You know that feeling when you take a portrait shot and think, “This is the one!”—only to look at it later and go, “Shhh…, why does this look so dull?” Yeah, we’ve all been there. But don’t worry, because guess what? Lightroom presets are here to save the day! 🎉
Everyday you’re scrolling through Instagram, and you see those flawless portraits with buttery smooth skin tones, dreamy lighting, and that perfect pop of color. You think, “How do they do that?!” Well, let me let you in on a little secret: they’ve got presets in their back pocket. Lightroom presets are like those magic wands (no joke) that turn an average photo into a masterpiece with few clicks. It’s basically a cheat code for photographers—or, anyone who loves making their pics look like they belong in a gallery.
So, grab your camera (or phone, no judgment here!) and let’s see the world of portrait presets that’ll make your photos look so good, even your friends will think you’re a pro. Ready? Let’s do this!
30 Lightroom Portrait Presets Free Download
Have you ever spent, like, forever tweaking a photo? Adjusting the brightness here, playing with the contrast there, and after 20 minutes, it still doesn’t look right? Yeah, been there! These portrait presets are like the fast-forward button you didn’t know you needed. I gurantee, your photo transforms into something that looks straight out of a professional’s portfolio. It’s literally the “easy button” for editing. Let’s create some magic!
1. Soft Pastel Portrait Preset
You know that dreamy, gentle look you see on Instagram profiles with soft tones? This is it.
Light: +30 (Brighten up that image like it’s a sunny day!).
Contrast: -10 (Softer vibes, so let’s ease up on the contrast).
Highlights: -20 (We don’t want harsh lights, keep it smooth).
Shadows: +20 (Lighten those shadows for a flatter look).
Whites: +10 (A bit of a pop without blinding your viewer).
Blacks: +15 (Lift the blacks to soften the deep tones).
Temperature: +5 (Warmer tones to keep it dreamy).
Tint: +5 (A hint of magenta for that pastel glow).
Vibrance: +20 (Pastels but not washed out).
Saturation: -10 (Ease down the color intensity).
Purpose: Perfect for soft, whimsical portraits that look like they belong on a romance novel cover.
Best For: Couples, children, or lifestyle photography.
Usage: Use it when you want a gentle, pastel-toned vibe.
Style: Dreamy, soft, romantic.
2. Cinematic Portrait Preset
This one makes your portrait look straight out of a blockbuster movie. Get ready for some drama!
Light: -10 (Bring down the exposure for that moody feel)
Contrast: +40 (Because movies are full of contrast—life is too, right?)
Highlights: -30 (Reduce the highlights to add depth)
Shadows: -20 (Deep, cinematic shadows are a must)
Whites: +10 (A slight pop, just enough to keep it sharp)
Blacks: -30 (Deepen those blacks for that film-like punch)
Temperature: -10 (Cool it down for a dramatic feel)
Tint: +5 (A touch of green to neutralize skin tones)
Vibrance: +25 (Punch up the colors just enough)
Saturation: -5 (Keep it subtle, no one likes a neon film look)
Purpose: Give your portraits a moody, dramatic vibe like they’re ready to premiere at Cannes.
Best For: Artistic portraits, editorial, or storytelling photography.
Usage: Ideal for adding a film-like quality to your photos.
Style: Moody, dramatic, sharp.
3. Bright & Airy Portrait Preset
Imagine waking up in a sun-filled room—this preset gives your portrait that same light, fresh vibe.
Light: +50 (Crank up the brightness, we want it airy!)
Contrast: -20 (We’re going for light, not harsh)
Highlights: +40 (Yes, we want those highlights to shine)
Shadows: +30 (Lift those shadows so nothing feels too dark)
Whites: +20 (Make those whites pure and bright)
Blacks: +15 (We don’t want harsh shadows, keep it light)
Temperature: +15 (Warm, sunny vibes all the way)
Tint: +10 (Bring in a bit of pink for a lively feel)
Vibrance: +30 (Color needs to feel fresh and awake)
Saturation: +5 (Don’t overdo it, but keep things vibrant)
Purpose: Ideal for creating light, happy, and vibrant portraits.
Best For: Weddings, family portraits, and lifestyle photography.
Usage: Anytime you want your images to look like they’re bathed in sunshine.
Style: Bright, airy, uplifting.
4. Matte Portrait Preset
This is the “I’m cool, but I don’t try too hard” kind of look.
Light: -10 (Slightly underexposed for that moody matte effect)
Contrast: -50 (Flatten it out for that signature matte feel)
Highlights: -30 (Let’s keep the highlights down for that soft finish)
Shadows: +40 (Lift the shadows for that matte touch)
Whites: -20 (We don’t want those whites too crisp)
Blacks: +50 (Flatten the blacks for a smooth, matte look)
Temperature: +5 (Slightly warm to keep it balanced)
Vibrance: +10 (Keep a bit of color, but nothing too intense)
Saturation: -10 (Matte is about muted colors)
Purpose: Perfect for giving portraits a cool, flat, and understated look.
