Dust Storm is a free Lightroom preset that brightens photos with golden sunlight hues. Its warm tones enhance images without altering their natural look. It also produces a matte effect that reinforces mood and adds a nostalgic feel.
This preset is inspired by the style of analog photography. It recreates the unmistakable warm retro aesthetic of most vintage films. Because of this versatile look, you can apply this preset across all types of photography, like portraits, landscapes, and travel photos. If you want to make the most of its nuanced airy tones, try to apply Dust Storm on photos with diffused natural light, like the examples below.
You can even use this preset as an Instagram filter that would give your feed a cohesive look. It would undoubtedly give your photos a professional touch because of its matte polish. Not only that, but it can also help you create a visual identity, one that your followers can associate with your name or brand.
Lightens Dark Regions
Softened Tones. To complement its smooth look, Dust Storm lightens the dark regions by lowering the intensity of blacks and softening shadows. As a result, no shadow would appear harsh. This is especially important when photographing portraits or weddings, like the photo of the couple above.
Dust Storm reinforces this effect in the tone curve as well. You can examine the groom’s coat, which is now in gray tones. Notice how you can see more of the warm hues on it as well. Try to also examine the bride’s more complex skin tones in the After photo. Thanks to the preset’s increase in sharpening, we can also appreciate the textures on the intricate white gown.
Softens Whites
Tender Whites. The preset continues to soften tones in the light regions. It lowers the intensity of whites, which largely produces the matte look. Try to compare the Before and After photos above, especially the brighter yet more dramatic clouds in the background.
The preset refines this setting even further in the tone curve and balances it out with the lightened dark regions. As you can see in the resulting image, Dust Storm blends light and dark tones well to create its distinct polished look. All of the adjustments combine to give images a lighthearted and cozy atmosphere.
Optimizes Color for Outdoor Photography
Muted Greens. Dust Storm completes its soft matte look by desaturating yellow and green colors. These primarily affect the colors of trees, plants, and various greenery. After all, these two colors make up most of lush landscapes.
Try to examine the result in the After photo above. Although brighter and warmer in tone, the decrease in saturation moderates the intensity of green hues. These tweaks even refine the preset’s overall aesthetic.
Dust Storm is for Lightroom Mobile, Desktop and…
Like all our presets, you can absolutely use Dust Storm preset as is, right out of the box. With any preset, you might need to make adjustments to accommodate your specific camera, settings, lighting, and subject matter.
- Entirely Adjustable
- Compatible with Lightroom 4, 5, 6 and CC
- Performs with both PC, Mac, and Mobile
- Applicable to both RAW and JPG images
- 100% Free
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