greens (+15%) to bring out the sea and sky.
Effects: Add clarity (+20%) and texture (+15%) to make details sharp and defined, perfect for capturing the freshness of the morning.
Detail: Sharpen the image moderately (+20%) to keep the scene crisp and clear.
Purpose: To create bright, crisp beach photos that capture the freshness of a morning by the sea.
Best For: Early morning beach walks, clear skies, and shots with lots of natural light.
Style: Bright, fresh, and invigorating.
14. Sunkissed Waves Preset
We love when the sun glistening off the waves, creating a warm, inviting glow. Sunkissed waves is all about enhancing the golden tones in your beach photos, making the water sparkle and the sand glow with warmth.
Light: Increase exposure (+10%) and highlights (+20%) to bring out the glow. Slightly boost shadows (+10%) to keep details visible.
Color: Warm up the temperature (+15%) and boost the yellows and oranges (+20%) to enhance the sunlit areas. Slightly desaturate blues (-10%) to keep the focus on the warm tones.
Effects: Add clarity (+10%) and a slight vignette (-5%) to draw attention to the sunlit waves.
Detail: Sharpen slightly (+10%) to keep the sparkle in the waves crisp without overwhelming the softness.
Purpose: To create warm, inviting beach photos that highlight the beauty of sunlit waves.
Best For: Sunny beach days, close-ups of waves, or any scene where the sun is shining brightly.
Style: Warm, inviting, and vibrant.
15. Moody Coastal Preset
For those days when the beach feels a bit more introspective, with heavy clouds and a brooding sky, moody coastal is your go-to preset. It emphasizes the darker, cooler tones, creating a dramatic and atmospheric feel.
Light: Lower exposure slightly (-10%) and deepen the shadows (-20%) to create a moody atmosphere. Increase contrast (+25%) to make the dark and light areas stand out.
Color: Cool down the temperature significantly (-20%) to bring out the blues and grays. Desaturate the image slightly (-15%) to keep the tones muted.
Effects: Add clarity (+15%) and dehaze (+10%) to sharpen the details and cut through any haze. A stronger vignette (-15%) can help focus the mood.
Detail: Sharpen moderately (+20%) to enhance the dramatic feel, especially in the waves and sky.
Purpose: To create dramatic, moody beach photos that emphasize the power of the coast.
Best For: Overcast or stormy days, rocky coastlines, and any scene with strong natural elements.
Style: Dark, dramatic, and atmospheric.
16. Vibrant Beach Party Preset
Let’s crank up the energy with Vibrant Beach Party! This preset transform your beach photos pop with color and life, perfect for capturing the fun, festive side of the beach—think bright towels, colorful umbrellas, and endless sunshine.
Light: Increase exposure (+20%) and contrast (+15%) to make the colors vibrant and lively.
Color: Boost saturation (+30%) and vibrance (+25%) to make every color pop. Adjust hues to make the blues richer (+15%) and the reds and yellows more vivid (+20%).
Effects: Add clarity (+15%) to keep details sharp and a slight vignette (-5%) to focus on the action.
Detail: Sharpen heavily (+25%) to capture all the fun details clearly and crisply.
Purpose: To create bright, energetic beach photos that capture the fun and excitement of a beach day.
Best For: Beach parties, colorful beach gear, and lively scenes with lots of activity.
Style: Bright, colorful, and energetic.
17. Tranquil Shores Preset
Capture the calm, peaceful side of the beach where the waves gently lap the shore, and everything feels serene and untouched.
Light: Lower the contrast (-15%) and increase shadows (+20%) to soften the image. Slightly reduce exposure (-5%) to keep the tones gentle.
Color: Desaturate slightly (-10%) and cool down the temperature (-10%) to emphasize the calmness of the scene. Boost the greens slightly (+10%) to bring out the natural tones.
Effects: Reduce clarity (-10%) and dehaze slightly (-5%) to keep the scene soft and peaceful. A very slight vignette (-5%) can help focus the tranquility.
Detail: Sharpen minimally (+5%) to maintain the soft, serene vibe.
Purpose: To create soft, peaceful beach photos that emphasize the tranquility of the shore.
