Cinematic Look: 8 Presets for Dramatic Photo Edits

Want to give your photos that Hollywood movie magic? Here are 8 Lightroom presets to transform your images:

1. Moody Blue: Neon-tinged dystopian vibes
2. Golden Hour: Warm, nostalgic sunset glow
3. Film Noir: High-contrast black and white drama
4. Old Hollywood: Classic silver screen glamour
5. Teal and Orange: Bold, modern blockbuster look
6. Matte Finish: Soft, dreamy vintage feel
7. High Contrast B&W: Punchy monochrome impact
8. Anamorphic Look: Widescreen cinematic style

Quick Comparison:

Preset	Mood	Best For	Key Edit
Moody Blue	Dark, futuristic	Night scenes, cities	Boost contrast, tweak blues
Golden Hour	Warm, nostalgic	Portraits, landscapes	Increase warmth, enhance oranges
Film Noir	Mysterious, dramatic	Street shots, moody portraits	Deepen shadows, add grain
Old Hollywood	Glamorous, classic	Vintage-style portraits	Soften contrast, increase glow
Teal and Orange	Bold, modern	Action scenes, beaches	Balance teal/orange split toning
Matte Finish	Soft, dreamy	Lifestyle, tech photos	Lift blacks, lower contrast
High Contrast B&W	Dramatic, timeless	Street photography, architecture	Boost contrast, deepen blacks
Anamorphic Look	Widescreen, cinematic	Landscapes, movie-style shots	Add lens flares, crop to 2.35:1

To use these presets:

1. Apply the preset in Lightroom
2. Adjust basic settings (exposure, contrast, etc.)
3. Fine-tune colors with HSL panel
4. Tweak tone curve for extra punch
5. Add finishing touches (vignette, grain)

Remember: Presets are starting points. Customize to fit your style and subject.

Related video from YouTube

What Makes a Photo Look Cinematic

Cinematic photos grab attention. They use light, color, and mood to pull you in. Here's how to get that movie-like look:

Dramatic Lighting

Light is everything. Go for drama:

• High contrast between light and shadow
• Underexpose slightly (about -1 on the meter)
• Shoot in low light or at night
• Use harsh lighting for stark contrasts

Color Grading

Color sets the mood:

• Boost yellow tones
• Shift towards magenta
• Use HSL sliders for cohesion
• Cool tones = modern, warm = vintage

Composition and Framing

Think like a filmmaker:

• Use wide-angle lenses (35mm or 50mm)
• Blur backgrounds with narrow depth of field
• Try low angles and Dutch tilts
• Crop to 2.35:1 for widescreen look

Post-Processing Magic

In Lightroom, try these settings:

Adjustment	Setting
Contrast	-15
Highlights	-40
Shadows	+30
Whites	+12
Blacks	+30
Clarity	+60
Vibrance	-5
Saturation	-20

Don't forget:

• Add grain for texture
• Apply slight vignette (-15)
• Boost texture and clarity

Storytelling

Make viewers think. Give them clues to build a story:

• Choose angles that set a mood
• Use lighting for atmosphere
• Leave some mystery in the frame

Remember: Cinematic photos don't just show. They TELL.

Moody Blue

Moody Blue isn't just a preset - it's your ticket to cinematic cool. This look turns ordinary shots into attention-grabbing scenes.

It shines with:

• Night shots
• Portraits
• Landscapes
• Urban scenes

Here's the magic:

• Darker exposure
• Pumped-up contrast
• Blue-tinted shadows
• Matte finish

Want to nail the Moody Blue look? Here's how:

1. Tweak the Light panel:

Adjustment	Setting
Exposure	-1.0
Contrast	+40
Highlights	-100
Shadows	+30
Whites	-100
Blacks	+30

2. Use the Tone Curve to lift shadows and crush blacks

3. Add warm yellow to highlights and dark blue to shadows in Color Grading

4. Boost texture and clarity

5. Add a subtle vignette

For portraits, try this:

• Bump up orange saturation and luminance in Color Mixer
• Set green to magenta saturation to -100 for a semi-black and white effect

"The Moody Blue preset pack includes 15 mobile and 15 desktop presets, along with XMP, DNG, and LRTEMPLATE files", say the preset's creators.

This means you can get that moody, film-like vibe across different devices and editing software. Play around with the settings to make each photo pop.

2. Golden Hour

The Golden Hour preset brings sunset and sunrise magic to your photos. It adds warm, glowing tones that make images pop with a sun-soaked look.

Here's what it does:

• Warms up color temperature
• Boosts oranges and yellows
• Softens highlights
• Enriches shadows

It's perfect for portraits, landscapes, and lifestyle shots.

