Landscape photos can feel generic. You shoot a stunning vista, but somehow the final image looks flat and uninspiring.
Free Nordic Tones presets fix that problem. They transform ordinary landscapes into dramatic, artistic images that capture the stark beauty of Nordic environments. Plus, they work in both Lightroom and video editing software through included LUTs.
Let’s explore what makes these presets different and why landscape photographers are grabbing them.
What Nordic Tones Actually Do
Most landscape presets pump up saturation and contrast. Nordic Tones takes the opposite approach.
These presets create subdued, muted color palettes. Think fog-wrapped mountains, overcast skies, and the quiet solitude of Scandinavian wilderness. Colors become more restrained but somehow more powerful.
The effect works especially well for travel photography. Instead of typical “picture postcard” vibrancy, your images gain depth and emotional weight. They feel contemplative rather than shouty.
So if you’re tired of the same overprocessed landscape look, this aesthetic offers something genuinely different.
Free Package Includes Essentials
The free version delivers solid value without requiring payment.
You get five Lightroom presets designed for landscape photos. Each preset handles color grading differently, giving you options for various lighting conditions and moods. They don’t include AI features, but the core adjustments work effectively.
Moreover, the package includes five LUTs in cube format. That means you can apply the same Nordic aesthetic to video footage in editors like Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or DaVinci Resolve. Consistent color grading across photos and videos becomes simple.
One caveat though. The free presets don’t protect skin tones. So portraits might need manual adjustments if subjects appear too muted or off-color.
Pro Version Expands Options Considerably
Want more control and flexibility? The pro version quadruples your preset collection.
It includes 20 AI-powered Lightroom presets that automatically adjust based on your specific image. Plus, you get 20 additional presets with skin tone protection built in. That makes them safer for photos containing people.
The LUT selection expands dramatically too. You receive 20 regular LUTs and 20 skin tone protected LUTs, all in four different formats (3dl, cube, mga, png). This compatibility ensures they work in virtually any video editing software.
So professionals who need extensive options and workflow consistency will find real value here. The pro version costs money but delivers significantly more versatility than the free package.
Installation Takes Minutes
Getting these presets working requires minimal technical knowledge.
For Lightroom, download the preset files and import them through the Develop module. Right-click in the Presets panel, select “Import Presets,” and choose your downloaded files. They appear immediately in your preset list.
LUTs install similarly in video editors. Most applications have a “Load LUT” or “Import LUT” option in their color grading panels. Browse to your downloaded LUT files and select them. Then apply with a single click.
The whole process takes maybe five minutes. No complicated setup or configuration needed.
Real-World Applications
These presets shine in specific photography scenarios.
Travel photography benefits enormously. Nordic Tones adds artistic flair to landscape shots without making them look processed or fake. Your travel portfolio gains cohesion and a distinctive visual identity.
Nature photography works well too. The muted palette complements forests, mountains, and coastal scenes. It evokes the quiet majesty of wilderness rather than screaming for attention.
Moreover, moody architecture photography gains depth. Urban landscapes and old buildings acquire a timeless, contemplative quality that color-saturated presets can’t match.
However, vibrant subjects like flowers or colorful festivals might not suit this aesthetic. The subdued tones work best when drama comes from composition and light rather than pure color intensity.
Where to Download
Two purchase options exist for the pro version.
SparkleStock sells the complete package directly. They’re the original creators, so buying from them supports future preset development. The interface is straightforward and download links arrive immediately after purchase.
Alternatively, ArtStation also offers the pro version. Some photographers prefer buying through ArtStation’s platform, especially if they already use it for other digital assets.
The free version downloads from the same sources. No payment information required for the basic five-preset package.
Worth Downloading or Skipping
For landscape photographers seeking artistic expression, definitely grab the free version.
It costs nothing and might become your go-to aesthetic for certain projects. Even if Nordic Tones doesn’t suit every photo, having these presets expands your creative options significantly.
The pro version makes sense if you shoot professionally or need extensive preset variations. Twenty presets provide enough diversity to handle different lighting situations and subjects. Plus, skin tone protection matters if you occasionally include people in landscape shots.
However, photographers who prefer bold, saturated colors should skip this entirely. Nordic Tones delivers muted, contemplative results. That’s the whole point. If your style emphasizes vivid color, these presets fight against your aesthetic rather than enhancing it.
Free means risk-free experimentation. Download the basic package, test on a few landscapes, and see if the Nordic aesthetic resonates with your vision. You might discover a new signature look for your portfolio.