Lightroom Presets- paid preset packs vs. free ones

dinneenp

Hi,
There's always loads of Lightroom preset pack deals, like this. There's also some free packs so I'm wondering would you recommend any paid packs or free ones please?

I bought LR but it didn't install correctly, am going to buy it again this week (no, I don't want the online version).

Thanks,
Pa.

Whammy!

"VSCO Film" presets can be quite nice. They can be quite heavey handed on the Grain setting along with the faded black look. Their sharpening is always on the soft side too.
As the name suggests the presets try to emulate many different kinds of film.
Whether or not they accurately emulate them is another question...

But personally I think presets are a waste of money unless you actually learn something from using them.

If I come across a preset that I like I do not use it on my photos. Instead I break it down. Analise all the different parameters in Lightroom and try to understand the processes that are needed to achieve certain looks.
Doing so has completely changed how I use the ToneCurve (R, G & along with the color balance by shifting hues, saturation & luminance.

toe_knee

I have used the slr lounge ones. They have brush presets as well which are handy.

killym

I would suggest to create them by yourself. You will be in controll and also You will gain some knowledge when You get Your favourite effects. Before i was fascinated too...One click and boom, but now i just want to be in charge.

pwllor

Presets are quite good for consistent look from shoot to shoot, either purchased or made by yourself.

dinneenp

Thanks for the replies, I bought one of the packs from the DPS deal. In the long run I plan to create my own but am happy to see what some are like (new to LR).
Cheers,
pa.