What the heck is a preset? It sounds complicated and fancy and not for you, right? But wait, let me demonstrate to you how effective one can be, especially if you put your personal stamp on it by creating your very own!
Table of contents
Preset: It’s like a bundle of editing choices such as exposure, contrast, colour balance, or tone curve, that editing software can store under one label. This makes it easy to find rather than create anew each time.
This may be something new but I think you will find it a lot of fun, especially if you want to create a collection of images with a similar ‘look’ using your software like GIMP (see video below) Luminar, Paint Shop Pro or even Photoshop. Major software comes with presets already loaded so you can experiment before you make your own.
How did this crazy idea happen? Well, the idea of showcasing a preset for you came about because I was experimenting with Manual photography with Teddy, our tuxedo boy. A bit of cropping was needed but I thought, what else can I do?
This short video from Anthony Turnham shows you how a preset can change how you work. [Watch it later …]
Let me work through Teddy’s photo as an example – creating a preset as I go.
Assemble Your Preset Ideas (Edits)
You are editing your image to adjust, enhance or transform it so it matches your personal vision. These settings are what make up your
Remember too that you can have more than one try as this is digital, so give yourself permission to play. This part is up to the creative in you.
Here are my three edits for Teddy’s portrait.
You can adjust exposure, colour (as I did here), sharpness and also add any special effects such as a vignette or light enhancement. If you aim to use your adjustments across a range of photos keep in mind what you intend to do with your series – start small and practice.
Review your adjustments, make more or do less until you are happy.
Save Your First Preset
You might be a bit nervous doing this but don’t stress. You are saving a set of instructions, like a recipe. My slideshow shows you the menus for the basic changes I made to Teddy’s image.
Here’s how saving a preset works in
- Luminar,
- Photoshop,
- GIMP and,
- Paintshop Pro.I always include PSP in honour of Timmy Tomcat’s Dad.
Look for the tool or button that saves your preset. You will be asked to name your preset. My tool in Luminar is at the bottom of the editing screen on the left. It’s three dots in a circle. Check your own software documentation or ‘Help’ tab if you need extra help.
Saving a Luminar Preset
- Edit your photo: Make your desired adjustments in the Edit tab.
- Open the menu: Click the three dots in the circle icon bottom left on the screen
- Save: Select Save as preset from the menu options.
- Name it: Type a descriptive name for your look and press Enter.
Saving Photoshop Tool Presets
- Set your tool options to the desired settings on the Options bar.
- Click the Tool Preset Picker icon on the left side of the Options bar.
- Click the plus (+) icon to create a new preset, type a name, and click OK.
Saving PSP Tool and Effect Presets
- Open the specific tool or effect dialogue box (such as Drop Shadow or Text).
- Adjust the settings on the Tool Options palette or dialogue box to your preference.
- Click the Save Preset icon or button.
- Type a unique name for your preset in the name box.
- Click OK
Saving a GIMP Tool Preset
You can save a tool preset in GIMP by clicking the Save Tool Preset button at the bottom of the Tool Options dialogue or inside the Tool Presets panel. [See video below]. You Tube is having issues so I am including the link if the video doesn’t display.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tSTMT730yg
Preset Plus Points
- Save you time
- Keep your work consistent
- Maintain image quality.
The Preset Difference Slideshow
To finish here are three ‘before and after’ portraits using my very own Dark Tuxedo Preset. It is a bit dramatic in order to get the impact of a preset across. Many times they will be subtler and more colourful!
Good luck exploring your own preset ideas. Any questions? Drop me a note in the comments and I will try to help!
There is a helpful blog post here that shows the positive impact cropping can have.
Preset quality can be measured by how well it works with varying styles of properly taken images. (If the photo is captured and exposed well, then the preset should work on it.) Mastin Labs
Cat Photographer, Instructor and Writer
Professional Member of the Cat Writers Association,
Winner of the Kuykendall Image Award
Published at the Guardian newspaper
