In the world of digital photography, “Cinematic” is more than just a buzzword. It’s a mood, a narrative, and a feeling. It’s the difference between a simple snapshot and a frame that looks like it was pulled straight from a Hollywood blockbuster.
However, how do skilled editors get that atmospheric, moody, and deep look? Lightroom Cinematic Presets are frequently the key. We’ll go into great detail in this guide on how to use and make cinematic presets to improve your photography.But how do professional editors achieve that deep, moody, and atmospheric look? The secret often lies in Lightroom Cinematic Presets. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how you can use and create cinematic presets to transform your photography.
Why Use Cinematic Presets in Lightroom?
- Consistency: By applying the same “film” style throughout a whole photo session, presets help you create a cohesive portfolio.Consistency: Presets allow you to apply the same “film” look across an entire photoshoot, ensuring your portfolio looks cohesive.
- Speed: A preset provides you with a professional baseline with a single click, saving you hours of tone curve tweaking.
- Learning Tool: You can discover exactly how expert editors work with color by applying a preset and examining the sliders.
The Top 5 Cinematic Styles You Should Try
- The Traditional Teal and Orange This is the holy grail of cinema. Because skin tones are generally in the orange spectrum, pushing the shadows toward teal creates a complementary color contrast that makes the subject “pop.”
Best for: Street photography, travel, and portraits. - The Dark Noir in Black and White Cinematic isn’t always about color. High-contrast black and white with heavy grain can evoke a “Film Noir” mystery.
Best for: Architecture, dramatic portraits, and low-light urban shots. - The Vintage Film Fade
Inspired by 35mm Kodak or Fujifilm stock, this look involves “crushing” the blacks—turning deep blacks into a soft, matte grey.
Best for: Lifestyle photography and nostalgic storytelling. - The Cyberpunk / Neon Night
This look focuses on heavy purples, blues, and magentas. It mimics the futuristic aesthetic of movies like Blade Runner.
Best for: Nighttime cityscapes and neon-lit environments. - The Warm Golden Hour Glow
Emphasizing the soft yellows and oranges of a sunset, this preset softens the skin and creates a dreamy, romantic atmosphere.
Ideally suited for outdoor portraits and weddings.
How to Install Your Cinematic Presets
Whether you are using Lightroom Classic or Lightroom CC (Mobile), installing presets is simple:
For Mobile Lightroom: Download the .dng preset files to your phone.
In the Lightroom app, open the DNG image. Tap the three dots in the top right and select Create Preset.
Name it and save it to your library.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Will these presets work on my phone? Yes! Most modern cinematic presets come in .dng format, which is fully compatible with the free Lightroom Mobile app.
Q2: Do presets work on JPEG files? They do, but for the best “Cinematic” results, always shoot in RAW. The preset is able to recover highlights and shadows without sacrificing quality because RAW files contain more data. Q3: Am I allowed to make my own presets? Absolutely. Once you’ve edited a photo to your liking, click the “+” on the preset tab and save your settings for future use.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Signature Style
Editing is like a digital signature. While cinematic presets provide a fantastic shortcut, the goal is to develop a style that is uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to break the rules—sometimes the most “cinematic” shot is the one that defies standard color grading.
You are not just editing a photo when you use high-quality Lightroom cinematic presets; rather, you are telling a story. Start experimenting today and watch your photography transform into a gallery of cinematic masterpieces.
