My new (simple) M10 Monochrom Lightroom workflow [using commercial preset]

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I found the following to almost always produce images that are 'good enough' for most circumstances. On some images, the difference is slight, on others more noticeable. No image ever takes more than 20 seconds to edit.

Disclaimer: Of course you don't 'need' a preset. My motivation is to have a fast and effective way to process images and get on with my life. I know that once I start fiddling around with sliders and curves per image, it likely becomes a time sink, without any upside to show for. Hence the lazy method below ...

 

1. Apply Mastin Labs 'Cinema Double-X' preset (from the 'Cinema Everyday' pack) - caution: This costs money. Every couple of months there are 20-30% discounts, but still ...

2. Lower contrast to the point where the 'black clipping indicator' (triangle) disappears. This may be the only 'special' sauce in this recipe, beyond just applying the preset.

2.1 Example: After applying preset:

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2. Lowering contrast to the point of 'no clipping':

3. Tweak highlight and shadow exposure: Hover over the 'Tone Profile' settings to preview best settings, apply as desired. Consider '4a. Strobe Soften' for undesired high contrast transitions

4. Adjust Exposure (using Lightroom slider) for final look

5. Apply '5c. Cinema Grain' or '5d. Reset Grain'

 

Examples (3 random examples with different types of motives, all at same Exposure settings):

1. 'Default':

'Cinema Double-X':

2. 'Default':

'Cinema Double-X':

3. 'Default':

 

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If you have Lightroom already wouldn't using 'Levels' be easier, and cheaper? Opening up the shadows and mid tones can be done in seconds without making the shadows wishy washy as the preset has done in the top photo. I'd hazard a guess that simply pressing 'Auto Contrast' would have done a better job than the preset or at least given a good datum point for a quick adjustment in Levels.