Want to level up your Instagram game? Here's a quick guide to the top Lightroom presets and styles that'll make your photos pop:
Presets.io Vibrant Collections: Boosts colors with a wide range of styles
Light and Airy Preset Pack: Creates soft, dreamy images
Moody and Atmospheric Set: Adds drama and intensity
Vintage Film Look Presets: Gives that classic camera feel
Black and White Classic Presets: Creates timeless monochrome images
Golden Hour Glow Collection: Adds warm, sunset-like tones
Urban Street Style Presets: Perfect for edgy city shots
Natural and Minimal Presets: Enhances without overdoing it
Fashion and Portrait Presets: Ideal for skin tones and colors
Travel and Landscape Presets: Boosts outdoor scene colors
Why use presets?
Save time editing
Create a consistent look
Make your photos look professional
Quick Comparison:
Preset Style | Best For | Key Feature |
---|---|---|
Vibrant Collections | Color pop | Boosts blues |
Light and Airy | Soft looks | Pastel tones |
Moody Set | Dramatic shots | Deep contrasts |
Vintage Film | Retro vibes | Grain and warmth |
B&W Classic | Timeless shots | Full tonal range |
Golden Hour | Warm scenes | Sunset-like glow |
Urban Street | City photos | High contrast |
Natural & Minimal | Clean looks | Subtle tweaks |
Fashion & Portrait | People shots | Skin tone enhancement |
Travel & Landscape | Outdoor scenes | Color boost |
These presets work with Lightroom on desktop and mobile. Just apply, tweak if needed, and watch your Instagram feed transform.
Related video from YouTube
What Makes Photos Stand Out on Instagram
Instagram's all about catching eyes. Here's how to make your photos pop:
Popular Styles
Retro: Film-like textures, warm faded colors
Dark and Moody: Deep shadows, rich low-key tones
Minimalist: Clean lines, negative space, focused palette
Bold Colors: Vibrant hues that grab attention
Why Consistency Matters
A consistent look across your feed:
Builds brand recognition
Tells a cohesive story
Makes your profile memorable
Color is Key
Your color choices can make or break your aesthetic:
Cool tones: Bright or moody feel
Warm tones: Vibrancy and energy
Trends to Watch
Lifestyle Photography: Natural, candid shots
Vertical Images: Optimized for mobile viewing
Panoramic Pictures: Great for Instagram Stories
Tips for Standing Out
Use natural light
Mix content formats (photos, videos, carousels)
Focus on composition (try rule of thirds)
Edit smartly, don't overdo it
Mix in some unedited shots to keep it real. Presets help, but authenticity's key.
"Instagram presets aren't just filters. They're full-on photo makeovers." - Skylum Blog
Presets.io Vibrant Collections
Want to make your Instagram feed pop? The Presets.io Vibrant Collections might be your answer. It's all about boosting colors and creating a consistent vibe across your photos.
Here's what it does:
Pumps up blues
Tones down greens
Makes other colors pop
You get a mix of styles - from bold and bright to soft and vintage. This means you can switch things up while keeping your feed looking cohesive.
Users love how easy these presets are to use. One happy customer said:
"These presets are so diverse! I love the grouping of similar preset types and can honestly say that so far my experiments have provided results of the same high quality as the sample photographs displayed here."
Want to use these presets like a pro? Here's how:
Start with good photos
Slap on the preset
Tweak if needed
Stick to one preset for a consistent look
It's that simple. Give it a try and watch your feed transform!
2. Light and Airy Preset Pack
Want dreamy, ethereal Instagram photos? The Light and Airy Preset Pack might be your answer. This set of 20 Lightroom presets creates bright, soft images that pop on your feed.
What's special about these presets?
Soft pastel vibes (think pink and peach)
Versatile (works for portraits, landscapes, etc.)
Popular with bloggers, influencers, and moms
The Pastel Warm preset stands out. It's great for outdoor portraits and family shots, adding warmth without going overboard.