Best For: Editorial work, fashion, or street photography.
Usage: When you want your photos to be trendy but not too polished.
Style: Cool, understated, flat.
5. Vintage Portrait Preset
If your portrait had a Polaroid filter on, this is what it would look like.
Light: +20 (Slightly brightened to mimic old film exposure)
Contrast: +10 (Add a bit of punch but not too much)
Highlights: -20 (Tone down highlights like aged film)
Shadows: +20 (Lift shadows to make it look faded)
Whites: -10 (Keep whites muted, like an old photograph)
Blacks: +10 (Soften the blacks for that retro feel)
Temperature: +25 (Warm it up for that nostalgic glow)
Tint: +5 (A tiny bit of magenta for color balance)
Grain: +50 (Add grain for that authentic vintage feel)
Saturation: -30 (Colors should feel a bit washed out)
Purpose: Recreate that timeless, nostalgic look for your portraits.
Best For: Retro-themed shoots, lifestyle photography.
Usage: Whenever you want to evoke a sense of nostalgia or a throwback vibe.
Style: Warm, nostalgic, faded.
6. Golden Hour Portrait Preset
This preset captures that magical glow you get during the last hour of sunlight, where everything seems to have a golden halo. You know that soft, warm vibe when the sun kisses your skin? This preset nails it.
Light: +40 (Let’s boost the exposure to make the sun pop)
Contrast: +10 (A bit of contrast to keep things defined but gentle)
Highlights: -10 (We want to bring out those details, not wash them away)
Shadows: +30 (Lift the shadows for a softer look, keeping the mood light)
Whites: +20 (Enhance the brightness in the right places)
Blacks: -10 (Deepen the blacks slightly to give depth)
Temperature: +30 (Really warm this up to mimic the sun’s golden rays)
Tint: +10 (A little magenta gives the skin a soft, flattering glow)
Vibrance: +35 (We want rich, warm tones without going overboard)
Saturation: +10 (Boost just enough to make colors come alive, but not look cartoonish)
Purpose: This preset is designed to mimic the golden hour’s warm, natural glow even if you’re shooting at noon. It’s great for giving portraits a natural, sun-kissed feel.
Best For: Outdoor portraits, engagement shoots, or any time you want to create that ethereal, glowing skin effect.
Usage: Ideal for creating mood and warmth in your images, especially when natural lighting isn’t perfect.
Style: Warm, sun-drenched, glowing.
When I use this preset, I always picture someone laughing in a field of tall grass, golden light dancing around their face.
7. High Contrast Black & White Preset
Want to go bold? This preset strips away all color and plays with light and shadow to create an image that’s full of drama. It’s like turning up the intensity on life, but in black and white.
Light: +20 (We still want brightness in the whites, even without color).
Contrast: +60 (Yes, we’re going big on contrast! We want that punchy, dramatic feel).
Highlights: -40 (Pull back the highlights for texture and detail in bright areas).
Shadows: -30 (Deep shadows to make the contrast really stand out).
Whites: +25 (We want the whites to pop, creating sharp contrast).
Blacks: -40 (Bring those blacks way down for depth and mood).
Clarity: +40 (Sharpen up the image to bring out details).
Grain: +30 (A little grain adds a touch of film noir magic).
Vignette: -15 (Darken the edges slightly for a more focused, intense look).
Purpose: Stripping away color forces the viewer to focus on texture, expression, and the play of light. This preset is perfect for portraits that need to feel intense or emotional.
Best For: Fine art portraits, street photography, or anytime you want to evoke strong emotions through texture and light.
Usage: Use it when you want the portrait to speak through shadows and light without the distraction of color.
Style: Bold, high contrast, intense.
Transform into a classic movie scene—those deep shadows, sharp contrasts, and an air of mystery that makes you feel like there’s a story hidden within the photograph.
8. Moody Warm Portrait Preset
Think cozy, think intimate, think of a photograph that feels like a hug on a chilly evening. Moody gives you those earthy tones with the right amount of moodiness.
Light: +10 (Slightly brightened but we’re keeping it low-key)
Contrast: +30 (We want to emphasize the depth and warmth, so contrast is key)
Highlights: -30 (Tone them down to bring out the richness of the warm tones)
Shadows: +20 (Lift the shadows just enough to see detail in the dark areas)
Whites: -10 (We want soft whites, not glaring)
Blacks: -20 (Deep blacks for that cozy, moody vibe)
Temperature: +40 (Really warm up the image to give it that inviting feel)
Tint: +5 (A little magenta helps balance the warmth)
Vibrance: +25 (We want rich, inviting colors, but nothing over the top)
Saturation: -5 (Tone down the saturation to keep it natural)
Purpose: Perfect for adding warmth and mood to portraits, giving them an intimate, earthy feel. It’s like wrapping your portrait in a warm blanket.
