1. Start with a Sample Portrait:
* Choose a suitable image: Select a portrait image that represents the type of photos you want to use this preset on. Ideally, it should be well-exposed and have good skin tones to start with.
2. Access the Develop Module:
* In Lightroom, navigate to the Develop module. This is where you'll be making all the adjustments.
3. Key Adjustments for Softness:
* Basic Panel:
* Exposure: Slightly increase the exposure to brighten the image. Be careful not to overexpose highlights. Try a value like +0.10 to +0.30.
* Contrast: Reduce the contrast to create a flatter, softer image. Try a value like -20 to -40.
* Highlights: Slightly decrease highlights to recover details and prevent harsh bright areas. Try a value like -10 to -30.
* Shadows: Increase shadows to open up darker areas and reveal more detail. Try a value like +10 to +30.
* Whites: Slightly increase whites to add a subtle brightness, but be very cautious not to blow them out. Try a value like +5 to +15.
* Blacks: Slightly decrease blacks to add a little depth, but avoid making the image look muddy. Try a value like -5 to -15.
* Tone Curve:
* Point Curve (Preferred): Use the Point Curve. Create a subtle "S" curve, but flatten the top portion of the curve slightly to reduce contrast in the highlights. This is crucial for the soft look.
* Add a point in the upper-right quadrant and gently pull it down.
* Add a point in the lower-left quadrant and gently pull it up.
* Parametric Curve (Alternative): If you're more comfortable with the Parametric curve, reduce the Highlights and Lights and increase the Shadows and Darks. The goal is the same: reduce contrast in the brighter areas and open up the shadows.
* HSL / Color Panel:
* Luminance: Increase the Luminance of the Orange and Yellow sliders. This will brighten skin tones, contributing to a softer look. Experiment with values like +5 to +20 for each.
* Saturation: Slightly decrease the Saturation of the Orange and Yellow sliders. This helps to desaturate skin, reducing redness and making it appear smoother. Experiment with values like -5 to -15 for each. Be subtle – you don't want to make the skin look grey!
* Hue: Subtly adjust the Hue of Orange and Yellow to fine-tune skin tones. Small adjustments can make a big difference.
* Detail Panel:
* Sharpening: This is important for creating the soft look. Reduce the sharpening amount significantly, or even turn it off entirely.
* Amount: Reduce to 0 or very low (around 10-20).
* Radius: Keep low (around 0.5 - 0.7).
* Detail: Adjust to taste, but generally keep it low to prevent harshness.
* Masking: Increase masking to prevent sharpening in flat areas like skin.
* Noise Reduction: Apply a *small* amount of Luminance noise reduction to smooth out the skin. Don't overdo it, as too much noise reduction can make the image look unnatural. Try a value of 5-15.
* Effects Panel:
* Post-Crop Vignetting: Add a slight positive vignette to brighten the edges and draw the eye towards the subject. A very subtle amount (around +5 to +15) can work well. Choose "Highlight Priority" style.
* Grain: Consider adding a very subtle amount of grain to add a film-like texture. If you do, keep the amount very low (around 5-10) and the size small. This is optional.
* Camera Calibration:
* This is an advanced step, but it can significantly impact the color rendition. Experiment with different camera profiles to see which one gives you the most pleasing skin tones. Often, the Adobe Standard profile is a good starting point.
4. Create the Preset:
* Click the "+" button next to the "Presets" panel in the left sidebar.
* Select "Create Preset..."
* Name your preset (e.g., "Soft Portrait", "Ethereal Portrait").
* Choose a group to save the preset in (you can create a new group if desired).
* Crucially, select the settings you want to include in the preset. Carefully review the list and *uncheck* any settings that are very specific to the image you used as a sample (e.g., White Balance, Exposure if it was significantly different from your norm, Lens Corrections if you're using a specific lens). Generally, you want to include:
* Basic Tone Adjustments (Exposure, Contrast, Highlights, Shadows, Whites, Blacks)
* Tone Curve
* HSL/Color
* Sharpening
* Noise Reduction
* Effects (Vignetting, Grain)
* Camera Calibration (Optional - only include if you want to enforce a specific camera profile)
* Click "Create".
5. Test and Refine:
* Apply your newly created preset to several different portrait images.
* Fine-tune the settings: Because every image is different, you'll likely need to make slight adjustments to the preset on a case-by-case basis. Pay particular attention to:
* Exposure: Adjust as needed based on the original exposure of the photo.
* White Balance: Correct the white balance if it's significantly off.
* HSL/Color: Tweak the Orange and Yellow sliders to get the desired skin tones for each individual.
* Noise Reduction: Increase or decrease as needed based on the ISO of the image.
* Update the preset (Optional): If you find yourself consistently making the same adjustments after applying the preset, you can update it by:
* Making the adjustments to an image.
* Right-clicking on the preset in the Presets panel.
* Selecting "Update with Current Settings".
* Choose which settings to update.
Tips for Success:
* Subtlety is Key: Avoid overdoing any single adjustment. The goal is to create a soft, flattering look, not an artificial one.
* Skin Tone Matters: Pay close attention to skin tones. They should look natural and healthy.
* Practice and Experiment: The best way to perfect your soft portrait preset is to experiment with different settings and see what works best for your style and the types of portraits you shoot.
* Back Up Your Presets: Regularly back up your Lightroom presets to an external drive or cloud storage.
By following these steps, you can create a versatile "Soft Portrait" preset in Lightroom 4 that will help you achieve beautiful, flattering results with your portrait photography. Remember to customize and refine the preset to suit your specific needs and preferences.