To use these presets effectively:
Start with well-lit photos (natural light is best)
Apply the preset
Tweak as needed
Play around to find your style
Keep in mind: results can vary based on your photo's lighting and settings. Check out sample images to see what works best.
It includes mobile and desktop versions, so you can edit anywhere.
"Light and airy photography focuses on vibrant, airy tones, gentle shadows, and a light atmosphere. It's perfect for capturing clean, simple, and natural beauty."
3. Moody Preset Sets
Want to add drama to your Instagram photos? A Moody set of Lightroom presets might be your answer. These presets create a dark, intense look that tells a story through your images.
What does this set do?
Deepens tonal contrast
Mutes certain colors
Enhances shadows
It's great for urban scenes, portraits, landscapes, and street photography.
Moody Blue is a standout preset. It adds stark tones to cityscapes, making urban shots pop on Instagram.
Want a cinematic feel? Try the Cinematic preset bundle. It helps creates dark, unsaturated tones like in suspense movies. It can turn ordinary scenes into mysterious, eye-catching posts.
How to use these presets:
Start with dimly lit photos
Apply the preset
Adjust exposure and contrast
Fine-tune colors to your style
These presets work best with already moody photos. Shoot on overcast days or in low light for the best base image.
"The most important factor to a dark and moody photo happens at the moment you take the photo—not the preset." - Kirk Mastin (Mastin Labs)
While presets help, the initial shot is key. Try these shooting tips:
Use dim light from north-facing windows
Include dark elements in your frame
Choose dark clothing for portrait subjects
4. Vintage Film Look Presets
Want to make your Instagram photos look old-school cool? Vintage Film Look Presets are your ticket to that classic film camera vibe.
These presets do a few key things:
1. Color Magic
They warm up your colors and dial down the saturation. Some even punch up blues and reds to mimic specific film types.
2. Light Tweaks
Film photos usually look a bit brighter. These presets bump up exposure, contrast, and highlights while toning down the blacks.
3. Grainy Goodness
Film's not film without grain. These presets add a subtle layer of it for that authentic texture.
4. Range Adjustment
Old cameras couldn't capture as much light range. These presets lift shadows and lower highlights to match.
Tips for using these presets:
Pick high-quality presets that copy specific film types
Use Lightroom's Amount slider to control the effect
Tweak grain size and color curves to fit your style
Pro tip: Shoot in soft, natural light. It's the perfect starting point for vintage edits.
5. Black and White Classic Presets
Black and white photography strips away color, letting viewers focus on raw emotion and timeless quality. These presets help you create stunning monochrome images quickly.
What makes these presets special:
Full tonal range from pure black to white
Emphasis on form, textures, and shadows
Vintage film emulation for a nostalgic touch
Mastin Labs has some very popular black and white preset options.
Tips for using these presets:
1. Adjust exposure and contrast
2. Use the Tone Curve for precise control
3. Try subtle color tints for added depth
Jared Platt, photographer and preset creator, says:
"A proper exposure will show the beauty of a full tonal range black and white print on fiber paper, even on pearl surface paper."
These presets work best on RAW files but can enhance JPEGs too. They're popular with photographers and influencers looking to stand out in color-saturated feeds.
6. Golden Hour Glow Collection
Want to add that sunset magic to your photos? The Golden Hour Glow Collection from Embrace Presets has got you covered. These presets turn your shots into warm, vibrant images that scream "perfect golden hour."
Here's what you get:
Warm colors and golden tones
Sun-soaked look
Works great for:
Photo Type | What It Does |
---|---|
Landscapes | Pumps up natural warmth |
Portraits | Adds flattering glow |
Lifestyle | Makes things cozy |
Tips for using these presets:
Tweak white balance for extra warmth
Crank up vibrance for poppin' colors
Play with HSL to amp up golden hues
Use split toning for depth
Want to DIY that golden hour look? Try this:
Bump up background temp by 15-20
Use radial gradients to place light
Add extra light sources for depth and warmth
7. Urban Street Style Presets
Want to add city vibes to your Instagram? Urban Street Style Presets are your secret weapon. They crank up contrast, boost colors, and give your street shots an edgy feel.
