Photography is a skill and an art form that takes time to master. The right gear and a solid understanding of your camera settings are the foundations of a great portfolio — but if you want to capture images with real character and style right away, photography presets are a great place to start. Whether applied in-camera or in post-production, presets help you produce images with lasting appeal and a consistent aesthetic. Here's everything you need to know.
What are photography presets?
If you've ever seen a photography style you'd love to emulate — a moody black and white portrait, a landscape with vibrant saturated colours, or a warm film-inspired look — but aren't sure how to recreate it, photography presets are your answer. With a single click or dial turn, you can apply a complete look to your image without needing to understand every individual adjustment behind it.
Presets can automatically adjust contrast, colour intensity, tone curves, vignetting, and more. While learning to make these adjustments manually gives you maximum creative control, the ability to apply them instantly is a genuine game-changer — especially when you're building a consistent body of work.
Post-production vs in-camera presets
Photography presets can be applied in two main ways:
Post-production presets are applied after the image has been captured, using editing software such as Adobe Lightroom. This approach offers the most flexibility — you can try different presets, compare results, and always return to your original file since the changes are non-destructive. Lightroom is by far the most popular tool for applying and managing presets — read our guide on why more photographers choose Lightroom to understand why it's the go-to choice. If you're new to editing software more broadly, check out our guide to the best photo editing programs to find the right tool for your workflow.
In-camera presets are filters and simulations applied by the camera itself at the point of capture — similar to the filters on your smartphone. Most modern cameras offer some degree of preset or filter options, but a few camera ranges stand out in this area.
Fujifilm X-series mirrorless cameras are renowned for their film simulations — with up to 18 different simulations available on the latest models, many of which mimic the look of classic Fujifilm film stocks like Velvia and Provia. On cameras like the Fujifilm X-M5, a dedicated film simulation dial lets you recall your favourite preset instantly.
Nikon Z-series cameras, including the Nikon Z50II, feature a Picture Control dial that gives quick access to Nikon's Imaging Recipes — including recipes designed by popular content creators. It's one of the most accessible ways to achieve a specific look straight out of camera.
Tips for making the most of photography presets
- Always work non-destructively. Keep a copy of your original file before applying any preset. In post-production software like Lightroom, this happens automatically. If applying presets in-camera, check whether your camera can save two files simultaneously — one with the filter applied and one without.
- Tweak presets to suit your image. A preset is a starting point, not a final answer. If you like the general look but it's not quite right, make small adjustments to brightness, saturation, or contrast to dial it in.
- Explore multiple presets with every image. Even if you're happy with a photo as-is, try a few different presets before settling. You might discover a look that makes the image really sing.
- Build a consistent style. Once you find presets that reflect your aesthetic, apply them consistently across a series of images. Consistency is one of the hallmarks of a strong photography portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a preset and a filter?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a subtle distinction. A filter typically refers to a simple, fixed effect applied to an image — like the filters on Instagram or a smartphone camera. A preset is a more comprehensive saved configuration of multiple editing adjustments (exposure, contrast, colour grading, tone curves, etc.) that can be applied in one step in professional editing software like Lightroom. Presets generally offer more nuance and control than basic filters.
Where can I find photography presets?
Presets for Lightroom and other editing software are widely available online — both free and paid. Many photographers and content creators sell their own preset packs, and Adobe offers a library of presets built into Lightroom. For in-camera presets, check your camera manufacturer's app or community — Nikon's Imaging Recipes and Fujifilm's film simulations are particularly well regarded.
Can I use presets on RAW files?
Yes — and this is actually the best way to use them. RAW files contain far more image data than JPEGs, giving presets more to work with and producing better results. Applying a preset to a RAW file in Lightroom is non-destructive, meaning your original file is always preserved. Read our guide to RAW photography to learn more about the benefits of shooting in RAW.
Do presets work on every photo?
Not always — presets are designed with certain lighting conditions and colour profiles in mind, so results can vary depending on the image. A preset that looks great on a warm, golden-hour portrait may not work as well on a cool, overcast landscape. This is why it's important to tweak presets to suit each image rather than applying them blindly.
Are in-camera presets as good as post-production presets?
It depends on your workflow. In-camera presets (like Fujifilm film simulations) are excellent for photographers who want a finished look straight out of camera — ideal for JPEG shooters or those who prefer minimal post-processing. Post-production presets in Lightroom offer more flexibility and control, especially when working with RAW files. Many photographers use both: shooting with an in-camera simulation for a live preview, while retaining the RAW file for more detailed editing later.