I have blogged before about Presets (which are used in Lightroom, and I use Lightroom 4) and how I like Michelle Bondy’s presets. Michelle is a photographer from Ontario who is amazing at capturing the everyday, and her presets have that matte film look like I am currently digging for my personal and creative images.
I bought her Simple and Light Presets (the newest ones) and used them for this personal/creative session featuring jewellery designer and fashion blogger, Poitrina. I mainly used the “Light Contrast – Wonderful Life” preset, as I like to keep the images looking consistent. I found this preset to add that matte look and just enhance the shadows, very minimal changes. You have to play a bit with the presets, as you have to do with any presets, but it really worked for the intimate and soft look I was aiming for with the images.
I only started using Lightroom 4 last year, around July-ish. The difference it has made in my life is crazy – it is so quick. It has made editing a session go from hours to an hour, max.
Fer’ realz.
Michelle is not the only place to get presets. I have also bought the Lightroom Set from Totally Rad. I find these really helpful when I’m editing sessions for clients, as my client style is more clean, modern and open. Of course, you have to find what works for you and I actually highly suggest that you start without presets and get to know editing in Lightroom all by yourself. It’s through playing and making mistakes that I learn, and the great thing with digital images is that you can always go back and start again. And when you buy presets, buy ones that go with your style and look. Do not buy dreamy hazel baby pastel look if your images are usually crisp, clean and full of bright colour, kwim?
And as always, have fun. Photography should be fun. It should make you smile. And if you make a mistake, go out and try again.
Always, always learn.
Thank you so much!