Most Urban Street Style Preset packs include:
7-10 presets for mobile and desktop Lightroom
High-contrast looks
Vibrant color boosts
Gritty textures
Here's a quick look at some popular options:
Preset Pack | Features | Best For |
---|---|---|
7 presets, all photo formats | Fashion, travel, lifestyle | |
10 mobile presets, futuristic look | Night shots, neon scenes | |
10 presets, cool creamy aesthetic | City portraits | |
10 presets, muted moody look | Street scenes, candid shots |
Remember, any preset is just a starting point. Tweak them to fit your style and scene.
For a quick urban makeover:
Bump up contrast
Increase vibrance for color pops
Add a slight vignette
Play with clarity for that gritty street look
Urban Street Style Presets shine with:
Cityscapes
Street portraits
Architecture shots
Urban exploration photos
8. Natural and Minimal Presets
Natural and Minimal Presets give your Instagram photos a clean, simple look. They boost your images' natural beauty without going overboard.
These presets:
Use soft tones and subtle tweaks
Keep your original image's essence
Shine with nature, landscape, and lifestyle shots
Help create a smooth Instagram feed
These presets work great for outdoor shots, lifestyle content, blogger feeds, and small business images.
A Nature Lightroom Presets user said:
"These presets are fantastic! Quick to apply, adaptable for any property, and the results are stunning."
To use Natural and Minimal Presets:
Apply the preset as your starting point
Tweak exposure and temperature if needed
Fine-tune to match your style
Use them consistently for a cohesive feed
9. Fashion and Portrait Presets
Fashion and Portrait Presets can transform your photos into Instagram-worthy shots. They enhance skin tones and make colors pop, giving your images a pro look.
Lara Jade has some very nice Fashion Presets, though they are priced at a premium at $69. For more options, you can try our Master Preset Bundle.
These presets are great for:
Smoothing skin (without overdoing it)
Creating soft, dreamy looks
Highlighting natural beauty
Speeding up your editing
For perfect skin tones:
Check RGB values in Lightroom's Develop Module
Aim for blue (lowest), green (higher), red (highest)
Adjust exposure and white balance first
Use the Tone Curve Panel for targeted tweaks
When using these presets:
Use the preset as a starting point
Adjust exposure if needed
Fine-tune to match your style
Use consistently for a cohesive feed
10. Travel and Landscape Presets
Want to turn your outdoor shots into Instagram-worthy pics? Travel and landscape presets are your secret weapon. They boost colors, tweak lighting, and add depth with just a few clicks.
Kevin Krautgartner's Travel Essentials Presets Collection is a fan favorite. It packs 37 Lightroom presets and light effects for travel and landscape photos. Here's what you get:
17 unique looks
10 gradient filters for sky and ground tweaks
10 exposure presets for fine-tuning
These presets work with RAW and JPG files on Lightroom Desktop and Mobile. Price: €39.00.
"Give your photos an outstanding unique look." - Kevin Krautgartner, Award-winning Photographer
Popular travel and landscape presets:
Preset Name | Best For | Key Features |
---|---|---|
Travel Free | All landscapes | Sharp textures, rich colors |
Highway Trip | Detailed landscapes | Bold tones, dark aesthetic |
Exotic Trip | Tropical scenes | Bright colors, clear details |
Drone Eye | Aerial photos | Matte finish, vibrant details |
Using these presets? Here's a quick guide:
Apply the main preset
Adjust white balance manually
Fine-tune settings to match your style
How to Pick the Right Preset for Your Photos
Picking the perfect preset can be tough. Here's how to do it:
1. Define your style
Gather photos you love. Look for patterns:
High contrast or soft tones?
