How to Find Your Editing Style (Without Copying Someone Else) + How to Turn It Into a Preset

If you've ever scrolled through Instagram and thought, “I wish my photos looked like hers,” you're not alone. In a world full of beautiful images and endless inspiration, it’s easy to fall into the trap of mimicking someone else’s style instead of developing your own. But here's the truth: your unique voice matters, and your editing style should reflect that—not just trends or algorithms.

Let’s talk about how to discover your authentic editing style, how to build your own presets based on that vision, and how to confidently be you—not a copy of someone else.


1. Start With Why You Picked Up the Camera

Before diving into sliders and tones, take a moment to remember why you started photographing in the first place.

Was it to document real family moments? Tell emotional stories? Capture beauty in everyday life?

Your purpose will guide your aesthetic.

  • Are you drawn to bold, punchy colors or soft, timeless tones?
  • Do you love natural light and warm skin tones, or do you lean into moody, dramatic shadows?

Knowing your "why" creates an anchor when you're tempted to copy someone else's "what."


2. Analyze What You're Drawn To (But Don’t Copy It)

It’s okay to be inspired—but don’t clone.

Instead of asking, “How can I make mine look just like hers?”, ask:

  • What do I like about this photo? The warmth? The shadows? The true-to-life skin?
  • How do I want my photos to feel? Cozy, clean, earthy, airy, emotional?

Save your favorite images (yours and others’) and look for patterns: are you repeatedly drawn to golden light? Grainy texture? Matte blacks? Bright whites?

That’s your eye talking—listen to it.


3. Experiment Like Crazy and Take Notes

Open Lightroom and start playing. Adjust highlights, shadows, split tones, curves—try things you’ve never done.

But here’s the key: write it down.

Keep track of what feels right.

Maybe you love lifted blacks, warm midtones, and slightly desaturated greens. Great—you're not copying, you're crafting.

The goal isn’t perfect—it’s you.


4. Create a Preset That Reflects Your Vision

Once you’ve created an edit that you love and that feels like you, it’s time to turn it into a preset.

Here’s how:

  • In Lightroom, once you’ve finished editing a photo you love, click “Create Preset.”
  • Name it something meaningful, like “Golden Mama 01” or “Honest & Warm.”
  • Test it on different lighting scenarios to make sure it works well, then tweak as needed.
  • Don’t be afraid to make multiple versions (e.g., one for indoor light, one for backlit sunsets).

Over time, you’ll refine it—and your style will become consistent and recognizable.


5. Stand Out by Being Real, Not Trendy

Trends come and go. Orange-and-teal, matte blacks, ultra-warm edits—all have had their moment. But none of them are you.

What stands out in a saturated market isn’t a trendy preset. It’s authenticity.

Show your quirks. Embrace your imperfections. Let your heart lead your edits, not hashtags.

Your style will evolve, and that’s okay. It should.

But if your edits tell your story, you’ll attract the people who love you for exactly that.


Final Thoughts: The Secret to Standing Out

Want to stand out? Be yourself.

No one else has your exact story, your eye, your heart, or your way of seeing the world. When your editing style reflects that, you’re not just creating pretty pictures—you’re creating art that matters.

So stop chasing someone else’s look. Create your own.

You’re not falling behind—you’re just becoming who you’re meant to be.