The Best Black and White Presets for Lightroom

by Mastin Labs
The Best Black and White Presets for Lightroom - Mastin Labs

Black and white photography has a way of making you look at an image differently. Without color, the details that might otherwise go unnoticed become the focus. Light, shadows, texture, and composition have more room to stand out.

Lightroom makes it easy to convert photos to black and white, but getting the look right takes more than removing color. The right preset can give you a starting point, whether you want deep contrast, subtle tonal transitions, or the grain and character of classic black and white film.

In this guide, we'll explore some of the best black and white presets for Lightroom, what makes each look different, and how to choose one that works for your photography.

TL;DR

  • Artisan B&W: Mastin Labs' dedicated black and white preset collection. Includes Pan F, HP5, and Delta 3200, with different approaches to contrast, grain, and tonal character.

  • Pan F: A good starting point for dramatic, high-contrast images with fine grain and deep shadows.

  • HP5: A versatile black and white film look with medium contrast and grain. Works well for documentary photography, portraits, and everyday scenes.

  • Delta 3200: A more expressive look with pronounced grain and glowing highlights. Great for images where texture and atmosphere matter.

  • Acros 100: A black and white option in Lifestyle Everyday for photographers looking for a cleaner, more nuanced monochrome look.

  • Tri-X 400: A film-inspired black and white preset in Adventure Everyday, suited to images where contrast and texture add character.

The best black and white preset depends on your subject, lighting, and the look you're trying to create. Start with a preset that suits the image, then adjust exposure, contrast, and tonal balance to make it your own.

What Makes a Good Black and White Lightroom Preset?

A good black and white Lightroom preset does more than convert a photograph to monochrome. It helps shape the relationship between highlights, shadows, contrast, and texture. The best preset is the one that complements the photograph rather than overpowering it.

Here are 4 things to consider when choosing a black and white preset.

1. Contrast

Contrast determines how strongly the light and dark areas of an image are separated.

A high-contrast look can make a photograph feel dramatic and emphasize shapes, shadows, and texture. A softer look can preserve more detail and create smoother transitions between tones. But neither approach is inherently better. It depends on the photograph and the mood you want to create.

2. Grain and texture

Grain can add character to a black and white photograph. Fine grain can create a subtle film-inspired finish, while more pronounced grain can make an image feel gritty and expressive. The amount of grain that works well also depends on the subject. A portrait may benefit from a more restrained treatment, while a street photograph can often carry more texture.

3. Tonal range

Tonal range refers to the distribution of brightness and darkness throughout an image. When choosing a preset, consider whether you want to emphasize the darkest areas, preserve detail in the highlights, or create a more balanced monochrome image.

4. The subject

The same preset can look different depending on the photograph. Think about the subject, the available light, and the mood before choosing a preset. 

What are the Best Black and White Presets for Lightroom?

There are several ways to create a black and white look in Lightroom. You can start with Lightroom's built-in editing tools, use a film-inspired preset, or build a consistent style around a dedicated black and white preset collection.

Mastin Labs offers black and white film looks across several preset packs, including Artisan B&W, Lifestyle Everyday, Adventure Everyday, and Cinema Everyday.

Here's how to choose between them.

Artisan B&W: A Dedicated Black and White Preset Collection

Artisan B&W is Mastin Labs' dedicated black and white preset collection. Formerly known as Ilford Original, it includes three film-inspired looks based on Ilford black and white films: Pan F, HP5, and Delta 3200.

Each preset offers a different approach to contrast and grain, making the collection useful for photographers who want to explore different monochrome styles.

The collection also includes paper tone and color filter options, giving you more control over the final look.

If you're looking for a dedicated black and white preset collection rather than a single monochrome option in a color preset pack, Artisan B&W is a good place to start.

Pan F: Deep Contrast and Fine Grain

Pan F is a rich black and white film look with high contrast and fine grain. It's a good choice when you want to emphasize the relationship between light and shadow without introducing pronounced grain.

Try Pan F with:

  • Architectural photography with strong lines and shadows.

  • Portraits where you want a dramatic monochrome treatment.

  • Landscapes with clear separation between light and dark areas.