Warm or cool colors?
Bright and airy or dark and moody?
Make a Pinterest board to spot trends in your taste.
2. Match your subject and location
Some Lightroom presets work better for specific subjects and lighting:
Subject/Location | Preset Type | Why |
---|---|---|
Portraits/Weddings | Light and airy | Softens skin, enhances light |
PNW/East Coast | Moody | Fits overcast days |
West Coast/Southwest | Airy | Softens harsh sun, boosts colors |
3. Think about your shooting conditions
Where and when do you shoot most?
Indoor shooters: Try Kat Presets for bold yet soft tones
Outdoor, cold climate: Golden Presets add warmth
4. Test before you buy
Use H&V Presets Ultimate Bundle or our very own Master Preset Bundle to try different styles:
Light and airy
Dark and moody
Warm and cozy
Clean and minimal
Apply various Lightroom presets to one photo. Compare them side-by-side.
5. Fine-tune your choice
Keep in mind:
Presets are starting points
Tweak settings for each photo
Save only the settings that matter
"Give your photos an outstanding unique look." - Kevin Krautgartner, Award-winning Photographer
How to Add and Use Lightroom Presets
Want to speed up your editing and give your Instagram photos a consistent look? Here's how to add and use Lightroom presets:
Desktop (Lightroom Classic)
Download preset files (usually .zip)
Open Lightroom Classic, go to Develop Module
Click "+" in Presets panel
Choose "Import Presets", select your files
New presets appear in Presets panel
Mobile (Lightroom App)
For Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers:
Install presets on desktop Lightroom
They'll sync to your mobile device
For free app users:
Download Lightroom Mobile app
Get DNG preset files on your phone
Create new album in app
Add DNG files to album
Open each file, tap three dots, select "Create Preset"
Name it and repeat for all files
Using presets:
Open a photo in Lightroom Mobile
Tap Presets icon
Choose your preset
Pro tip: After applying a preset, adjust these in order:
Exposure
Temperature/Tint
Contrast
This fine-tunes your image for best results.
Conclusion
Lightroom presets can supercharge your Instagram photos. They're quick, create a consistent look, and save you tons of time. Here's why you should give them a shot:
1. Time-saver
One click and you're done. No more hours of tweaking.
2. Consistency
Your feed looks pro. People recognize your style instantly.
3. Learning tool
New to editing? Presets show you how settings change your pics.
4. Workflow boost
Edit more photos, faster. Quality doesn't take a hit.
5. Creativity spark
Play around. Find your style. Try new things.
But don't just set it and forget it. Tweak your presets a bit. Small changes can make your photos pop.
"Instagram presets help you get a beautiful, consistent effect on your photos without slaving away in Photoshop." - Trend
Want to start? Here's how:
Grab some free presets online
Make a test album with 9 different pics
Try presets side-by-side
See how they work on light and dark photos
Lightroom presets aren't perfect out of the box. But they're a great starting point. Give them a try and watch your Instagram game level up.
FAQs
What Lightroom presets do influencers use?
Influencers love presets that make their Instagram photos pop. Here are some popular ones:
Kodak Gold Film: For that retro look
Dark Aesthetic: When you want drama
Cottagecore: Soft and dreamy vibes
Disposable Film: Old-school camera feel
These Lightroom presets help influencers keep their feed looking consistent. It's all about building that brand, you know?
What are the Instagram preset settings?
Instagram preset settings are like magic wands for your photos in Lightroom. One click, and bam! Your photo's transformed. They usually tweak things like:
Exposure
White balance
Color curves
Contrast
Saturation
Here's a quick rundown:
What | How it works |
---|---|
Purpose | Edit photos fast and consistently |
How to use | Just one click |
Can you change it? | Yep, tweak after applying |
Where it works | Lightroom (desktop and mobile) |
Lightroom presets are a shortcut to make your photos look pro without spending hours editing. Pretty neat, right?