Best Lightroom Presets Of 2022: Ultimate Guide

Oct 22, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey everyone! 👋 If you're into photography and love making your photos pop, then you've probably heard of Lightroom presets. They're like instant filters for your images, letting you achieve stunning looks with just a click. And if you're looking for the best Lightroom presets of 2022, you've come to the right place! We're diving deep into the world of presets, helping you find the perfect ones to elevate your photography game. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this guide is packed with essential info to help you make the most of these awesome tools. Let’s get started and transform your photos with the magic of Lightroom presets! This comprehensive guide to the Lightroom preset 2022 is designed to provide you with everything you need to know. We will explore what presets are, why they're so popular, how to find the best ones, and how to use them to create breathtaking images. Let's get started!

What are Lightroom Presets?

So, what exactly are Lightroom presets? Think of them as pre-set configurations of editing settings within Adobe Lightroom. These settings control everything from exposure and contrast to color grading and sharpness. Essentially, a preset is a one-click editing solution. Instead of manually adjusting all these settings every time you edit a photo, you can apply a preset to instantly transform the look and feel of your image. It’s like having a professional photo editor at your fingertips! The main benefit of using Lightroom presets is that they save you a ton of time. Imagine editing hundreds of photos for a wedding or a big project. Applying presets is way faster than starting from scratch for each photo. They also provide consistency across your images. If you're aiming for a specific aesthetic, presets ensure that all your photos have a similar look. And let's not forget the inspiration factor. Presets can expose you to different editing styles and techniques. By experimenting with various presets, you can discover new ways to enhance your photos and find your own unique style. Plus, presets are super easy to use. Once you have them installed in Lightroom, you can apply them with just a click. You can also customize them to suit your individual photos. Adjusting a preset's settings to fine-tune it for your specific image is simple and helps you achieve the perfect look. The convenience, consistency, and creative benefits make Lightroom presets a must-have for any photographer looking to streamline their workflow and enhance their images.

Types of Lightroom Presets

There are tons of different types of Lightroom presets out there, each designed to achieve a specific look or cater to a particular style of photography. Here’s a quick rundown of some popular categories to give you an idea of what's available:

Color-Correction Presets: These are the bread and butter of many photographers. They focus on adjusting color balance, contrast, and tone to create visually appealing images. You'll find presets that enhance skin tones, make landscapes pop, or give your photos a warm, inviting feel.
Black and White Presets: For a classic and timeless look, black and white presets are a great choice. They transform your photos into elegant monochrome images, perfect for portraits, street photography, and artistic shots.
Film Emulation Presets: If you love the look of film photography, these presets are for you. They mimic the colors and tones of iconic film stocks like Kodak or Fuji, giving your digital photos a nostalgic vibe.
Lifestyle Presets: Designed for everyday photography, lifestyle presets enhance the natural look of your photos. They're ideal for capturing family moments, travel adventures, and social media content.
HDR Presets: HDR (High Dynamic Range) presets are used to enhance the detail in both the highlights and shadows of your photos. This can be particularly useful for landscapes or scenes with extreme lighting conditions.
Vintage Presets: These presets give your photos a retro feel, with faded colors, grain, and other effects that evoke a sense of nostalgia.

Each type of preset offers a unique way to transform your photos, so it’s worth exploring different categories to find the styles that best suit your photography.

Why Use Lightroom Presets?

Alright, so we've covered what Lightroom presets are, but why should you actually use them? Here's the lowdown on the key benefits that make presets a game-changer for photographers:

Time-Saving Workflow: This is perhaps the biggest advantage. Instead of spending hours editing each photo individually, you can apply a preset in seconds. This is especially crucial if you're working on a large project, such as a wedding shoot or a travel series.
Consistency in Editing: If you’re aiming for a specific look or style across a set of photos, presets guarantee consistency. Every image will have the same aesthetic, creating a cohesive visual narrative for your work.
Learning and Inspiration: Using presets can be a fantastic way to learn about different editing styles. You can reverse-engineer the settings to understand how a specific look is achieved. This can inspire you to experiment and develop your own unique editing style.
Professional Results: Many presets are created by professional photographers and editors. By using these presets, you can achieve professional-looking results without needing to be an expert in photo editing. This is perfect for beginners and those who want to enhance their skills.
Easy Customization: While presets provide a starting point, they are fully customizable. You can adjust the settings to fine-tune the look for each individual photo, ensuring that every image is perfect. This flexibility is essential for getting the best results.

Using Lightroom presets helps you to quickly edit your photos to produce consistent and professional results. They can significantly improve your workflow, enhance your skills, and let you create amazing images in no time. If you're serious about taking your photography to the next level, then using presets is a great strategy.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Lightroom Presets

Like any tool, Lightroom presets have their pros and cons. Understanding these can help you use them effectively and make the most of what they have to offer. Let’s break it down:

Advantages:

Time Efficiency: Massive time savings, especially when batch editing. Apply a preset in seconds, rather than spending minutes on each photo.
Consistency: Maintain a consistent look and feel across your photos. Great for portfolios, social media, or client work.
Learning Opportunities: Experiment with different styles and editing techniques. See how professional looks are achieved and learn from them.
Improved Workflow: Streamline your editing process, allowing you to focus on the creative aspects of photography.
Professional Quality: Access high-quality editing styles created by experienced photographers and editors.
Ease of Use: Simple one-click application, even for beginners.
Customization: Easily adjust and fine-tune presets to suit individual photos and your personal style.