  • Images where fine detail matters.

Pan F can create a dramatic look, but the photograph still needs enough tonal information to support it. If the shadows become too dark, adjust the exposure and shadow settings after applying the preset.

HP5: A Versatile Black and White Film Look

HP5 offers a medium-contrast black and white look with medium grain.

It's a versatile option for photographers who want a film-inspired monochrome treatment without going too far in either direction.

HP5 works particularly well for:

  • Street photography.

  • Documentary photography.

  • Portraits.

  • Everyday moments.

  • Images where texture adds character.

If you're unsure where to start with black and white film emulation, HP5 is a useful option to experiment with.

It gives you room to work with contrast and grain while keeping the overall look adaptable to different subjects.

Delta 3200: Expressive Grain and Glowing Highlights

Delta 3200 is the most expressive of the three Artisan B&W film looks. Inspired by high-speed black and white film, it features pronounced grain and glowing highlights. This makes it a good option when you want texture to become part of the image rather than something to minimize.

Try Delta 3200 with:

  • Street photography

  • Documentary images

  • Nighttime scenes

  • Images with strong atmosphere

  • Photographs where grain adds to the story

The grain is part of the look, so it won't suit every photograph. If the 35mm grain feels too pronounced, try the medium format version included in the collection.

Explore Artisan B&W

Other Black and White Film Looks in Mastin Labs

Artisan B&W isn't the only way to create a black and white film look with Mastin Labs. Several other preset packs include a black and white film emulation alongside color presets. These are worth exploring if you want a monochrome option within a broader collection of film looks.

Acros 100: A Black and White Option in Lifestyle Everyday

Acros 100 is included in Lifestyle Everyday. It's a black and white film look that works well for photographers who want a monochrome option within a collection designed for everyday photography.

Try it with:

  • Natural-light portraits

  • Candid photographs

  • Everyday lifestyle images

  • Landscapes with subtle tonal detail

If you're already using Lifestyle Everyday for color photographs, Acros 100 gives you a black and white option within the same collection.

Explore Lifestyle Everyday

Tri-X 400: A Gritty Film-Inspired Look

Tri-X 400 is included in Adventure Everyday. Inspired by Kodak Tri-X 400 film, this preset creates a film-inspired black and white look with pronounced contrast and texture. It's a good option for photographers who want a more expressive monochrome treatment.

Try it with:

  • Street photography

  • Documentary photography

  • Travel images

  • Candid portraits

  • Photographs where texture helps create atmosphere

If you already use Adventure Everyday for travel or outdoor photography, Tri-X 400 gives you a black and white option within that collection.

Explore Adventure Everyday

Cinema Double X: A Cinematic Black and White Look

Cinema Double X is part of Cinema Everyday. It's a film-inspired black and white look for photographers who want to explore a more cinematic treatment.

Try it with:

  • Street photography

  • Architecture

  • Portraits

  • Images with dramatic lighting

  • Photographs where contrast helps emphasize the composition

Cinema Double X is an option for photographers who want to explore a cinematic monochrome look alongside the other film emulations in Cinema Everyday.

Explore Cinema Everyday

How to Choose the Right Black and White Lightroom Preset

The easiest way to choose a black and white preset is to start with the photograph rather than the preset name. Think about what you want the image to communicate.

1. Choose a high-contrast preset for dramatic images

If your photograph has strong light, deep shadows, and clear shapes, a high-contrast preset can emphasize those elements. Pan F is a good option to try when you want a dramatic black and white look with fine grain.

2. Choose a versatile preset for everyday photography

If you're editing a variety of subjects, a more adaptable look can make it easier to maintain a consistent style. HP5 is worth trying for street photography, documentary images, and portraits.

3. Choose a grainier preset when texture matters

If you want grain to become part of the image's character, try Delta 3200 or Tri-X 400. These looks can work particularly well when the subject and composition support a more expressive treatment.

4. Choose a cleaner look when tonal detail matters

For portraits and landscapes where you want to preserve subtle transitions between light and dark areas, try Acros 100. The best result will depend on the photograph, so experiment with different presets before settling on one.

