RDBDDS Loc: Eatonton, GA

I have been using Lightroom for processing RAW files and am wondering what is being used by sports photographers. A number of years ago I set up a preset but am wondering if their are specific ones in the market specifically for our needs such as high ISO, etc. Any input will be appreciated.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Give us a hint of the areas you captured as your own preset? My own custom-developed LR presets establish default values of Noise and Sharpening based on the camera type used and the ISO value of the image. My presets also automate the application of lens profiles and triggering the <auto> adjustments for toning and WB. I then hand-edit individual images and sync those WB / tone edits against similar images. I've found I do better when I refine LR's <auto> suggestions rather than starting from an image with all the sliders at '0'. I haven't found any presets that do toning to a 'look' that is anything I'd want applied to my images.

RDBDDS Loc: Eatonton, GA

I set up a preset so long ago that I just wonder if I could do better. Most of the presets I have deal with non-moving objects and I think my setup may be lacking as you see the “pros” pictures that are so vivid and I’d like access to possibilities. I wrestle with all the adjustments and question if the combinations just don’t work together. I understand and accept the limitations of sport photography in less than ideal conditions but am looking for a source that could direct me to sports presets.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Look at your presets and assuming RAW, consider:

a) Does your preset update the Camera Calibration to the profile = Camera Standard?
b) Does your preset apply a lens profile? (This look-up can be automated in the preset)
c) Does your preset apply any default values of Clarity, Saturation, or Saturation? I put a straight +5 for each setting for all my images and only very very rarely do I adjust these defaults of specific images. I have Sony and Canon bodies and use a bit more saturation on the Sony w/ old Canon FD lenses. I desire my images to have a similar look rather than distinguished based on the equipment used.

When you get into adjusting the WB against the Whites & Blacks and HSL of individual colors, you can start chasing your tail on adjustments. I work on the exposure first (Basic panel), then the WB, then any HSL work, rarely, if needed.

The standardized 3rd party presets work on the Basic and HSL areas as well, but those presets apply absolute values rather than proportional updates to the specifics of the image. They don't know if the exposure needs to be updated by +0.5 or -0.35. They might give an idea / demonstrated example of how moving some unfamiliar sliders can impact the results. But otherwise, I haven't found them as useful as watching utube videos of LR editing in practice where I then test the same ideas on my own images. If you download some free presets (or purchase) and watch the sliders, you can see how / where the presets make their adjustments as you click and apply the different presets.