In this post, I want to cover a few key points:
- How Refined Presets KT Merry transformed my work.
- My beliefs about presets before I understood their true potential.
- How I simplified my workflow, reducing my editing time from 3-4 months to less than a month.
Discovering the Power of Refined Presets
First, I want to clarify that I’m writing this on my own accord. I am genuinely excited about the work I’m creating and how Refined Presets KT Merry has played a crucial role in that journey!
I used to believe that presets stripped photographers of their individuality and uniqueness.
In the beginning, I struggled with this perception. I thought using presets would diminish the originality that every photographer strives for.
But in reality, I simply hadn’t taken the time to understand how presets could benefit me. I was mistaken.
Presets allow you to get from point A to point B much faster!
Once you find a preset that complements the story and style you want to convey, it becomes an integral part of your process. Your work will naturally evolve over time, and that’s perfectly fine! A good preset will adapt and support you through this evolution.
As Marta from Refined Co. once said, you start to shoot with the preset in mind—you think, “Oh, KT Merry’s preset will brighten this photo, so I need to underexpose it a bit.”
Why I Chose Refined Presets KT Merry
When I finally grasped the true power of presets, I navigated a roundabout way to find my perfect match. I initially tried to modify an already established preset, but it didn’t work for me. That’s when I discovered Refined Co.!
I started with Caroline Tran’s presets, but it was KT Merry’s work (and The Abundance Plan) that truly resonated with me. I fell in love with the softness of KT’s photos. They exude a dream-like, painterly quality that perfectly aligned with my artistic vision.
Finding My Voice with Presets
It’s essential to note that presets do not diminish your creative efforts. Instead, they act as a support system for your artistry. To make the most of presets, you need to dedicate time to improve your craft. The goal is to get your images as close to perfection as possible in-camera—aim for 98-99%!
This effort has drastically reduced my editing time, from an exhausting 3-4 months to just one month or even less. I reduced my editing workload significantly—no more extracting objects or relying on the “I can fix this later” mentality. Instead, I focused on capturing the beauty of my surroundings in the moment.
Embracing Individuality
You might wonder, how can using the same presets as thousands of others still allow for uniqueness in my work? The answer lies in your photography—your interactions, lighting, location, subjects, and perspectives are all entirely your own.
Even at a styled shoot with hundreds of people, each photographer’s unique vision creates a vast array of different images.
Moving Forward
There is only one you – even while using Refined Preset.
Your experiences and viewpoints are unique, and the key is to keep growing and simplifying your process rather than complicating it. Presets are designed to make your life easier and your workflow more efficient. They also make it easier for editors to understand your style if you ever need external assistance.
Through KT’s education and the incredibly supportive community, I’ve witnessed my work transform in ways I never thought possible. Surrounded by talented yet humble peers, I realized the potential of my own artistry and my unique vision.
With continued education, like D’Arcy Benincosa’s Profitable Portfolio, my work reached a point where wedding vendors actively sought to collaborate with me. Today, I stand proud of my accomplishments and excited for what lies ahead. Refined Presets KT Merry changed my work, and it could do the same for you. If you’re ready to elevate your photography and workflow, I encourage you to explore the possibilities!
Elevate Your Photography with Personalized Mentorship – in conjuction to Refined Presets – with Arise Mentorship
I’m excited to share that I now offer mentorship! Through my personal 1-to-1 Arise Mentorship, I can help you elevate your photography skills, focusing firstly on what you are struggling right now! This mentorship delves into gaining the skills for – shooting, editing, curating and crafting stunning images -specifically for those who want to dive deeper into their photography journey and truly refine their art.
If you’re interested in learning more about how we can work together to create amazing photos and streamline your editing process, I invite you to visit my mentorship page. Together, we can unlock your full potential and bring your artistic vision to life!
Join me at my Arise Mentorship!
What People Are Saying:
“Doing a mentorship with Amy was the best decision I have made in my photography journey! I had been stuck for awhile and not happy with my work, but couldn’t figure out what was missing. Amy went through everything from camera settings, to getting the shot right in camera while nailing my exposure, to sharing her editing process and showing me how I can achieve the edits I want. She truly has a gift and a heart for teaching and helping others. She re-awakened my joy for photography and helped me lessen my editing time while achieving the edits I want. I highly recommend doing a mentorship with her! You will be so happy you did!” – Kelly Baxter
“Biggest fear was to spend the amount of money and not seeing any improvement in the areas I was struggling. The ability to cater the mentorship to my struggles was one of the most amazing things about the mentorship! Considering I’m a hobbyist not making money from photography yet, it was scary, but from our very first call, Amy and I hit it off and it’s been the best investment in myself” – Mami Wakimoto
