Scott here. Many of you know that I’m the primary retoucher here around the Chase Jarvis studio. I was surprised to get into a fairly spirited debate the other day with some of my co-workers. The topic? Adjustment presets and plug-ins in Aperture or Lightroom or Photoshop.
I’ve got a strong opinion on this, but this experience has once again reminded me that there are a thousand ways to skin a cat and that my way is just that, my way.
Instead of letting a debate rage inside the office and then fade out, I figured, why not make it public? I want to hear from you.
Do you use presets for the post production of your images?
Do you make your own, or download them from other users online?
Do you use them for initial inspiration, or to create your final files?
What are your favorites and why?
I’m interested to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t be shy. For those of you who give a rip, I’ll follow up this post with my personal take and we’ll all be a little more informed.
When I first started editing my photographs I was a huge fan of presets because I didn’t know yet how I could get the effects I like by myself. When I used them I downloaded a bunch from various sites and started using them on my final works. My favorites are the ones that give a “magic bullet mojo” look! Right now I’m discovering how to achieve the editing I want by myself.
When i shoot live events, I often sync up all the photos with each other and adjust at the same time in Camera Raw. I then go back and individually adjust each image to suit my eye.
In terms of fashion – i cant ever recall when i’ve done it – not particularly against it, just never felt the need. Plus i shoot such different lighting set ups and locations that a preset can destroy one picture and be perfect for another.
I use presets to replicate my favorite black and white film in Aperture. But it’s always a just starting point, not a one click fix.
I don’t use any presets at all to be honest, I just make my own adjustments in Lightroom myself on an image by image basis…
I make my own presets that are specific to me, client and the project if necessary.