Want the Golden Hour look? Here's how:

1. Adjust white balance:

Bump up temperature to 5350-6000K and give tint a little boost.

2. Tweak exposure:

Drop exposure by 0.5-1 stop, pull back highlights, and lift shadows.

3. Pump up colors:

Increase vibrance and boost orange and yellow saturation/luminance in the HSL panel.

4. Add final touches:

Apply a subtle vignette and use the dehaze slider for depth.

Adjustment	Setting
Temperature	+15 to +30
Exposure	-0.5 to -1.0
Highlights	-30 to -50
Shadows	+30 to +50
Vibrance	+15 to +25

"The Golden Hour preset pack includes 20 color presets and 18 sun effect presets, allowing photographers to easily recreate that magical sunset glow", says the Luxe Lens team.

Pro tip: For best results, shoot during actual golden hour (1 hour after sunrise or before sunset) and use the preset to enhance the natural warm light.

3. Film Noir

Film Noir preset? It's like stepping into a classic Hollywood thriller. Think high-contrast, moody shots that scream 1940s crime drama.

Here's what makes Film Noir pop:

• Deep blacks, bright whites
• Shadows that could hide a secret
• A touch of grain for that vintage feel

It's perfect for:

• Mysterious portraits
• Gritty street scenes
• City skylines after dark

Want to nail that Film Noir look? Here's how:

1. Go black and white

2. Crank up the contrast

3. Play with shadows and highlights

4. Add a sprinkle of grain

Adjustment	Setting
Contrast	+50 to +70
Blacks	-30 to -50
Highlights	+30 to +50
Clarity	+15 to +25
Grain	+20 to +30

Pro tip: Light is key. Use a single, strong source to cast dramatic shadows. Think low-key, high-drama.

"The light in those movies is the key to the ambience of mystery and danger." - Ivo Guimaraes, Photographer

Want inspiration? Check out "Touch of Evil". It's a masterclass in Film Noir framing and lighting.

4. Old Hollywood

Want to give your photos that classic silver screen glamour? The Old Hollywood preset's got you covered.

This edit turns your shots into high-contrast black and white masterpieces with a soft, dreamy quality. Think dramatic lighting and strong shadows - perfect for vintage-style portraits, red carpet events, or recreating iconic movie scenes.

Here's how to nail the Old Hollywood look:

1. Shoot in color, then go black and white
2. Crank up the contrast
3. Add a touch of softness
4. Use dramatic lighting for those defined shadows

Adjustment	Setting
Contrast	+40 to +60
Highlights	+20 to +30
Shadows	-30 to -50
Clarity	-10 to -20
Grain	+10 to +20

Pro tip: Ditch the big smiles. Old Hollywood is all about solemn, reflective expressions.

"Hurrell's portraits typically feature a dark or black background and hard light for defined shadows." - George Hurrell, Hollywood glamour photographer

For best results, use two light sources:

• Main light: 30-45 degree angle from the camera
• Rim light: Behind the subject

The Old Hollywood preset is part of the Vintage & Retro Lightroom Presets collection (€7,44). It works with Lightroom Classic CC, Lightroom CC, and syncs with Lightroom mobile.

5. Teal and Orange

Want to give your photos that Hollywood blockbuster look? Enter the Teal and Orange preset.

This color grading technique creates a striking contrast between warm and cool tones. It's the secret sauce behind the visual appeal of films like Iron Man and Transformers.

Here's the gist:

• Orange warms up skin tones and highlights
• Teal cools down shadows and backgrounds
• Result? A dramatic, cinematic feel

It's perfect for portraits, landscapes (especially with blue skies), urban scenes, and sunset/sunrise shots.

Want to try it in Lightroom? Here's how:

1. Temperature slider: Right for more orange, left for more teal

2. Color Mixer tool:

• Red: +50 to +100
• Yellow: -100
• Green: +100
• Blue: -100

Adjustment	Setting
Shadows	Teal hue
Highlights	Orange tone
Red Primary Hue	+50
Blue Primary Hue	-50

Pro tip: Keep the Red at +50 for more natural skin tones.

Fine-tuning? Use the Curves tool for an s-curve (more midtone contrast) and slightly raise blacks and lower whites for a film-like fade.

Remember: Less is often more. Many photographers prefer a light touch with this effect.

"The orange and teal color grade has been a popular choice in modern cinema for the past decade, providing a cinematic feel to images." - Color grading expert

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6. Matte Finish

Want to give your photos a vintage vibe? The Matte Finish preset is your go-to. It's like adding a dreamy filter to your images, softening contrast and toning down colors for that film-like quality.

