10 Best Free Dark Presets for Lightroom in 2024

As a photographer, you're always looking for ways to enhance your images and create compelling visual stories. The world of dark presets for Lightroom has expanded considerably in 2024, offering you a range of free options to elevate your work. These presets can transform your photos, adding depth, mood, and drama with just a few clicks. Whether you're shooting moody portraits, urban landscapes, or night scenes, there's a preset designed to complement your style. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right ones for your workflow? Let's explore the top contenders that can take your photography to the next level.

Eclipse: Deep Shadow Enhancer

The shadow-master Eclipse preset is a game-changer for photographers seeking to add depth and drama to their images. If you're looking to amp up the moodiness in your photos, this free preset might just be your new best friend.

Eclipse specializes in enhancing those deep, dark tones that can make urban landscapes and moody portraits pop off the screen.

What's great about Eclipse is that it doesn't just slap a dark filter over your image and call it a day. Instead, it carefully amplifies the shadows while maintaining the integrity of your colors. This means you'll get those rich, inky blacks without sacrificing the overall balance of your photo.

Whether you're shooting in RAW or JPEG, Eclipse has got you covered.

Now, here's the kicker – it's completely free! That's right, you can add this powerful tool to your editing arsenal without spending a dime.

Midnight Mood Maker

Moving from the shadowy depths of Eclipse, we encounter another dark titan in the world of free Lightroom presets: Midnight Mood Maker. This preset is your go-to tool for creating dramatic, atmospheric images that'll make your friends say "Wow!" It's perfect for Lightroom Presets for Street photography, giving your urban scenes a moody feel that's sure to impress.

Want to add some dark and light contrast to your photos? Midnight Mood Maker's got you covered. With just one click, you'll deepen those shadows while keeping all the juicy details. It's like magic for your low-light portraits! And the best part? You can use it on both Lightroom CC and Mobile, so you're never without your trusty mood-enhancer.

Here's a quick look at what Midnight Mood Maker can do for you:

Scene Type	Before	After	Mood
Urban	Flat	Dramatic	Mysterious
Portrait	Dull	Rich	Intense
Landscape	Ordinary	Cinematic	Atmospheric
Night	Noisy	Smooth	Enchanting

Urban Noir Preset

Capturing the gritty essence of city life after dark just got easier with the Urban Noir Preset. This free Lightroom preset is designed to give your urban photography a moody, dramatic flair that'll make your nighttime shots pop.

Whether you're snapping photos of neon-lit streets or shadowy alleyways, Urban Noir has got you covered.

You'll love how this preset brings out the rich blacks and deep contrasts in your images, making those city lights sparkle against the darkness.

And the best part? It's available as a free download for both Adobe Lightroom and Lightroom Mobile. So, you can edit on your computer or your phone – wherever inspiration strikes!

Applying Urban Noir is as easy as pie. Just one click, and voila! Your photo transforms into a cinematic masterpiece.

But don't worry if you're feeling a bit more adventurous. You can tweak the settings to your heart's content, allowing you to put your own spin on the urban aesthetic.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, Urban Noir is the perfect tool to add some city slicker style to your photography portfolio.

Cinematic Contrast Booster

The Cinematic Contrast Booster preset is your ticket to creating dramatic, moody images that'll make your viewers say "Wow!"

You'll love how it enhances the visual impact of your photos by expertly adjusting shadows and highlights, giving them that coveted cinematic look.

With this preset, you can easily transform ordinary scenes into atmospheric masterpieces, perfect for when you want to add a touch of Hollywood magic to your photography.

Enhancing Dramatic Visual Impact

Cinematic Contrast Booster stands out as a powerful preset for those seeking to add dramatic flair to their photos. If you're looking for one of the Best Free Lightroom Presets to enhance dramatic visual impact, this High Contrast option might be just what you need.

It's designed to make your images pop by deepening shadows and preserving rich colors, perfect for creating that moody, cinematic look you've been after.

Here's why you'll love using the Cinematic Contrast Booster:

One-click application for quick and easy editing
Works with both RAW and JPEG files
Compatible with Adobe Lightroom and Lightroom Mobile
Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and urban photography

You'll find this preset particularly effective when working with high-contrast scenes. It's like having a secret weapon for transforming ordinary photos into eye-catching masterpieces!

Don't worry if you're not a pro editor; this preset is user-friendly and allows for further tweaking to suit your style.

Adjusting Shadows and Highlights

One of the most powerful features of the Cinematic Contrast Booster preset is its ability to fine-tune shadows and highlights. When you're working with high-contrast scenes, this preset really shines. It'll help you bring out those deep, rich blacks while keeping your bright areas crisp and clear. Talk about a dynamic range boost!

You'll love how this preset helps create a moody atmosphere in your photos. Whether you're shooting cityscapes or portraits, adjusting shadows and highlights with this tool can transform your images into cinematic masterpieces.

And the best part? You don't need to be a pro to use it!

The Cinematic Contrast Booster works its magic on both RAW and JPEG files, so you're covered no matter what format you prefer. It's like having a Hollywood cinematographer in your pocket!

