How to Edit Warm, Dreamy Photos

My Go-To Preset Workflow

Whether you’re editing golden hour elopements, sun-drenched portraits, or lifestyle sessions on the go, achieving that soft, cinematic glow can feel like magic when it all comes together. But it’s not just about capturing the right light — it’s also about how you edit it to create Dreamy Photos.

Over the years, I’ve developed a warm, earthy editing style that brings out natural tones, enhances emotion, and helps each story shine. In this post, I’ll walk you through my natural light editing workflow and show how my Golden Serenity Presets (especially the Sunworn Set) can help you create images that feel just as beautiful as the moment itself.

1. Start with Intention — Shoot for the Edit

Before editing even begins, I’m already thinking about light, tones, and texture while I’m shooting.

Some of my go-to tips:

• Time of Day: Golden hour gives you the softest light for dreamy skin tones.
• Backgrounds: Choose simple, warm-toned backdrops that complement skin and don’t reflect unwanted color casts.
• Light Direction: Backlight or soft side light is ideal for glowing edges and gentle shadows.
• Shade Strategy: On harsh days, look for filtered light through trees or buildings — it helps create even exposure for editing later.

2. My Natural Light Editing Workflow in Lightroom

Once I import the session into Lightroom, here’s my general process:

✅ Basic Adjustments:

• White Balance: Adjust based on skin tones, not auto. I often warm it up slightly.
• Exposure & Contrast: Set a neutral base — don’t worry about mood just yet.

🎨 Apply a Preset:

I start with a base from my Sunworn Set — a free sampler from my full Golden Serenity Preset Collection. It instantly brings in the golden tones and soft contrast that define my style.

Favorites from the Sunworn Set:

• Wildflower: Adds delicate warmth, ideal for family or couple sessions.
• Sunworn: Designed for backlit images, keeps highlights from blowing out.
• Quiet Ash: For high-sunlight sessions, balances out harsh shadows.

✨ Want to try these? [Download the free Sunworn Set here]

🖌️ Fine-Tune with Tools:

• Use the masking tool to bring down harsh skies or add glow to faces
• Add a touch of grain for a film-inspired texture
• Slight color grading in shadows: warm browns or muted peach adds emotion

3. Real Before & After Edits (Using the Sunworn Set)

Below are real examples of images edited using my Sunworn Presets:

📸 Before/After 1 — [Sunworn preset] on a backlit Mom on the beach

📸 Before/After 2 — [Wildflower preset] on a mother + daughter direct light session

📸 Before/After 3 — [Quiet Ash preset] on a family shoot with harsh midday light

Each preset gives you a solid, artful base while still allowing room to make it your own.

4. Why I Created the Golden Serenity Preset Collection

I created Golden Serenity to give photographers a full editing toolbox — not just one look, but a full range of warm, cool, filmic, and black-and-white styles.

This collection was built for wedding photographers, elopement artists, and lifestyle creators who want to bring out emotion, light, and story in a consistent way and create Dreamy Photos.

🌿 Ready to take your edits to the next level?
👉 [Explore the full Golden Serenity Collection here]

5. Final Thoughts

Presets aren’t about shortcuts — they’re about consistency, creativity, and saving time so you can focus on your clients, your craft, and your storytelling. I hope this peek into my workflow inspires you to create dreamy, true-to-you edits that elevate your photography.

And remember: warm tones never go out of style.

📥 Download Your Free Presets

Ready to start editing with warmth and intention?

✨ [Click here to grab your FREE Sunworn Preset Set]

You’ll get 3 powerful Lightroom presets from my Golden Serenity Collection — no strings attached. Just beautiful edits, made easy.

→ Missed my last post? Tips for Shooting in Harsh Sunlight (and Still Getting Gorgeous Photos)