Here's the quick and dirty on creating a matte look in Lightroom:

1. Do your basic edits
2. Hit up the Tone Curve panel
3. Add a point in the bottom left
4. Nudge it up a bit

Boom. You've just muted the blacks and created that hazy effect.

Blacks	Result
Lifted	Lighter matte
Lowered	Deeper matte

Matte finish shines on:

• B&W shots
• Sunny day pics
• Portraits
• Landscapes

But watch out - it might wash out super colorful photos.

Pro move: Save your matte magic as a preset for quick future edits.

"At WPPI in Vegas, I noticed tons of prints rocking that matte look." - Trevor Dayley, Photographer

7. High Contrast Black and White

Want to make your photos pop? The High Contrast Black and White preset is your secret weapon.

This preset shines for:

• Portraits
• Street shots
• Landscapes

Here's how to create that high-impact B&W look in Lightroom:

1. Go black and white (hit V)
2. Pump up contrast (+85)
3. Boost highlights (+10) and shadows (+15)
4. Adjust whites (+10) and blacks (-12)
5. Add clarity (+20)

For extra sharpness:

Setting	Value
Amount	50
Radius	1.0
Detail	25

Pro tip: Use the HSL/Color/B&W tab to tweak specific areas based on their original colors.

Fujifilm X-Photographer Kevin Mullins says:

"Use the Classic Chrome camera profile for denser, punchier monochrome images, even though it's a color film simulation."

Don't overdo it. Keep things natural.

Feeling bold? Add a touch of grain (Amount: 50, Size: 50, Roughness: 25) for that film look.

These tweaks will turn ordinary shots into eye-catching black and white stunners.

8. Anamorphic Look

The Anamorphic Look preset gives your photos a cinematic feel. It's great for landscapes, street shots, and portraits.

Here's how to create it in Lightroom:

1. Use a 2.35:1 aspect ratio
2. Bump up contrast (+30)
3. Add a slight S-curve
4. Lower highlights (-15) and raise shadows (+20)
5. Add a subtle vignette

For lens flares:

Setting	Value
Flare Center	Align with subject
Glow Radius	1,000
Glow Intensity	5+

Want the real deal? The Moment 1.33x Anamorphic Lens Adapter costs $1300 but adds authentic flares and textures.

Photographer Steven Schultz says:

"The adapter flared beautifully with the tungsten bulb, leaving gorgeous warm streaks across the images, purely natural and free from post-processing."

Don't forget to "de-squeeze" your images. Crop to 16:9 and tweak the width in Photoshop.

For oval bokeh, use Camera Lens Blur in After Effects. Set aspect ratio to 0.5 and adjust blur to taste.

Finish with film grain (Amount: 20, Size: 25, Roughness: 50) for that classic cinema look.

How to Use Cinematic Presets

Want to give your photos that movie-like feel? Here's how to use cinematic presets in Lightroom:

1. Apply the Preset

Open your photo in Lightroom and click on your chosen preset. Keep in mind: the same preset can look different on various photos.

2. Tweak the Basics

After applying the preset, adjust these settings:

Setting	Typical Range
Exposure	+/- 0.5 to 1.0
Contrast	-15 to +30
Highlights	-40 to +20
Shadows	+20 to +30
Whites	+12 to +20
Blacks	+30 to +50

3. Play with Color

Use the HSL panel to:

• Shift hues slightly
• Lower saturation (-5 to -20)
• Adjust brightness of individual colors

4. Add Final Touches

• Bump up clarity (+60)
• Add some grain (Amount 20, Size 25, Roughness 50)
• Apply a subtle vignette (Amount -15)

5. Crop It

For that true cinematic look, try a 2.35:1 or 16:9 aspect ratio.

Remember: These are just starting points. Trust your eye and adjust as needed.

"Early morning or late evening light can make or break a cinematic edit. It provides that warm, directional light that's key to many film looks." - Thomas Heaton, landscape photographer

Pro Tip: Shoot during golden hour for the best results.

Preset Effects Side by Side

Let's compare the 8 cinematic presets:

Preset Name	Mood	Colors	Best Uses
Moody Blue	Cinematic, moody	Neon carrot to steel grey	Dystopian landscapes
Golden Hour	Warm, nostalgic	Warm oranges and yellows	Outdoor portraits, landscapes
Film Noir	Dark, mysterious	High contrast black and white	Urban scenes, dramatic portraits
Old Hollywood	Glamorous, classic	Soft, muted tones	Vintage-style portraits
Teal and Orange	Bold, modern	Teal and orange contrast	Action scenes, urban landscapes
Matte Finish	Soft, dreamy	Desaturated, pastel hues	Lifestyle, tech-related photos
High Contrast B&W	Dramatic, timeless	Deep blacks, bright whites	Street photography, architecture
Anamorphic Look	Widescreen, cinematic	Varied, often cool-toned	Landscapes, movie-style shots

Each preset adds a unique flavor to your photos. Moody Blue can turn a cityscape into a Blade Runner-like scene, while Golden Hour makes portraits feel like summer film stills.

