If you aren’t ready to create your own preset yet, you might wonder what kind of difference one could actually make to your photo, or an series that needs a special touch.
Let me give you an idea of how a preset from Luminar called Monochrome Vision Preset – ‘Sepia Basic’, can transform three images of different qualities and textures.
Thomas
An already enhanced image of Thomas. There had already been some subtle sky enhancement, I had to reduce the exposure as I was looking up at the bright sky, and gently sharpen his fur.
Result
The even tone of the original portrait helps to ensure the sepia tone does not make anything too deep or muddy.
Phoebe
This is an older, and more hurried, snapshot of our fluffy princess kitty Phoebe. It has a real vintage vibe to it, like the old fashioned cat photos you can find online. As Phoebe has matured she has become more of a cuddler, but she is still a free spirit who doesn’t care who she trips up as she races down the corridor at home.
Result
The blurry background sets off Phoebe’s brown coat beautifully and highlights some of the edges of her fur clearly in the preset treatment. Her pink tongue has not come out too well but the overall impression is of a fun and slightly ‘homespun’ snapshot.
Water Wheel
I have included a water wheel shot to show you that presets work in almost every situation from animals to urban. This olde world wheel is located in the Staglands Wildlife Park in a small early settler ‘village’. It’s a little like the old pioneer days of our American friends.
Result
The original is not 100% sharp but it gives the flowing water image a vintage feel. It’s almost like a very old camera with a dodgy lens. It may not be everyone’s favorite effect but like all presets, some work and some don’t.
TIP: AI will not help you focus your creative intention and commitment. Creativity comes from your own knowledge and heart. Make the effort to learn skills and be empowered rather than use AI that looks like everyone else.
A Final Preset Thought
Presets work by storing a bundle of pre-recorded software settings and slider values so you can apply a whole group of adjustments with a single mouse click, but, remember, a preset is only one option for you as a photo editor.
Your computer editing software will have a host of other tools that you may be able use to interpret the importance feeling or intention of your image.
Whether you use Luminar, Paint ShopPro, Affinity Photo or Photoshop the one thing that will give you the maximum benefit is knowledge of your computer’s tools.
Cat Photographer, Instructor and Writer
Professional Member of the Cat Writers Association,
Winner of the Kuykendall Image Award
Published at the Guardian newspaper