How to Edit Black and White Photos in Lightroom

A black and white preset gives you a starting point, but a few adjustments can help you get more from the photograph.

Here's a simple workflow to follow.

1. Start with the exposure

Before applying a preset, check whether the photograph is properly exposed. If the image is significantly too bright or too dark, correct the exposure first.

A preset can't compensate for every lighting problem, so starting with a well-exposed image will give you more flexibility.

Read more: The Mastin Labs 3-step workflow

2. Apply your black and white preset

Choose a preset that suits the subject and the look you want.

  • If you're working with a portrait, you might start with HP5 or Acros 100.

  • If you want a more dramatic look, try Pan F.

  • For more pronounced grain, experiment with Delta 3200 or Tri-X 400.

3. Adjust contrast and tonal balance

  • After applying the preset, look at the brightest and darkest areas.

  • Use Lightroom's Highlights and Shadows controls to adjust the tonal balance.

  • The Whites and Blacks controls can help define the brightest and darkest points in the image.

  • Avoid pushing the contrast so far that important details disappear.

4. Fine-tune grain

  • If your preset includes grain, decide whether it suits the photograph.

  • You can adjust the grain settings in Lightroom to create a more subtle or pronounced effect.

  • The goal is to make the grain complement the image rather than distract from it.

5. Use selective adjustments

Sometimes a preset works well across most of the photograph but leaves one area too dark or too bright. Lightroom's masking and local adjustment tools can help you make targeted changes.

For example, you might brighten a subject's face, recover detail in a shadow, or adjust the background without changing the entire image.

6. Compare the final edit with the original

  • Before finishing, compare the edited image with the original photograph.

  • Look at the composition, tonal detail, and overall mood.

  • If the preset has made the image too dramatic or too flat, adjust it until the result feels right.

Read more: For more detailed editing guidance, read our guide How to Edit in Black and White

The Bottom Line

Black and white photography gives you a different way to approach light, texture, and composition.

Whether you prefer the fine grain and deep contrast of Pan F, the versatility of HP5, or the expressive texture of Delta 3200, the right preset can help you explore a look that suits your photography. Start with a preset that complements the image, then make adjustments to create your own finish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Black and White Presets for Lightroom

1. What are the best black and white presets for Lightroom?

The best black and white presets depend on the look you want. Mastin Labs Artisan B&W includes Pan F, HP5, and Delta 3200, offering different approaches to contrast and grain. Acros 100 and Tri-X 400 are also available in Lifestyle Everyday and Adventure Everyday.

2. Does Lightroom have built-in black and white presets?

Yes. Lightroom includes built-in presets and editing tools for black and white photography. You can convert a photo to monochrome, adjust its tonal range, and create your own black and white look without purchasing additional presets.

3. How do I make a photo black and white in Lightroom?

Open your photograph in Lightroom and switch to a black and white treatment using the editing controls. Adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, and blacks to shape the image. You can also apply a black and white preset as a starting point and fine-tune the result.

4. Are black and white Lightroom presets worth it?

Black and white presets can save editing time and help you develop a consistent style. They're useful when you want to explore different monochrome looks or apply a similar treatment across a collection of photographs. You can still adjust the settings after applying a preset.

5. Can I use black and white presets on JPEG photos?

Yes. Lightroom can apply presets to JPEG images as well as RAW files. RAW files generally offer more flexibility when adjusting exposure, highlights, shadows, and tonal detail, but JPEG photographs can still be edited using black and white presets.

6. How do I choose between a high-contrast and a softer black and white preset?

Choose a high-contrast preset when you want stronger separation between light and dark areas or a more dramatic look. A softer preset can work better when you want smoother tonal transitions and more detail across the image. Consider the subject and lighting before choosing.

7. Can I adjust a Lightroom preset after applying it?

Yes. A preset is a starting point, not a finished edit. You can adjust exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, whites, blacks, grain, and other settings after applying it to suit the photograph.

8. What is the difference between black and white presets and film presets?

Black and white presets focus on monochrome treatments, while film presets can recreate the appearance of different color or black and white film stocks. Some film preset collections include both color and monochrome options.

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