Choose your preset based on your subject and story. Shooting street scenes? Try Film Noir or High Contrast B&W for added drama.

These presets are just starting points. You'll likely need to tweak settings like exposure and color balance for the perfect look.

"Early morning or late evening light can make or break a cinematic edit. It provides that warm, directional light that's key to many film looks." - Thomas Heaton, landscape photographer

Some preset packs offer more specific movie styles. Hong Kong Retro Movie Style mimics Wong Kar-wai's warm, retro look, while Stranger Things Cinematic Preset gives that cool 80s vibe.

Remember: presets modify existing photo info. The effect will vary based on your original shot's lighting and colors. Try different presets on the same photo to find the best fit for your vision.

Mixing Presets and Custom Edits

Presets are just the start. To make your photos pop, mix them with custom tweaks.

Here's how:

1. Apply the preset

Pick a preset that fits your photo's mood. "Moody Blue" for a futuristic cityscape? "Golden Hour" for a warm portrait? Go for it.

2. Tweak the basics

Adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, and shadows. Every photo's different, so these need fine-tuning.

3. Fine-tune colors

Use Lightroom's HSL tool. This is key for that cinematic look.

4. Play with the tone curve

Mess around with contrast levels. It can really boost that cinematic feel.

5. Add finishing touches

Maybe a slight vignette? Or adjust clarity? These small changes can make a big impact.

"Presets are the icing, not the cake batter. Learn to take good images first, then enhance them through editing." - Jessica Vickers, Photographer and Editor

Quick guide for popular cinematic presets:

Preset	Custom Edit Tips
Moody Blue	Bump up contrast, tweak blue hue
Golden Hour	Fine-tune warmth, boost oranges
Film Noir	Enhance shadows, add grain
Teal and Orange	Balance teal/orange split toning

Want your presets to shine? Shoot in early morning or late evening. Great lighting makes all the difference.

Don't be scared to make your own presets. Start with a look you like, adjust it, save it. You'll develop a unique style that makes your photos stand out.

Wrap-up

We've covered 8 presets to give your photos a cinematic look:

1. Moody Blue
2. Golden Hour
3. Film Noir
4. Old Hollywood
5. Teal and Orange
6. Matte Finish
7. High Contrast Black and White
8. Anamorphic Look

These presets are just the beginning. Here's how to make the most of them:

Mix it up: Try different presets on the same photo. That street scene? It might pop with Moody Blue OR Teal and Orange.

Make them yours: Adjust contrast, play with colors, or add a vignette. Don't be afraid to tweak.

Play with ratios: Want more drama? Crop to 2.35:1 or 16:9.

Preset	Good For	Key Tweaks
Moody Blue	Night scenes, cities	Up the contrast, play with blues
Golden Hour	Portraits, landscapes	Adjust warmth, boost oranges
Film Noir	Dramatic portraits, street shots	Deepen shadows, add grain
Teal and Orange	Action, beach scenes	Balance teal/orange tones

The Brixton Film pack has 23 presets for Lightroom, Lightroom Classic, and Photoshop. Plenty to work with!

Pro tip: Good lighting is key. Early morning or late evening often work best.

And hey, why not create your own presets? Start with a look you like, adjust, and save. You'll develop your own style over time.

Now go make some cinematic magic!

FAQs

How to make cinematic edits in Lightroom?

Want to give your photos that movie-like feel? Here's how:

1. Tweak the light

Start in the Light section. Play with contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks. This sets the mood.

2. Balance the colors

Fine-tune your color balance. This is key for that cinematic vibe.

3. Create the mood

Use color grading tools. They're your secret weapon for that cinematic atmosphere.

4. Add some flair

Try vignetting or grain. These effects can take your photo from "meh" to "wow".

5. Sprinkle in some grain

A touch of grain? It's like time-traveling your photo back to the film era.

How to get a cinematic look in Lightroom?

Here's a starting point for that movie-magic look:

Setting	Value
Contrast	-15
Highlights	-40
Shadows	+30
Whites	+12
Blacks	+30

But don't stop there. Play with clarity, vibrance, and saturation. Remember, these are just guidelines. Your photo, your rules. Adjust until it feels right to you.