Best For: Quiet beaches, early mornings, or any scene that feels calm and serene.
Style: Soft, calm, and peaceful.
18. Beach Wedding Preset
A beach wedding is all about romance, soft breezes, and the golden glow of the sun kissing the waves. The preset is designed to bring out the warmth and love of the day, with a touch of elegance that makes every moment feel magical.
Light: Increase the exposure slightly (+10%) to brighten the scene and add a touch of warmth with the temperature slider (+15%). Boost the shadows (+20%) to bring out the details in the bride’s dress and the groom’s suit.
Color: Enhance the yellows and oranges (+20%) to emphasize the golden hour glow, and slightly desaturate the blues (-10%) to keep the focus on the couple. Add a touch of vibrance (+15%) to make the colors of the flowers and decor pop without overpowering the natural beauty.
Effects: Add clarity (+10%) to sharpen the details while keeping the overall softness intact. A slight vignette (-10%) will draw attention to the couple, making them the centerpiece of the photo.
Detail: Sharpen moderately (+15%) to keep the details crisp, especially in the delicate lace and fine details of the wedding attire.
Purpose: To capture the warmth, romance, and elegance of a beach wedding, making every photo feel like a timeless memory.
Best For: Beach weddings at sunset, intimate ceremonies by the sea, and romantic couple portraits.
Style: Warm, romantic, and elegant.
19. Black and White Preset
There’s something timeless and classic about black and white wedding photos. It strips away the colors to focus on emotion, light, and shadow—perfect for creating dramatic, yet tender moments.
Light: Increase contrast significantly (+25%) to make the blacks deeper and the whites brighter, creating a striking visual effect. Lower the exposure slightly (-10%) to add a touch of drama.
Color: Convert to black and white, and adjust the black & white mix—boost the reds (+20%) to add depth to skin tones and reduce the blues (-15%) to create a smoother, more elegant feel.
Effects: Add clarity (+15%) to enhance textures like lace, fabric, and hair. A subtle grain effect (+10%) can give the photo a classic film-like quality, adding to the timeless feel.
Detail: Sharpen moderately (+20%) to bring out the intricate details without losing the softness that black and white photography brings.
Purpose: To create timeless, dramatic, and emotional wedding photos that focus on the essence of the moment.
Best For: Classic wedding portraits, candid moments, and any scene where you want to highlight emotion and detail.
Style: Timeless, dramatic, and elegant.
20. Summer Beach Preset
Imagine the height of summer, where the sun is blazing, and the beach is alive with vibrant colors and energy. This preset captures that lively, sun-drenched feel, making every photo look like a snapshot of the perfect summer day.
Light: Increase exposure (+15%) and highlights (+20%) to capture the brightness of the day. Add a bit of contrast (+10%) to make the colors stand out against the bright light.
Color: Boost saturation (+25%) and vibrance (+20%) to enhance the bright blues of the sky and sea, and the warm yellows and oranges of the sun. Adjust the greens slightly (+10%) to make the foliage pop against the sandy beach.
Effects: Add clarity (+15%) to keep the details sharp, especially in the waves and sand. A slight dehaze (-5%) can help keep the sky looking clear and vibrant.
Detail: Sharpen heavily (+25%) to ensure every detail, from the grains of sand to the sparkle on the water, is captured crisply.
Purpose: To create bright, energetic beach photos that capture the essence of summer fun and sunshine.
Best For: Summer beach days, vibrant landscapes, and any scene where the sun and sea are the stars.
Style: Bright, energetic, and vibrant.
Few Words
So, there you have it! Whether you’re channeling those soft pastel sunsets, vibrant turquoise waters, or that warm, golden glow, these little wonders do all the heavy lifting for you. No more endless tweaking and adjusting – just a few clicks, and bam, you’ve got a masterpiece on your hands. It’s like magic, but better because it’s real!
So next time you’re scrolling through your camera roll, wondering why your beach pics don’t match the vibe in your head, remember – there’s a preset for that. Now, go on, give your beach snaps the love they deserve. And hey, don’t forget to share your edits – I love seeing what you create! Enjoy the process, and let your creativity flow with each wave and sunset! 🌊📸🌞
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