Best For: Indoor portraits, autumn photo shoots, or any time you want to add a sense of coziness to your photos.
Usage: When you want to bring out warm, inviting tones while maintaining a moody, artistic feel.
Style: Warm, cozy, intimate.
I love using this preset when shooting indoors with natural light. It gives a depth and comfort to the portraits, making them feel more personal and soulful. It’s like a hug, but in photo form!
9. Vibrant Skin Tones Preset
This preset is all about celebrating natural beauty, giving skin tones the attention they deserve. It enhances colors while keeping things natural, making your portraits pop without looking too processed.
Light: +15 (A slight lift to brighten the skin without washing it out)
Contrast: +20 (A bit of contrast to make skin tones stand out)
Highlights: -15 (Reduce the highlights to retain skin texture)
Shadows: +10 (Lift the shadows to bring out detail, especially in darker skin tones)
Whites: +15 (Bright whites to contrast with the skin)
Blacks: -5 (Subtle deepening of blacks to avoid harsh shadows)
Temperature: +10 (Warm it up just a little for natural skin tones)
Tint: +5 (A touch of magenta to neutralize green undertones in skin)
Vibrance: +50 (We want vibrant skin, so push this up!)
Saturation: +10 (Just a small boost to color, keeping it natural)
Purpose: This preset is designed to make skin tones look natural but radiant, without over-editing or distorting colors.
Best For: Beauty portraits, headshots, or any close-up portrait work.
Usage: Anytime you want to highlight natural skin tones while keeping the colors fresh and vibrant.
Style: Radiant, natural, vibrant.
You feel like the subject came back from a rejuvenating vacation. It’s not flashy, but it leaves a lasting impression.
10. Editorial Glow Preset
Here’s your go-to preset for that polished, professional magazine-ready look. It gives skin a smooth, glowing finish, and makes the whole portrait feel sleek and chic.
Light: +30 (Brighten up the image for that editorial sheen)
Contrast: +20 (A bit of contrast keeps the portrait looking sharp)
Highlights: +10 (We want glowing highlights without losing details)
Shadows: -10 (Deepen shadows just a bit to add dimension)
Whites: +25 (Bright whites for that clean, polished look)
Blacks: -5 (Deepen the blacks slightly for a more striking image)
Clarity: +20 (Sharpen up those details without losing softness)
Temperature: +5 (Keep it warm, but not too much)
Vibrance: +15 (Boost the colors slightly, especially in skin tones)
Saturation: +5 (Just enough to make the colors pop)
Purpose: Ideal for portraits that need to look polished and professional—think magazine covers and editorials.
Best For: Fashion photography, beauty portraits, or high-end lifestyle shots.
Usage: When you want your images to have that sleek, glowing, professional look.
Style: Polished, sleek, glowing.
This preset is all about finesse. It’s perfect when you want a bit of glamour without overdoing it.
11. Dark and Moody Portrait Preset
Imagine the deep shadows of a forest or a misty evening—this preset is your go-to for creating mystery and atmosphere. It gives portraits an almost cinematic quality, where the subject seems to emerge from the shadows.
Light: -20 (Underexpose the image to create that darker mood)
Contrast: +40 (We want the subject to pop against those deep shadows)
Highlights: -30 (Reduce the highlights for more texture)
Shadows: -50 (Darken the shadows to add depth and drama)
Whites: +10 (A little brightness in the whites for balance)
Blacks: -50 (Crush those blacks to emphasize the moody effect)
Temperature: -5 (Cooler tones enhance the mysterious vibe)
Tint: +10 (A bit of magenta to soften any green cast)
Clarity: +30 (Bring out detail, especially in textured areas like clothing or hair)
Vignette: -25 (Darken the edges to draw the eye toward the subject)
Purpose: To create portraits with a moody, dramatic feel. It’s all about playing with light and shadow to create intensity.
Best For: Artistic portraits, environmental shots, or any scenario where you want to convey emotion through shadow and depth.
Usage: Ideal when you want to create a portrait that feels mysterious and moody.
Style: Dark, intense, atmospheric.
I always picture someone standing in a foggy alley or deep in thought by a window, with the shadows doing most of the storytelling. This preset is best for when you want your image to evoke a feeling or mood beyond the ordinary.
12. Sepia Tone Preset
This one takes us back in time! Sepia is all about nostalgia, and using this preset gives your portraits a timeless, vintage quality. Think old photo albums or retro movie stills, but with a modern twist.
