What are the pros and cons of using presets vs custom adjustments in your landscape photography workflow?

1 What are presets?

Presets are predefined settings that apply a certain look or effect to your photos with one click. They can save you time and effort, especially if you have a large batch of images to edit. Presets can also help you achieve consistency and coherence in your portfolio, as well as learn from other photographers' techniques and styles. However, presets are not a magic solution that works for every photo. Sometimes, they can make your images look unnatural, overprocessed, or too similar to others. Presets can also limit your creativity and personal expression, as they may not reflect your vision or mood for a particular scene.

2 What are custom adjustments?

Custom adjustments are manual changes that you make to your photos using various tools and sliders in your editing software. They give you more control and flexibility over the final outcome, as you can fine-tune every aspect of your image according to your preferences and needs. Custom adjustments can also help you enhance the unique features and details of each landscape, as well as convey your emotions and story. However, custom adjustments can take a lot of time and skill, especially if you want to achieve a consistent and professional look. Custom adjustments can also be overwhelming and confusing, as there are so many options and variables to consider. Sometimes, you may end up overdoing it or losing the original essence of your photo.

4 How to find and use presets for landscape photography?

If you are looking to use presets for your landscape photography, there is a wealth of options available. You can find free or paid presets online from various sources, such as blogs, websites, forums, or social media platforms. Additionally, you can create your own presets by saving your favorite settings in your editing software. Before downloading or using any presets, it is important to consider the compatibility and quality of the presets, ensuring they work with your editing software and camera format and are designed and tested by reputable photographers. Additionally, look for presets that offer different styles and effects for different types of landscapes and match your own style and vision. Lastly, make sure the presets are adjustable and flexible to fit your photos and taste.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?