Presets have become a staple in modern digital photography. Whether you’re a wedding photographer, travel blogger, or studio portrait artist, chances are you’ve encountered or used presets to speed up your workflow and define your style. But far from being a lazy shortcut, presets can actually be a powerful creative tool.

Let’s start with what presets are. In programs like Adobe Lightroom, a preset is a saved collection of adjustments – exposure, contrast, white balance, tone curves, color grading and more. When applied to a photo, it instantly gives it a particular look or mood.

Used wisely, presets save time. If you shoot hundreds of images in a single session, applying a consistent base look can help you edit more efficiently and maintain a cohesive aesthetic. But the real power of presets lies in customization.

Think of a preset as a launchpad, not a landing point. It gets you close to the look you want, but you still need to fine-tune based on the specific image. Maybe the lighting was different, or the colors in the scene need adjustment. By tweaking the preset, you keep creative control while enjoying the benefits of speed.

Another benefit of working with presets is how they help define your visual identity. Over time, as you create or modify presets that align with your style, your work begins to stand out. Clients recognize your "look" and come to you for that signature aesthetic.

If you’re just starting out, explore a few different preset packs. Look at how they change your images and study what settings they affect. Better yet, try building your own from scratch.

In the end, presets are not about imitation. They’re about exploration. They offer a foundation from which you can evolve your editing process and refine your artistic voice.

Don’t be afraid to use them. Just don’t stop at applying them.