With just a few clicks, you'll be enhancing shadow detail and maintaining highlight integrity like a pro. Remember, presets help you achieve that polished look without spending hours tweaking settings.

Creating Moody Atmospheres

Mastering the art of creating moody atmospheres is where the Cinematic Contrast Booster truly excels. This preset is your secret weapon for transforming ordinary images into dramatic, cinematic masterpieces. With just a single click in Adobe Lightroom, you'll enhance contrast, deepen shadows, and make highlights pop, all while maintaining rich colors and depth.

Here's why the Cinematic Contrast Booster is perfect for crafting moody atmospheres:

It's designed for high-contrast images, making it ideal for portrait and urban photography.
The preset preserves color integrity while adding depth to your shots.
It streamlines your editing process, saving you time and effort.
You can easily fine-tune the results by adjusting exposure settings afterward.

To get the most out of this preset, start by applying it to your image. Then, play around with the exposure settings to nail that perfect cinematic vibe.

Don't be afraid to experiment – sometimes the moodiest atmospheres come from unexpected adjustments!

Moody Portrait Perfector

Get ready to take your portraits to the next level with the Moody Portrait Perfector preset.

You'll love how it enhances deep shadows, creating a dramatic atmosphere that'll make your subjects stand out.

With its expert contrast control, you can achieve those eye-catching, moody shots that'll have everyone asking for your photography secrets.

Deep Shadow Enhancement

Frequently sought after by portrait photographers, the Deep Shadow Enhancement preset, also known as the Moody Portrait Perfector, is a powerful tool for creating dramatic and emotive images. This free Lightroom preset is designed to accentuate deep shadows while maintaining rich tonal quality in your portraits.

It's like giving your photos a cinematic makeover with just one click!

When you apply the Moody Portrait Perfector to your images, you'll notice:

Enhanced details in shadow areas
Striking contrast that emphasizes facial features
A dramatic and moody aesthetic
Rich tonal quality throughout the image

You'll love how this preset works its magic on both RAW and JPEG files, making it super versatile for all your photo editing needs.

Whether you're a pro or just starting out, the Deep Shadow Enhancement preset is a breeze to use. With its one-click application, you can transform your portraits in seconds.

But don't worry if you're feeling picky – you can always fine-tune the settings to match your unique style.

Dramatic Contrast Control

Building on the power of deep shadows, the Dramatic Contrast Control preset takes your portraits to the next level. The Moody Portrait Perfector in Lightroom is a game-changer for creating striking images with just one click. You'll love how it deepens shadows while keeping those precious highlight details intact. It's like having a professional retoucher at your fingertips!

Check out this handy comparison table to see how the Moody Portrait Perfector stacks up:

Feature	Moody Portrait Perfector	Basic Presets
One-click application	✓	✓
RAW & JPEG compatible	✓	✓
Dramatic contrast	✓	✗
Shadow enhancement	✓	✗
Customizable settings	✓	✗

Don't worry if you're not a Lightroom pro - this preset is super easy to use. Just apply it with a single click, and voila! Your portrait transforms into a moody masterpiece. But here's the best part: you're not stuck with the preset's default settings. You can tweak exposure and contrast to your heart's content, ensuring your photos reflect your unique style. So go ahead, give your portraits that extra oomph with the Moody Portrait Perfector!

Dramatic Landscape Transformer

Here's what you can expect from this awesome preset:

Enhanced depth and contrast for jaw-dropping landscapes
Rich blacks and deep colors that bring out the best in dramatic skies
Compatibility with both RAW and JPEG formats for flexibility
One-click application for quick and easy editing

You'll love how easy it's to use this preset. Just one click, and bam! Your landscape photo is transformed into a dramatic masterpiece.

But don't worry, you're not stuck with the default settings. You can still tweak things to make sure your photo looks just right.

Whether you're capturing rugged mountains or stormy seascapes, the Dramatic Landscape Transformer preset for Lightroom has got you covered.

It's like having a secret weapon in your editing toolkit that'll make your landscapes pop every time!

Low-Light Street Scene Enhancer

Looking to spice up your nighttime street photography?

You'll love the Low-Light Street Scene Enhancer preset, which works wonders on urban shots taken after dark.

This nifty tool not only brings out hidden details in shadowy areas but also keeps those bright city lights looking crisp and clear.

With just one click, you'll transform your moody street scenes into dramatic masterpieces that capture the essence of city life after sunset.

Enhancing Urban Nightscapes

When capturing the bustling energy of city nights, you'll want a preset that can handle the unique challenges of urban nightscapes. The Low-Light Street Scene Enhancer is your go-to tool for bringing out the best in those dimly lit cityscapes. Unlike other Lightroom presets for weddings or different types of photography, this preset is tailor-made for the urban jungle after dark.

