experimenting with presets isn’t a good idea for all photographers, but having presets in your arsenal can make editing easier and provide a good beginning point to get an overall look and feel to your photographs. Preset packs can be a good alternative for photographers who are just starting out to prevent them from not making rookie mistakes such as too deeply with your Clarity slider.

Mastin Labs presets mimic the style of old-fashioned film stocks and have gained a lot of popularity among wedding and lifestyle photographers. In a new video tutorial, Mastin Labs founder Kirk Mastin demonstrates how a few options can be utilized to create moody boudoir photos. Although the course is targeted at photographers using the products of the company, the techniques are fairly universal.

Mastin begins the course with a reminder to photographers that 90%% of the success of a shooting session takes place in the camera. If you don’t get it right in the moment, it’s going to be really difficult to make your images shine in post-production–even if you are shooting in RAW. If your white balance or exposure aren’t right, you’re likely to have a tough process of “fixing the issue after the fact.”

“A camera is essentially the equivalent of a computer, and it cannot know where you were shooting from or what light was actually in the scene,” Mastin says in the video. “It’s simply making the most accurate guess … in order to find the correct white balance, but frequently, it’s wrong.”

For a successful boudoir photo shoot, it is important to begin with lighting. Mastin suggests directional backlit windows light when you’re seeking a romantic vibe. This type of lighting is perfect to highlight highlights and forms that the human body. A dark, moody photo can also allow you to hide elements of the Boudoir subject within the shadows.

While it might seem odd to think about clothing when shooting boudoir photography, it’s essential. Wearing clothes that are earthy, dark or neutral shades will complement the moody lighting that you’ve created. If your subject is dressed with bright colors will make your final photos more of a pin-up look.

For boudoir photography, it is recommended to utilize a prime which closely matches the angle that the eye has. This could be the 50mm or 35mm lenses. These lenses will permit you to experience a natural feeling without distortion.