REFINED IV is our most subdued and understated preset collection, designed to give your photos a natural, almost raw look with just a subtle enhancement. Whether you're shooting in low light, high contrast, or with artificial lighting, these Lightroom presets provide a clean and flexible foundation for your edits.

However, some photographers have mentioned that REFINED IV appears flat or dull on their images. If you’ve had a similar experience, don’t worry—this collection is incredibly adaptable! With just a few tweaks, you can bring depth, color, and vibrance to your photos while maintaining that effortless, refined aesthetic.

In this journal, we’ll show you how to make the most of REFINED IV and push it to fit your unique editing style. Included is an edit video where we show you how we achieved 3 different looks using the same preset.

A Natural, Subtle Look

Unlike some of our other collections, REFINED IV is designed to be understated. Inspired by the work of Ali Beck, it enhances your images without overpowering them. The result? A beautifully natural edit that lets the true essence of your shot shine through.

Works Beautifully in Low Light

One of the standout features of REFINED IV is how well it performs in low-light conditions. If you often shoot in dim settings or rely on soft, ambient lighting, this preset collection will give your images a smooth, cinematic feel.

Flexible for Different Styles

While REFINED IV is subtle by default, it can be pushed in various directions to suit different editing preferences. You can adjust the depth, contrast, and color to achieve anything from a clean, true-to-life look to a rich, moody aesthetic.

1. Choose the Right Base Preset

REFINED IV includes multiple preset variations, and selecting the right one for your image is key.

• If your image has high contrast , start with the first preset for a balanced look.

• If your image has low contrast , opt for the second preset to add more depth.

• For flash photography or strong highlights and shadows , preset four is ideal for maintaining detail in both bright and dark areas.

2. Adjust Exposure and Contrast

Once you've applied the preset, fine-tune the exposure and contrast to fit your image. REFINED IV is designed to be a gentle starting point, allowing you to adjust as needed without losing quality.

• Increase exposure slightly if your image looks too dark.

• Reduce contrast for a softer, filmic glow.

• Adjust the blacks and shadows for added depth.

3. Boost Vibrance Without Oversaturating

If you feel like your edit needs more color, try using the included Vibrance Tools . These tools allow you to add just a touch of color without making your images look overly saturated. A small adjustment can make your tones pop while keeping the edit natural.

4. Fine-Tune Greens for a Filmic Look

One of the standout features of REFINED IV is its natural greens , which work beautifully for outdoor shots. However, if you prefer a cooler, film-inspired look, use the Greens Cool Tool to adjust the hue and tone of the foliage in your image.

5. Experiment with Different Edits

One of the best things about REFINED IV is its flexibility. The same preset can create multiple looks depending on how you adjust it. Try:

• A minimal edit for a clean and subtle enhancement.

• A pushed film look by increasing contrast and vibrance.

• A moody, deep-toned edit by lifting the blacks and highlights while reducing saturation.

Don't be afraid to experiment—this collection is meant to be tailored to your style!

REFINED IV is a powerful and adaptable preset collection that allows you to create everything from clean and understated edits to rich, moody images. The key is understanding how to tweak the settings to match your vision. By experimenting with contrast, vibrance, and tone adjustments, you can unlock the full potential of this collection and make it work seamlessly with your photography style.