The Tone Curve is secret weapon for the "matte" or "faded" look. Create a standard point curve.
In Lightroom, click + > Create Preset → Name it "Soft & Dreamy" → Select all relevant groups → Save.
The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Soft and Dreamy Aesthetic with Lightroom Presets lightroom preset soft and dreamy
In this article, we will break down exactly what the soft and dreamy aesthetic entails, the specific editing mechanics behind it, the top preset packs to buy (or emulate for free), and a step-by-step guide to creating your own signature dreamy preset in Adobe Lightroom.
: Lower this slider (-10 to -25). This creates a subtle glow around light sources and softens skin textures. The Tone Curve is secret weapon for the
: Softening color intensity helps achieve a whimsical, story-driven atmosphere rather than a punchy, digital one. Popular Preset Styles for 2026
Sharpness is the enemy of dreamy. These presets typically drop the slider to between -15 and -30. They often increase Texture slightly (to keep hair and fabric detail), but reduce Dehaze (adding a tiny amount of artificial bloom to the light). The Ultimate Guide to Creating a Soft and
I can provide specific slider values or recommend the best workflow for your exact project. Share public link
The tool is your secret weapon. Moving it to the left (into negative numbers) adds a soft, artificial mist to your image. Use this sparingly to avoid washing out your subject. Use the Masking Tool for Subject Clarity
Decrease to -20 to retain details in bright areas like skin or skies.