Light: +15 (Brighten it slightly to mimic the look of old film)
Contrast: +10 (Add a touch of contrast to keep things from looking flat)
Highlights: -15 (Keep highlights gentle for a faded look)
Shadows: +20 (Lift the shadows to create a soft, faded effect)
Whites: +5 (Keep whites bright but soft)
Blacks: +15 (Lift the blacks to give the image a washed-out, vintage feel)
Temperature: +50 (Warm it up for that classic sepia tone)
Saturation: -50 (Desaturate colors, leaving only a warm sepia hue)
Grain: +40 (Add some grain to mimic old photographs)
Vignette: -20 (A slight vignette enhances that vintage touch)
Purpose: To create a timeless, nostalgic look that makes your portrait feel like a piece of history.
Best For: Family portraits, historical-themed shoots, or any time you want to create a sense of nostalgia.
Usage: Use this preset when you want your photos to evoke memories and capture a retro aesthetic.
Style: Vintage, nostalgic, warm.
I always imagine looking through an old box of family photos when using this preset. So this one gives your images that aged, timeless quality that feels like you’re flipping through history, but with modern clarity.
13. Soft Glow Preset
Everyone loves a bit of glow—this preset softens the edges and brightens the highlights to give your portraits a gentle, glowing effect. It’s like adding a soft spotlight that flatters your subject without overpowering them.
Light: +35 (Brighten it up to make the glow stand out)
Contrast: -20 (Keep things soft and low contrast)
Highlights: +40 (Boost highlights for a glowing skin effect)
Shadows: +10 (Lift the shadows to soften the contrast)
Whites: +25 (Brighten the whites for a clean, fresh look)
Blacks: +10 (Lift the blacks slightly to keep it light)
Clarity: -15 (Reduce clarity for a soft-focus effect)
Dehaze: -20 (Add a slight haze for that dreamy look)
Vibrance: +20 (We still want some color, so boost vibrance)
Saturation: -5 (Don’t overdo it on saturation, keep it soft)
Purpose: Perfect for creating soft, glowing portraits with a dream-like quality. It’s flattering and makes the subject look radiant.
Best For: Beauty shots, newborn photography, or any time you want to create a soft, ethereal look.
Usage: Ideal for giving your portraits that fresh, glowing feel, especially in soft natural light.
Style: Soft, dreamy, glowing.
Using this preset feels like you’re adding a touch of magic to your portraits. It’s great for beauty photography or those moments when you want your subject to seem like they’re glowing from within.
14. Urban Grit Portrait Preset
Looking for an edgier vibe? The preset is your best friend for creating portraits that feel real because it emphasizes textures and brings out the details in every nook and cranny, making it perfect for street photography or urban portraits.
Light: -10 (Underexpose slightly for a grittier feel)
Contrast: +50 (Punch up the contrast to highlight textures)
Highlights: -20 (Tone down the highlights for more texture in bright areas)
Shadows: -30 (Deepen shadows to add intensity)
Whites: +10 (Brighten the whites slightly for clarity)
Blacks: -40 (Crush the blacks for that gritty, urban feel)
Clarity: +50 (We want those textures to jump off the screen!)
Texture: +40 (Enhance details in every part of the image)
Grain: +30 (Add some grain for that raw, street photography vibe)
Saturation: -10 (We want the colors to be muted and raw)
Purpose: To add a gritty, textured feel to portraits, perfect for urban settings or edgy fashion shoots.
Best For: Street photography, urban portraits, or any time you want to capture the real essence of a scene.
Usage: Use it when you want to focus on the details, textures, and grit of an image.
Style: Edgy, textured, raw.
15. Film Grain Portrait Preset
This one is for the film lovers. With this preset, you can give your digital portraits that analog film look, complete with the subtle imperfections and grainy texture that make film photography so charming.
Light: +20 (Slightly brighten to mimic film exposure).
Contrast: +30 (Add contrast for that punchy film look).
Highlights: -10 (Reduce highlights to avoid digital sharpness).
Shadows: +20 (Lift shadows for that classic film fade).
Whites: -10 (Soften the whites for a more muted tone).
Blacks: +10 (Lift the blacks for a faded, matte look).
Grain: +60 (Go big on the grain for an authentic film feel).
Vignette: -15 (Add a soft vignette for that film frame effect).
Temperature: +10 (Warm it up just a bit, like old film).
Purpose: To create a film-like texture and vibe in your portraits, bringing in nostalgia for the analog days.
Best For: Retro-themed shoots, lifestyle portraits, or anyone looking to add a classic touch to their photos.
Usage: Great when you want your photos to feel like they’ve been shot on film, even if they’re digital.
Style: Vintage, nostalgic, textured.
This preset always makes me feel like I’m holding an old-school camera, capturing moments that feel timeless.
16. Autumn Amber Portrait Preset
Autumn is all about warm, earthy tones—think amber leaves, cozy sweaters, and golden light. This one brings out those rich hues and wraps your portraits in a warm, inviting glow.
