Do you ever wonder if you're the only photographer using (or not using) presets? We can assure you that you're not the only one using them.

Presets are a common element in post-processing. However, if you're not using presets, you're probably one of the few people not working with them!

Editing presets are everywhere in the industry because they're an efficient way to speed up editing. (If you're wondering what presets do: they apply pre-determined edits/adjustments to photos.)

So, should you be using presets? This post takes a closer look at that great question.

The Advantage Of Using Presets

Time! Time savings is the most significant advantage of using presets during post-processing. With one or two clicks, you can apply a particular look to one or more images when using a preset. But that's not all.

Presets really save you time when you're working with a batch of photos to which you want to apply specific enhancements or edits. Rather than going image by image, you can apply those enhancements across a group of pictures - thanks to a preset. Just imagine how much time that saves a photographer!

Once you've applied a preset, you can make any additional enhancements you like. It doesn't have to be the end-all, be-all while editing if there are other edits you'd like to apply. Even if you need or want to make additional edits, presets can give a photographer a significant jump-start in the editing process - saving them a lot of time.

There is another great advantage to working with presets. You can use presets to develop (and apply) your own unique photography style and branding. You can create a preset based on a specific set of edits you've designed, or you use a purchased preset to apply a style you like. You can then establish a branding style by continuing to use that preset.

The last but not most minor advantage we'd like to mention is that presets help you clean up your work before presenting it to clients or others. While they can't necessarily make up for terrible camera settings in photography, they can help you make adjustments. Need to adjust the white balance? A bit of under-exposure? A preset can help make necessary adjustments.

Who's a Typical Preset User?

Most busy photographers today use presets. It allows them to streamline the editing process, saving them valuable time during post-processing.

A photographer can buy and use ready-made presets or create their own to meet their needs or individual style, even when working with batches of photos. (We sell presets for Lightroom for countless genres, styles, and looks.)

Whether you're a novice or a professional photographer, you will find Lightroom presets helpful. It's not so much about skill level as it is about streamlining post-processing.

Do You Really Need Presets?

If you want to save time in post-processing, the answer to that question is probably a resounding yes. Presets allow you to be more efficient and even more creative.

Think of a preset as a template of photo editing adjustments for elements like brightness, clarity, saturation, exposure, and so forth. A preset can be applied to one image or a batch of images. Some presets are targeted to specific industries like weddings.

Keep in mind that you might need to do some fine-tuning after you've applied a preset to get things how you want them. The preset will be a starting point in the editing process with some images because it only adjusts what it's been created to adjust. Any changes beyond that will need to be manually edited.

If you're not a high-volume photographer who's short on time, you might not feel the need to use presets. You've got the time (and patience) to go image by image, making your own individual edits.

But let's face it, even if you're not super busy, why would you spend time doing something you can quickly do with a preset? You can adjust or apply specific enhancements with just a few clicks, leaving you more time to take pictures.

Using Presets

While presets can be used for most pictures, you might not want to use them for all your work. Given the diversity found within images (white balance, saturation, background, focus, colors, etc.), you will want to be selective regarding which preset you apply and when.

Most photographers maintain various types of presets, giving them editing options. It's important to note, though, that before you select a preset, the image has to be decently shot. Regardless of how good it is, a preset can't make up for a poor picture.

Also, a preset needs to fit the type of image. For example, a preset designed for wedding portraits might not be the best for a landscape image. The adjustments offered by the wedding portrait preset are not likely the right ones for a landscape image. You'll want to carefully match a preset to a picture.

The Ethics?

The general sentiment in the photography industry is that presets are a post-processing tool just like Lightroom or Photoshop are. It's no less ethical to use a preset to save time. Ultimately the quality of an image really does come down to the photographer's skills out in the field when they're shooting.

As we stated earlier, no preset, and certainly no amount of editing, will sufficiently compensate for a terrible picture - or an unskilled photographer. You can consider a preset as another tool in your gear that can help you create beautiful imagery. Even the images of the most talented photographer can benefit from a preset, even if it's just for minor adjustments.

Are Presets For You?

Presets are a great option if you work mainly in Lightroom and like to do many batch edits. Presets can so easily enhance a large number of images in Lightroom. It's almost a complete waste to not take advantage of them in Lightroom!

On the other hand, presets are not as practical if you tend to do most of your edits in Photoshop. This is especially true if you like to make unique edits to create different looks between individual images.

If you're ready to up your photography game and save time during post-processing without sacrificing quality, you might want to give presets a try. As preset designers and experts, our advice is to try various kinds of presets. Don't just use a portrait preset or a sepia preset. Try several kinds. Experiment a little and enjoy the process!