How To Use Lightroom Presets To Take Your Surf Photography To The Next Level!
My name is Evan Olbricht, and I’m a professional surf and lifestyle photographer based in San Diego, CA. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours in the water and behind my computer editing thousands of surf photos. One of the most common questions I get is: How do you edit your surf shots so they look vibrant, clean, and professional?
The truth is, editing is just as if not more important than, shooting. You can nail the perfect barrel shot, but without strong editing, the photo might not reach its full potential. That’s where Lightroom presets and high-quality editing come in.
Why Use Lightroom Presets for Surf Photography?
Lightroom presets are like a shortcut to a polished, professional look. With one click, you can apply a consistent color grade that:
Enhances the blues and teals of the ocean.
Brings out warm skin tones without making them look unnatural.
Adds contrast and clarity to highlight water texture and wave details.
Creates a cohesive style across your entire gallery.
Whether you’re shooting at sunrise in golden light or on an overcast day, presets help you quickly adapt and maintain your signature look.
The Challenges of Editing Surf Photos
Surf photography is tricky to edit because conditions change constantly. One session might have:
Harsh midday sun: creates blown-out highlights and shadows.
Overcast mornings: flat, gray light that makes the ocean look dull.
Golden hour: warm tones that can overpower skin and board colors.
Having a set of presets tailored for surf conditions helps you handle these challenges without starting from scratch every time.
Lightroom Presets That Elevate Surf Shots
Here are a few styles of presets that can take your surf photography to the next level:
Vibrant Ocean Blues:
Perfect for clear, sunny days.
Boosts aquas and teals while keeping the water natural.
Golden Hour Glow:
Warms up your photos without over-saturating.
Great for sunset surf sessions and lifestyle beach shots.
Overcast Tones:
Adds contrast and depth to flat lighting.
Ideal for winter surf or early morning sessions.
Black & White:
Strips away color to highlight movement, form, and drama.
A classic style for heavy waves and raw surf energy.
How to Use Presets Without Overdoing It
Presets are a foundation, not a one-size-fits-all solution to editing. After applying one, always make small tweaks:
Adjust exposure to match the lighting of your shot.
Fine-tune white balance for skin tones.
Use selective edits (brushes/gradients) to bring out details in waves or skies.
The key is making your photos look natural, not over-processed.
My Custom Surf Lightroom Presets
I’ve created my own set of EvanOPhotography Lightroom Presets designed specifically for surf and lifestyle photography. They’re the exact presets I use on my professional work with surf brands and private clients here in San Diego.
With these presets, you can:
Get clean, vibrant ocean tones in one click.
Save hours of editing time.
Develop a consistent style across your portfolio.
Final Thoughts
Lightroom presets aren’t a replacement for skill, but they’re one of the best tools to speed up your workflow and help your surf photography stand out. The ocean is always changing, and presets give you a reliable starting point no matter the conditions.
If you’re ready to level up your surf edits, check out my custom surf presets and see the difference they can make. And if you want more tips, gear breakdowns, and behind-the-scenes insights, follow along on my YouTube channel.