Light: +25 (Brighten slightly to mimic that golden autumn sun)
Contrast: +15 (Add a bit of contrast to make the colors pop)
Highlights: -20 (Tone down highlights for a smoother look)
Shadows: +20 (Lift the shadows to reveal more details in darker areas)
Whites: +10 (Brighten whites just a touch)
Blacks: -10 (Deepen the blacks for some mood)
Temperature: +30 (Warm it up to reflect those amber autumn vibes)
Tint: +10 (Add a slight magenta hue for that cozy feel)
Vibrance: +40 (Amp up the warm colors, especially the oranges and reds)
Saturation: +15 (Boost saturation to enhance the fall foliage effect)
Purpose: To create warm, cozy autumn portraits with a focus on rich amber tones and glowing light.
Best For: Outdoor portraits during fall, especially when surrounded by foliage.
Usage: Ideal for giving your portraits a warm, natural vibe, perfect for autumn-themed shoots.
Style: Warm, cozy, glowing.
By using it you will almost hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and feel the cool autumn breeze. It adds that seasonal warmth to your shots, making everything look golden and magical.
17. Winter Frost Portrait Preset
Winter is all about cool tones, soft light, and a clean, crisp atmosphere. Enhance the blues and cool grays, and give your portraits a frosty, wintry vibe while keeping the subject looking warm and inviting.
Light: +15 (Brighten slightly to mimic soft winter sunlight)
Contrast: +20 (Add a touch of contrast for that crisp, clean winter feel)
Highlights: -10 (Keep highlights soft to avoid harsh winter light)
Shadows: +10 (Lift shadows for a soft, even look)
Whites: +20 (Brighten the whites for that snowy, frosty effect)
Blacks: -15 (Deepen blacks to add depth in the shadows)
Temperature: -30 (Cool things down to emphasize those winter blues)
Tint: +5 (A slight magenta tint balances the cool tones)
Clarity: +25 (Sharpen the details to mimic the crispness of cold air)
Dehaze: +15 (A little dehaze for clear, clean skies)
Purpose: To create portraits with a cool, crisp wintery feel that evokes frosty mornings and snowy landscapes.
Best For: Winter outdoor portraits, snow scenes, or any cool-toned environment.
Usage: Use this preset when you want to capture the essence of winter with a balance of cool and cozy tones.
Style: Cool, crisp, frosty.
This makes your portrait look like it’s set in a snowy paradise.
18. Spring Bloom Preset
Spring is all about fresh, vibrant colors and soft, blooming light. Want to enhances the greens, pinks, and yellows to create a fresh, lively vibe that feels like new beginnings? Try it!
Light: +30 (Brighten the exposure to mimic fresh spring sunlight)
Contrast: +10 (A slight contrast boost to keep colors sharp)
Highlights: -15 (Tone down highlights for soft, natural light)
Shadows: +25 (Lift shadows to keep things light and airy)
Whites: +15 (Brighten the whites for that clean, fresh look)
Blacks: +10 (Lift the blacks slightly to maintain softness)
Temperature: +20 (Warm it up to reflect the soft light of spring)
Tint: +15 (Boost magenta to enhance the colors of flowers and greenery)
Vibrance: +40 (Enhance the vibrant colors of blooming flowers)
Saturation: +20 (Boost the overall color saturation for a lively, colorful feel)
Purpose: Perfect for adding a burst of fresh, vibrant color to portraits, making them feel alive with spring energy.
Best For: Outdoor spring shoots, portraits surrounded by greenery or blossoms.
Usage: Ideal for portraits that need a fresh, colorful burst of life, perfect for the spring season.
Style: Fresh, vibrant, blooming.
19. Summer Glow Preset
Summer is about bold colors, golden light, and carefree vibes. So enhance those bright summer tones while keeping skin looking warm and sun-kissed.
Light: +40 (Really brighten things up to mimic strong summer sunlight)
Contrast: +20 (Add contrast for definition, especially in direct sunlight)
Highlights: +30 (Enhance highlights for a sun-kissed effect)
Shadows: -10 (Darken the shadows slightly for depth)
Whites: +25 (Boost whites to give a bright, sunny look)
Blacks: -20 (Deepen blacks to balance the brightness)
Temperature: +35 (Warm it up to mimic the heat of the summer sun)
Tint: +10 (Add a hint of pink for that perfect summer glow)
Vibrance: +50 (Crank up the vibrance for bold, summery colors)
Saturation: +25 (Make those colors pop without overpowering the image)
Purpose: To capture the essence of summer with bright, warm, and vibrant portraits that feel like they’re full of sunshine.
Best For: Beach shots, outdoor summer parties, or any bright, sunny day.
Usage: Perfect for those bright, bold summer portraits when you want everything to feel sun-kissed and glowing.
Style: Bright, warm, vibrant.
This preset screams “summer vacation” to me. It’s all about soaking in the sun, having fun outdoors, and letting the warm light create a beautiful, carefree vibe in your portraits.
20. Emerald Green Preset
Love the richness of green tones? Choose it because it’s perfect for forest or garden portraits where you want to highlight the beauty of nature and greenery.
