Why Your Own Editing Style Matters More Than Any Preset
For a long time, almost every photographer chased presets. Me too. I clicked through the looks of famous creators, hoping that one filter would finally give my images that special something. But at some point, I realised: the real style isn’t in the filter — it’s in me.
Why Presets Make You Replaceable
Years ago, it was easy to stand out on Instagram with a recognizable preset look. Today, many images look far too similar:
the same presets
AI filters
constant comparison
The visual world has become faster, louder, smoother. And that’s exactly why people long for images that feel real, have a point of view, and are unmistakable. Especially now, when AI can “enhance” images effortlessly, the handmade becomes more valuable than ever: the personal, the unique — your own style.
A Style Is Not a Technique — It’s a Mindset
Your style is not a tool, not a trick, not an algorithm. It’s the result of a conscious journey:
how you perceive light
which colours move you
which contrasts, structures, and details fascinate you
and most importantly: what you want to express
A preset can be helpful — but it never replaces the reflection on who you are and what you stand for.
The unedited RAW image — before editing.
After editing.
Style Means Recognition — Not Uniformity
Many people confuse style with sameness. But it’s not about making every image look identical. It’s about your images sounding like you:
speaking a language that reflects your perspective
carrying a mood that is unique
leaving a feeling that stays
If someone sees several of your images side by side — do they recognise a line, a mood, a mindset?
That’s style.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
We are at a turning point:
AI can generate and recolour images — but it doesn’t know what matters to you.
Presets help you work faster — but they don’t tell your story.
Instagram may change — but your visual language can remain.
If you develop your own style now, you will benefit long-term:
You become independent of trends.
You edit more consciously.
You stop feeling like you’re always chasing something.
My Way Out of Being Replaceable
I bought many presets, tried countless styles, followed trend after trend — and was still never satisfied. Only when I simplified my editing, focused on light, structure, and emotional impact, did I understand what truly defined me. I stopped editing for the outside world — and started editing from within. Today I know: My style emerges where I am honest. And that’s exactly what I want to pass on.
If You Recognise Yourself in This
I created a course that guides you step by step in developing your own editing style — independent of trends, presets, or the next AI feature.
👉 Learn more about the course → Framed Freedom Lightroom Course
Because real images don’t need effects. They need intention.