Disadvantages:

Inconsistent Results: Presets aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. They may not work perfectly on every photo, requiring adjustments.
Over-reliance: Relying too heavily on presets can hinder your editing skills development and may lead to a lack of originality.
Cost: Premium presets can be expensive, which adds to the overall cost of photography tools.
Finding the Right Presets: Sifting through the vast number of presets available to find ones that match your style can be time-consuming.
Compatibility Issues: Not all presets are compatible with every version of Lightroom or with different camera settings.
Lack of Originality: Using the same presets as everyone else may lead to a generic look that does not stand out.

By carefully considering the pros and cons, you can decide whether Lightroom presets are a good fit for your photography workflow. If used wisely, they can be an invaluable tool to boost your productivity and creativity.

Finding the Best Lightroom Presets of 2022

Okay, so you're ready to jump into the world of Lightroom presets? Awesome! But with so many options out there, how do you find the best Lightroom presets of 2022? Here's a breakdown of where to look and what to consider:

Online Marketplaces: Websites like Etsy, Creative Market, and Envato Elements are treasure troves of presets. You'll find a huge variety of options created by independent designers and professional photographers. These marketplaces often offer bundles and individual presets to suit different styles and budgets. Make sure to check reviews and examples of the presets in action before you buy.
Photography Blogs and Websites: Many photography blogs and websites offer free or paid presets. These are often created by photographers who share their editing styles with the community. You can discover unique looks and support fellow creators by trying their presets.
Professional Photographers' Websites: Many professional photographers sell their own presets on their websites. This is a great way to emulate the editing style of photographers you admire. Often, these presets are tailored to specific types of photography, such as portraits, landscapes, or wedding photography.
Social Media: Instagram and other social media platforms are great for finding presets. Search for hashtags like #lightroompresets, #presets, and #[yourphotographygenre]presets. You can find presets from photographers and designers. Many creators will show you before-and-after examples so you can see how the presets look on different photos.
Free vs. Paid Presets: There are both free and paid Lightroom presets available. Free presets are a great way to start experimenting and can offer great results. Paid presets often provide more advanced features and are created by professionals, making them a worthwhile investment if you're serious about your photography. Balance your budget and your needs to determine which option is best for you.
Read Reviews: Before buying a preset, check for reviews from other users. This will give you an idea of how effective the preset is and whether it suits your style.
Consider Your Photography Style: Think about the types of photos you take. Are you into portraits, landscapes, or street photography? Choose presets designed for your niche to get the best results.

By exploring these avenues and carefully considering your needs, you can find the perfect Lightroom presets to enhance your photography in 2022.

Best Practices for Choosing Presets

Choosing the right Lightroom presets can be a daunting task with the wide variety available. However, following a few best practices can help you make informed decisions and find presets that truly enhance your photography. Here’s a guide to help you find the best Lightroom presets of 2022 for your needs:

Understand Your Photography Style: Before you start looking for presets, identify your main photography styles. Do you primarily shoot portraits, landscapes, or street photography? Knowing this helps you narrow down your search and find presets tailored to your genre. Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Do you want vibrant colors, a vintage feel, or a clean, modern aesthetic?
Research the Creator: Before purchasing a preset, take some time to learn about the creator. Are they a professional photographer? Do they have a style that you admire? Checking their credentials and portfolio can help you assess the quality and suitability of their presets.
Review Before-and-After Examples: Always check the before-and-after examples provided by the preset creator. This helps you understand how the preset transforms photos. Look for examples that resemble your own photos to see how the preset would work on them.
Read Reviews and Testimonials: Reviews from other users are invaluable. They provide insights into the preset's performance, ease of use, and whether it delivers on its promises. Look for honest feedback on both the positive and negative aspects.
Consider the Price: Lightroom presets range in price. Set a budget and compare the features and value of different presets. Remember that higher prices don't always mean better quality. Free presets can sometimes offer excellent results, especially for beginners.
Look for Versatility: Choose presets that are versatile and can be adapted to various types of photos. This makes them more useful and cost-effective in the long run. Versatility helps you create a consistent look across different shoots.
Test on Your Photos: Once you have a few shortlisted presets, test them on your own photos. This will give you the most accurate idea of how they will work for you. Try different presets on different types of images to see which ones work best.
Customize as Needed: Don't be afraid to customize the presets to suit your specific images. Adjust the exposure, contrast, white balance, and other settings to fine-tune the look. Presets are a starting point, not a final solution.

By following these best practices, you can confidently find and use the best Lightroom presets of 2022 to enhance your photos. Taking the time to select the right presets and customizing them will allow you to develop a unique editing style and elevate your photography to the next level.

How to Install Lightroom Presets

Once you've found the perfect Lightroom presets, the next step is installing them. Don't worry, it's a straightforward process, regardless of whether you’re using Lightroom Classic or Lightroom CC. Here's a step-by-step guide to get you up and running with your new presets:

Installing Presets in Lightroom Classic

Open Lightroom Classic: Start by launching Adobe Lightroom Classic on your computer.
Go to the Develop Module: Click on the