Light: +15 (Slightly brighten the exposure to keep it natural)
Contrast: +25 (Add contrast to make the greens pop)
Highlights: -10 (Keep highlights subtle to avoid overpowering the greens)
Shadows: +15 (Lift shadows to maintain detail in darker areas)
Whites: +5 (Keep whites soft and natural)
Blacks: -10 (Darken blacks for depth and contrast)
Temperature: -5 (Cool it down slightly to emphasize green tones)
Tint: +5 (A slight magenta tint to balance out skin tones)
Vibrance: +30 (Enhance the green tones to make them pop)
Saturation: +20 (Boost the saturation of greens for a richer feel)
Purpose: To enhance the natural beauty of greens in outdoor portraits, making nature the star of the show.
Best For: Forest, garden, or any nature-focused shoots.
Usage: Ideal for when you want to highlight the richness of the greenery in your shots, creating a lush, natural look.
Style: Rich, natural, earthy.
21. Dark Blue Portrait Preset
This one is for the night owls and lovers of cool tones. It enhances the deep blues and cool tones, perfect for creating a moody, night-time atmosphere.
Light: -15 (Underexpose slightly to mimic night lighting)
Contrast: +30 (Add contrast to make the dark tones stand out)
Highlights: -30 (Reduce highlights to avoid harshness)
Shadows: -20 (Deepen shadows for a moody feel)
Whites: +5 (Keep the whites subtle and soft)
Blacks: -40 (Crush the blacks for depth and intensity)
Temperature: -40 (Cool it way down to bring out those deep blues)
Tint: +10 (A touch of magenta to balance out the blues)
Vibrance: +15 (Boost the cool tones without going overboard)
Saturation: -10 (Subtle on saturation to keep the mood)
Purpose: To create moody, cool-toned portraits that feel like they’re set under the stars or in the glow of twilight.
Best For: Night-time shoots, portraits under artificial light, or any time you want to create a cool, mysterious mood.
Usage: Use it when you want to emphasize blues and cool tones, perfect for portraits in low light or evening settings.
Style: Cool, moody, mysterious.
This preset reminds me of late-night city walks under neon lights or cool, moonlit nights. It creates that moody, cinematic feel where the blues and blacks dominate the scene.
22. Crimson Red Preset
Red is the color of passion, energy, and boldness. This enhances those warm red tones, giving your portraits a fiery, intense look that commands attention.
Light: +20 (Slightly brighten to make the reds pop without overexposing)
Contrast: +30 (Add contrast to really define the strong red tones)
Highlights: -10 (Tone down highlights to avoid losing detail in brighter reds)
Shadows: +15 (Lift shadows to maintain texture in darker areas)
Whites: +10 (Brighten the whites just enough to balance the intensity)
Blacks: -20 (Deepen blacks to add depth and drama)
Temperature: +25 (Warm it up to bring out the richness in the reds)
Tint: +10 (A bit of magenta for a deeper red hue)
Vibrance: +50 (Crank up the vibrance for bold, saturated reds)
Saturation: +20 (Boost overall saturation but keep it balanced)
Purpose: To create passionate, bold portraits that highlight rich, vibrant reds, perfect for when you want the subject to radiate energy.
Best For: Fashion shoots, editorial photography, or any moment where red is the star.
Usage: Ideal for portraits with red elements like clothing, backgrounds, or accessories, emphasizing the warmth and power of the color.
Style: Bold, passionate, dramatic.
23. Cool Blue Portrait Preset
Blue is calming, serene, and cool. The cool blue preset enhances those soothing blue tones, creating a peaceful, relaxed vibe in your portraits. It’s like a breath of fresh, crisp air on a cool day.
Light: +10 (Slightly brighten for a soft, cool light effect)
Contrast: +20 (Add contrast to emphasize the depth in blue tones)
Highlights: -20 (Tone down the highlights for a softer, more even light)
Shadows: -10 (Deepen the shadows for a cooler, moody effect)
Whites: +15 (Brighten the whites to add clarity to the cool tones)
Blacks: -25 (Deepen blacks for a more dramatic cool tone contrast)
Temperature: -35 (Cool it way down to bring out those blue hues)
Tint: +5 (A touch of magenta to keep the blues from looking too green)
Vibrance: +30 (Boost vibrance to enhance the richness of the blue)
Saturation: +10 (Subtle boost in saturation to keep the blues natural)
Purpose: To create calming, cool portraits with rich blue tones, perfect for adding a serene, peaceful mood to your images.
Best For: Beach portraits, moody blue-hour shots, or any scenario where you want to play with cool tones.
Usage: Ideal for portraits taken in blue-themed settings like near water, sky, or blue backdrops.
Style: Cool, calming, serene.
Use your portraits that need a soothing, peaceful feel, where the cool blues really bring out the emotion in the shot.
