Why Presets Still Matter in 2025

If you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram or Pinterest and wondered how some photographers create such perfectly consistent looks, chances are you’ve seen Lightroom presets at work. A preset is a one-click editing formula that transforms your photos instantly—saving time, creating aesthetic consistency, and helping you achieve professional results even if you’re new to editing.

In 2025, presets are more popular than ever. With content creation booming across photography, travel blogging, and social media, photographers are searching for the best Lightroom presets 2025, trying out free vs paid presets, and asking how to edit photos in Lightroom with minimal time wasted.

But which presets are really trending right now? In this article, we’ll explore the top four styles dominating the editing world—Film, Moody, Light & Airy, and Golden Hour—and show you how to choose the right look for your work.

Why Preset Style Trends Matter

Trends in presets are not random—they’re shaped by social media aesthetics, photography movements, and the emotions people want their photos to evoke.

• Social Media Aesthetics: Instagram feeds, TikTok photography hacks, and Pinterest boards push certain looks to the spotlight.

• Photography Niches: Weddings, lifestyle, travel, and portraits often dictate what kinds of presets sell and get searched the most.

• Creative Expression: Presets allow photographers to tell stories with color and light—making them powerful tools in a crowded digital space.

By understanding current trends, you can stay relevant while still adapting presets to your unique style.

The Top 4 Trending Lightroom Presets in 2025

1. FILM / VINTAGE FILM PRESETS

Why they’re trending:
Film emulation has been huge for the past few years and continues to grow in 2025. Photographers love the nostalgia of analog vibes—muted tones, soft contrast, and natural grain. These presets give digital photos a timeless feel.

Best for: Travel, portraits, street photography, creative projects.
Popular look: Fujifilm-style muted greens, Kodak warm tones, soft grain.

2. MOODY & ATMOSPHERIC PRESETS

Why they’re trending:
The moody look is still one of the most searched Lightroom styles. Deep shadows, warm browns, and desaturated greens dominate this style. It’s cinematic, dramatic, and instantly makes your feed feel more editorial.

Best for: Outdoor adventures, couples shoots, lifestyle photography.
Popular look: Earthy tones, strong contrast, dramatic skies.

3. LIGHT & AIRY PRESETS

Why they’re trending:
Weddings, influencers, and lifestyle creators still rely heavily on light and airy Lightroom presets. This look emphasizes bright whites, pastel tones, and glowing highlights—making photos feel dreamy and romantic.

Best for: Weddings, family photography, fashion bloggers, product shots.
Popular look: Soft pastel blues, creamy whites, bright clean skin tones.

4. GOLDEN HOUR PRESETS

Why they’re trending:
Golden hour—the hour after sunrise or before sunset—is every photographer’s favorite time to shoot. But sometimes, lighting conditions aren’t perfect. That’s where golden hour presets come in, enhancing warm tones and giving your images that magical sun-kissed glow.

Best for: Portraits, lifestyle, travel, Instagram content.
Popular look: Warm yellows, glowing highlights, radiant skin tones.

Free vs Paid Presets: Which Should You Use?

A common search phrase in 2025 is “free vs paid Lightroom presets.” Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Free presets are great to test different styles. They help you learn editing basics and experiment.

• Paid presets usually offer more variety, consistency, and quality. They’re designed for professionals who need reliable results across hundreds of photos.

If you’re serious about editing, investing in premium presets can save you 3–10 hours per week compared to editing each photo from scratch.

How to Choose the Right Preset for Your Photography

When choosing a trending preset, think about:

• Your niche: Weddings → Light & Airy. Street → Film. Outdoor adventure → Moody.

• Skin tones: Make sure presets keep skin natural and flattering.

• Lighting conditions: Golden Hour presets can fix dull light.

• Flexibility: Look for packs with multiple variations (desktop + mobile).

How to Adapt a Trending Preset to Make It Yours

Presets are starting points—not final edits. Even the best preset might need small tweaks:

• Adjust exposure for brightness.

• Modify white balance to match the mood.

• Fine-tune shadows and highlights for depth.

• Add or reduce grain depending on your style.

This way, you follow the trend while still keeping your unique signature look.

FAQs

Q: What is a film preset?
A: It mimics the look of analog film photography with muted tones and grain.

Q: Can presets work on both mobile & desktop?
A: Yes—most premium presets today include files for Lightroom Classic (desktop) and Lightroom Mobile.

Q: Are trendy presets better than classic ones?
A: Not necessarily. Trends help you stay current, but timeless editing styles often work longer-term for branding.

Final Thoughts

In 2025, the top Lightroom preset trends—Film, Moody, Light & Airy, and Golden Hour—are shaping photography across social media and professional work. These styles are not just “filters,” they’re creative tools that help photographers save time and build consistent, eye-catching aesthetics.

If you’re ready to explore these looks, start with my free Mystery Preset Pack to experiment. Then, when you’re ready to unlock the full potential of your edits, check out my Aesthetic Timeless Preset Collection designed to give your photos depth, style, and a signature finish.

👉 [Download Free Presets Here]
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