Everyone wants a quick fix and sometimes applying a preset can do just that. Often times though, the preset is just a starting point to getting a certain look. We thought we would share a simple technique to using presets to their fullest potential. While it involves using both Lightroom and Photoshop, it really is not that long or complicated of a process once you get started.
Since Rachel is the one who uses presets the most and she happened to have a bunch of personal photos she was editing for her blog, we thought we would share a quick run through of the process on this photo of… her feet!
Oh come on, we ALL have taken photos of our feet before.
Backstory: This is an image from the day she used her D200 with her Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens as a point and shoot. Because this was just a fun day out with friends, the images were shot in jpeg only. You don’t need to shoot RAW to use Lightroom. She wanted the images to have a sort of “lomo” look to them.
Here is one quick way to make a normal image
more funky in less than the time it takes to make another coffee and without having to use actions.
1) Process an image in Lightroom to get correct exposure and color. We prefer to use Lightroom over Adobe Camera Raw for working with presets as it is so easy to visualize the changes that will be made to your shot with the preview window. No guessing if a certain preset will work on that particular image or trying to remember what look a preset will give your image just from the name in a list.
2) Export that file as a jpeg. (example: base-image.jpg)
3) Open that image in Lightroom and apply a preset (this one is “on holiday” from Rachel’s Round Two set.)
4) Export that file as a new jpeg. (example: preset1-image.jpg)
5) Open the base file again in Lightroom and apply a different preset (this one is “the 70′s” from Rachel’s First Stop set.)
6) Export that file as a new jpeg. (example: preset2-image.jpg)
You can do this as many times as you would like to get the most options as you are just creating “layers” for your Photoshop file that you will create next.
7) Open all copies of the file in Photoshop.
8 ) Using “base-image.jpg” as your background layer, copy and paste the preset images onto that file.
9) Now here is where the playing part happens…reduce the opacity of the preset layers, change the blending modes, mask out parts of the image…it is up to you.
With these preset layers in Photoshop, you have the most control over the total look of your image.
In this case, the “preset2-image.jpg” layer was set to soft light for contrast but the jeans were painted back as they got too dark. The “preset1-image.jpg” layer was left as a normal top layer at 47% but the mask was inverted so that the effect was painted on to the image with a white brush on the black mask. Rachel did it that way so that she could control the look of photo as she worked letting the legs and feet and surrounding pavement come through from the lower layers.
Just another way to edit and use all those presets that you have just sitting there.
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i taught myself how to use lightroom and photoshop. this is blowing my mind. it never even occurred to me to merge the two applications in this way. THANK YOU.
THANK YOU. really.
Thank you so much for posting this! I just bought Lightroom and this is so helpful!
Wow, you’ve just opened up a whole new set of possibilities for me! Awesome, Thanks!!
Can’t wait to learn more.
I never thought of using more than one preset like this – can’t wait to try it tonight!!
Wow! Love these and your presets. Is there anyway in Lightroom to adjust the opacity of the preset or does it have to be adjusted in Photoshop?
tamara, a preset is just a collection of settings applied to your image in the program so there is no way to do a bulk adjustment…you can adjust all the sliders to your liking to fine tune the preset in Lightroom. I just find this to be a quick and dirty way to get it done.
thanks rachel for the tips
I just followed these steps. The photo looks awesome in just few clicks. thank you for the tips!
ok, dumb question from a newbie – what’s a preset?
Hey lovelies, I have posted an example and link to 14 presets that could get you started. Hope Rachel and Peta don’t mind as I know they sell their own presets (which are way better! lol) but its something for those who are newer to get a feel for.
http://katyhibberd-triggerhappy.blogspot.com/
Thanks for sharing
awesome, jill, so glad it worked for you! i love this method!
Thanks for this.
BTW, I’ve added you to my ‘Lightroom Links’ page: http://bit.ly/4XuaXE
Mike.
I just had to share a quicker, easier way to do this, all from within LR and not requiring you to save various jpg’s. I was amazed when I saw this on a tutorial that I watched.
1. while your original image is selected and you are in the develop module, choose a preset and click on it.
2. hit command+’ (control on a pc). this gives you a new virtual copy (you will see it in your filmstrip)
3. go back to your original image by clicking on it in the filmstrip.
4. apply another preset.
5. create a virtual image of this.
6. repeat as many times, with as many presets, as you’d like.
7. (optional) go back to your original image and hit “reset” in the lower right corner. this will give you your sooc image back.
8. now, in your filmstrip, select ALL the virtual copies you created (plus the original, if you’d like).
9. Command-click (right click on a PC) on your selection, go to “edit in” and choose “open as layers in photoshop”
voila! you have a photoshop file with each preset image as it’s own layer! it’s super fast and easy!!