24. Sunshine Yellow Preset
Yellow is all about happiness, warmth, and positivity. Yellow vibe brings the bright, cheery tones of yellow, giving your portraits a sunny, uplifting vibe that feels like a warm summer day.
Light: +40 (Brighten it right up to mimic sunshine)
Contrast: +10 (A bit of contrast to keep things crisp but soft)
Highlights: +20 (Enhance highlights for a bright, sunny effect)
Shadows: +10 (Lift the shadows slightly for a balanced look)
Whites: +30 (Brighten the whites to make the image glow)
Blacks: -10 (Deepen blacks slightly to avoid washing out the image)
Temperature: +30 (Really warm it up to match the sunny vibes)
Tint: +5 (A touch of magenta to balance the warmth)
Vibrance: +50 (Boost the vibrance to enhance the sunny yellows)
Saturation: +20 (Increase saturation for a bright, bold color effect)
Purpose: To create portraits full of warmth and joy, with bright yellow tones that make the image feel sunny and cheerful.
Best For: Summer shoots, outdoor portraits with a lot of natural light, or any scenario where you want to create a happy, vibrant mood.
Usage: Perfect for bringing out the warmth and joy in your portraits, especially with sunny backgrounds or yellow tones in clothing and scenery.
Style: Bright, warm, cheerful.
25. Minimal Portrait Preset
Less is more! This preset focuses on clean, balanced tones, removing harsh contrasts and keeping everything soft and natural. Transform the subject to shine without too much color manipulation or visual noise.
Light: +15 (Brighten the exposure slightly to keep it clean and light).
Contrast: +10 (Just a touch of contrast to avoid flatness).
Highlights: -10 (Subtle control to keep highlights from overpowering).
Shadows: +10 (Lift shadows slightly to maintain soft details).
Whites: +5 (Brighten whites gently to add clarity without overdoing it).
Blacks: +5 (Lift the blacks a bit to soften the contrast).
Temperature: +5 (Keep it neutral with just a slight warmth for natural skin tones).
Tint: +5 (A hint of magenta to balance out skin tones).
Vibrance: +10 (Subtle enhancement to make colors feel lively but restrained).
Saturation: -5 (Tone down the saturation for a more muted, minimalist look).
Clarity: +10 (Slightly sharpen details for a crisp, clean portrait).
Grain: 0 (No grain here—keeping it smooth and modern).
Purpose: This preset is designed to create natural, minimalistic portraits that are clean, polished, and elegant.
Best For: Headshots, clean studio portraits, or any time you want a soft, polished, and minimal look without too much color or contrast manipulation. Usage: Ideal for portraits that need to feel natural and restrained, where you want the focus to be entirely on the subject without distractions.
Style: Clean, understated, elegant.
26. Purple Haze Preset
Purple is mysterious, creative, and unique. This one enhances deep purples and lavender tones, adding a touch of magic and mystique to your portraits.
Light: +10 (Slightly brighten to keep things soft and mysterious)
Contrast: +15 (Add a bit of contrast to define the purple tones)
Highlights: -20 (Tone down highlights for a smoother, softer look)
Shadows: -15 (Deepen shadows to enhance the mood)
Whites: +5 (Keep whites subtle to avoid harshness)
Blacks: -25 (Crush the blacks for deeper, richer tones)
Temperature: -5 (Cool it down slightly to bring out the purples)
Tint: +30 (Really push the magenta for a deep, rich purple)
Vibrance: +20 (Enhance the purple tones without oversaturating)
Saturation: +15 (Boost overall saturation for a bold, colorful feel)
Purpose: To create dreamy, mysterious portraits with deep purple hues that feel creative and unique.
Best For: Artistic shoots, fantasy-themed portraits, or anytime you want to add a touch of magic to your images.
Usage: Ideal for portraits with purple elements like lighting, backdrops, or clothing, emphasizing the mystical, creative side of the color.
Style: Dreamy, mysterious, magical.
Think of twilight skies turning purple or a magical world where everything has a soft, purple glow. Create a portrait that feel otherworldly and full of creativity.
27. Tangerine Dream Preset
Orange is warm, energetic, and vibrant—think sunsets, bonfires, and citrus groves. Brings out the rich orange tones, creating a vivid and glowing atmosphere that feels warm and alive.
Light: +35 (Brighten the exposure to give that glowing, warm feel)
Contrast: +15 (Add a bit of contrast to make the oranges pop)
Highlights: +20 (Enhance the highlights to mimic the warm sunlight)
Shadows: +10 (Lift shadows slightly to balance out the brightness)
Whites: +25 (Brighten whites for a sharp, crisp effect)
Blacks: -15 (Deepen the blacks for contrast without losing warmth)
Temperature: +30 (Warm it up to enhance the orange hues)
Tint: +5 (Slight magenta for a more balanced, natural tone)
Vibrance: +50 (Increase vibrance to make the oranges and reds stand out)
Saturation: +20 (Boost saturation for that deep, sunset-like glow)
Purpose: To create warm, glowing portraits that highlight rich orange tones, perfect for a vibrant, energetic look.
