SMAL Wild Presets Review
SMAL WILD 01
Awhile back I had the opportunity to test some presets for a fellow photographer, Sven Malojlo. He spent a lot of time working and crafting something that was new and unique. Not only did he provide presets, but he also created adjustments and tones as well. I use his presets as a base for my food photography and have started using them as a base for some of my couples and engagement work. Fortunately/unfortunately these were just a preview so it is hard to give specific names and examples for others when they ask. So last week I purchased the SMAL Wild pack so that I could give it a shot.
SMAL WILD 01
Here are my thoughts.
I new from the preview pack that I would like these overall. Sven has taken the time to create some truly unique presets. His colors are different than many of the other packs that are floating around out there.
I tested these on a previous shoot. I shot this one very dark, so I wanted to see how the WILD pack would work with my style.
I really love how great these presets are on skin tones, they do not completely change someones color or texture by making them too light/dark or harsh/soft.
SMAL WILD 01
One of my favorite parts about Sven's preset packs are the extras that you get with them, the Tones and Adjustments. You can really find that color look that you are looking for, and they work on both color and black & white photos. Below is a BW that I applied a tone.
SMAL WILD BW 09 TONE 07
SMAL 01
Here are a couple more SOOC with SMAL 01 applied. The image on the right the exposure was brought up, but that was the only adjustment.
SUNNY
But what about sunny situations? how do these presets work with the bright daylight images? Well you are in luck! I have some examples of that as well.
When I am looking at presets, I love seeing the before and after with no adjustments. Below are examples of several of the SMAL WILD presets with no adjustments.
SMAL 07
SMAL 8
SMAL 04
Single Photo Comparison
Another thing that I like to see when I am looking at presets is an example of a single photo with all the presets applied. That way I can see the various ways that the light reacts to the images.
Here is the SOOC and below is each SMAL WILD preset applied to this image. No adjustments were made.
Starting top left to right 01-05, bottom left to right 06-10 & BW 09 - 10
I am currently editing my most recent engagement shoot with this pack as well. I am really enjoying the balance of the highlights and shadows.
Like I mentioned earlier I really like how well these presets react with skin tones. I would highly recommend these presets to anyone looking to enhance their workflow.
Remember presets should never be a one click solution, but rather a base to speed up the monotony of editing.
If you are interested in purchasing these, check out his site, if you buy all three packs you get a rad discount.