Here's what you can expect from this nifty preset:

Increased exposure and contrast to reveal hidden details
Smart highlight management to tame those pesky streetlights
Enhanced color tones for a vibrant yet natural look
Compatibility with both RAW and JPEG files

You'll love how this preset brings your night shots to life, making those neon signs pop and street scenes sparkle. It's like giving your photos a shot of espresso – they'll be wide awake and ready to impress!

And here's a fun twist: you can mix and match this preset with others to create your own unique urban night style. Who knows? You might just become the next nighttime Picasso of photography!

Balancing Shadows and Highlights

But wait, there's more! This preset is like a superhero for night photography enthusiasts.

It's specially designed to capture the vibrant city lights against dark backgrounds, making your photos pop with energy. And don't worry about losing the true colors of the scene – this preset keeps color integrity intact while enhancing depth and contrast.

The best part? You're in control! You can tweak the preset's intensity to match your vision.

Whether you're going for a moody, noir-inspired look or a more vibrant urban vibe, this dark preset has got your back.

Gothic Atmosphere Creator

If you're aiming to create a moody, mysterious ambiance in your photos, the Gothic Atmosphere Creator preset is an excellent choice. This free Lightroom preset is designed to add a dark, brooding aesthetic to your images, perfect for enhancing the mood and depth of your shots.

Whether you're working with portraits, landscapes, or urban scenes, this preset can help you achieve that coveted gothic look with just a few clicks.

The Gothic Atmosphere Creator preset offers several advantages:

One-click application for quick and easy editing
Support for both RAW and JPEG formats
Customizable settings for fine-tuning your desired look
Free download, making it accessible to all photographers

You'll love how this preset focuses on rich blacks and deep contrasts, instantly transforming your images into atmospheric masterpieces.

It's like having a gothic makeover tool right at your fingertips! Don't worry if you're new to presets – the Gothic Atmosphere Creator is user-friendly and perfect for beginners and pros alike.

Vintage Dark Film Emulator

Transport your images back in time with the Vintage Dark Film Emulator preset. This gem among presets in Lightroom offers a one-click solution to achieve that classic film photography look you've been craving. It's like having a time machine for your photos!

With this preset, you'll enhance shadows and soften highlights, creating a moody atmosphere that's perfect for portraits and urban scenes. The best part? It maintains color integrity while adding a touch of desaturation, giving your photos a timeless vibe. Whether you're working with RAW or JPEG files, you'll get that cinematic look effortlessly.

Here's a quick guide to what the Vintage Dark Film Emulator can do for your images:

Feature	Effect	Best For
Deep Contrasts	Enhances Drama	Portraits
Softened Highlights	Creates Nostalgic Feel	Landscapes
Color Desaturation	Adds Timeless Quality	Street Photography
Shadow Enhancement	Increases Moodiness	Urban Scenes
Cinematic Look	Tells Visual Stories	Artistic Projects

Starry Night Sky Amplifier

While the Vintage Dark Film Emulator takes us back in time, the Starry Night Sky Amplifier preset propels us into the cosmos. This stellar preset is designed to make your night photography shine brighter than ever before. With just a single click, you'll see the stars pop and the Milky Way come to life in your images.

The Starry Night Sky Amplifier preset adds a touch of magic to your night shots by:

Enhancing clarity and vibrancy of celestial elements
Reducing light pollution for cleaner, more immersive scenes
Deepening blacks and enriching blues for a dramatic effect
Maintaining natural colors while boosting contrast

You'll love how this preset works its wonders on both RAW and JPEG files, giving you flexibility no matter your preferred format.

It's like having a cosmic paintbrush at your fingertips! The preset cleverly adjusts exposure and contrast, making those pesky city lights disappear and letting the true beauty of the night sky shine through.

Don't worry if the initial results aren't perfect – you can always tweak the settings in Lightroom to match your vision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is the Best Free Lightroom Preset?

You'll find great free Lightroom presets on photography websites, forums, and social media. Check out Flourish Presets, PresetLove, FilterGrade, and Envira Gallery for diverse options. Don't forget to explore photography blogs and YouTube channels for tutorials with free preset downloads.

How to Use Lightroom Presets in 2024?

To use Lightroom presets in 2024, you'll download and extract preset files, import them into Lightroom's Develop module, apply them with a click, adjust settings as needed, and save your customized versions for future use.

Do Professionals Use Lightroom Presets?

Yes, professionals do use Lightroom presets. You'll find many photographers rely on them to streamline their workflow, save time, and maintain consistency. They'll often customize presets to suit their unique style and make final manual adjustments.

How to Get Presets on Lightroom for Free?

You can get free Lightroom presets by searching photography websites and blogs, joining online communities, and exploring social media platforms. Download the presets, then import them into Lightroom's 'Develop' module. Don't forget to check compatibility with your version.

Conclusion

You've now got a fantastic toolkit of free dark presets for Lightroom in 2024! With these ten options, you'll be able to transform your photos into moody masterpieces in no time. Don't be afraid to experiment and mix things up – that's half the fun! Remember, these presets are just starting points. Feel free to tweak and adjust them to suit your unique style. Happy editing, and may your photos always tell enchanting stories!