Best For: Sunset portraits, beach photoshoots, or any scene where warmth and energy are key.
Usage: Ideal for outdoor portraits in warm lighting, particularly during golden hour, when you want to enhance the natural warmth of the scene.
Style: Warm, energetic, glowing.
28. Pink Blush Preset
Pink is soft, playful, and romantic. This preset brings out delicate pinks and rose tones, creating a gentle, dreamy atmosphere perfect for romantic or whimsical portraits.
Light: +25 (Slightly brighten to create a soft, light-filled effect)
Contrast: +10 (Just a touch to define the soft pink tones)
Highlights: +15 (Enhance highlights for a glowing skin effect)
Shadows: +20 (Lift shadows to keep the mood light and airy)
Whites: +10 (Slightly brighten whites to maintain the soft feel)
Blacks: +5 (Lift blacks a bit to avoid harsh shadows)
Temperature: +10 (Warm it up just enough to bring out the pinks)
Tint: +20 (Increase magenta for those perfect blush tones)
Vibrance: +30 (Boost vibrance for a playful pink pop)
Saturation: +15 (Enhance the pink and rose tones without going overboard)
Purpose: To create soft, romantic portraits with delicate pink tones, perfect for capturing light, playful moments.
Best For: Wedding photos, baby portraits, or any time you want to emphasize soft, romantic tones.
Usage: Ideal for portraits with soft lighting and pastel-colored elements, adding a gentle, whimsical feel.
Style: Soft, romantic, playful.
29. Teal and Orange Preset
The teal and orange color scheme is a classic, cinematic combination that creates a striking contrast. Teal-orange emphasizes deep teal shadows and warm orange highlights, giving your portraits a bold, dramatic look.
Light: +10 (Slightly brighten to keep details clear)
Contrast: +40 (Add contrast to make the teal and orange pop against each other)
Highlights: +20 (Brighten highlights for a strong contrast with the shadows)
Shadows: -20 (Deepen shadows to enhance the teal tones)
Whites: +10 (Slightly brighten whites to keep the image crisp)
Blacks: -30 (Crush the blacks for a cinematic feel)
Temperature: +25 (Warm up the image to enhance the orange tones)
Tint: -15 (Shift toward green to emphasize the teal shadows)
Vibrance: +50 (Boost vibrance for bold, cinematic color)
Saturation: +10 (Enhance the overall saturation for that signature teal-orange balance)
Purpose: To create bold, cinematic portraits with a strong contrast between warm and cool tones, perfect for dramatic or stylized images.
Best For: Cinematic portraits, urban photography, or any scene where you want a striking color contrast.
Usage: Ideal for creating dynamic, stylized portraits with a cinematic feel, particularly in urban or industrial settings.
Style: Cinematic, bold, stylized.
Create larger-than-life, Hollywood-inspired look in your portraits!
30. Lavender Mist Preset
Lavender represents calmness, creativity, and a touch of magic. So the preset enhances soft purples and lilac tones, creating a dreamy, ethereal feel that’s best for whimsical, artistic portraits.
Light: +20 (Slightly brighten for a soft, light-filled effect)
Contrast: +15 (Add a touch of contrast for definition)
Highlights: -10 (Keep highlights gentle and soft)
Shadows: +10 (Lift shadows for a light, dreamy look)
Whites: +5 (Keep whites soft and subtle)
Blacks: -15 (Slightly deepen blacks for subtle contrast)
Temperature: -10 (Cool it down to bring out the lavender tones)
Tint: +25 (Add magenta to enhance the lavender hues)
Vibrance: +40 (Increase vibrance for a soft, dreamy color effect)
Saturation: +10 (Boost saturation slightly for a more colorful, whimsical feel)
Purpose: To create soft, dreamy portraits with beautiful lavender tones, perfect for adding a touch of magic and whimsy to your images.
Best For: Artistic shoots, spring portraits, or any time you want to capture a soft, ethereal look.
Usage: Ideal for portraits with soft lighting and pastel tones, where you want to add a whimsical, creative vibe.
Style: Dreamy, ethereal, creative.
Use it to show creativity and magic to your portraits, making them feel truly special.
Last Words
Seriously, you’re just a few clicks away from turning your photos from “meh” to “whoa, did I really take that?!” It’s almost too easy (like, I won’t tell if you won’t). Whether you’re going for those soft, moody vibes or a bright, bold look that screams confidence, there’s a preset out there with your name on it. So, next time you’re editing that selfie or capturing your friend in the golden hour, remember: presets are your best friend. Trust me, your Facebook/Instagram feed will thank you.
Now go on, give your portraits the glow-up they deserve! And hey, don’t be shy—drop a comment if you’ve found the perfect preset, because, sharing is caring, right? 😎
