It’s Not About How - It’s About Why
On my Youtube channel, I teach how to edit in Luminar. These are educational tutorials, designed to help you get the most out of using the product.
In each video, I show you how tools work. I show you how to combine tools. I show the nuanced parts of using a tool, and I show you how to get the most out of them so that they do what you want them to do.
I think the how is important, because otherwise the results are not great and you waste a lot of time trying to figure things out. You have to be able to effectively use a tool in order to get results. So that is what I show.
But lurking just below that, and not always discussed, is the why - and truthfully, the why is the more important part.
Yes of course you must know how to operate a tool, but knowing why you are using it in the first place is what allows you to fulfill your creative vision for an edit.
The how isn’t enough - it has to be preceded by the why.
So, how do you learn the “why”?
You experiment. You practice. You watch my videos. (ha, just kidding, but they do help)
I feel like the why, although it is actually more important than the how, is not often as evident when I am talking about a tool. It gets lost in the “see how that works” part of the demo.
But what does the “why” look like when you are actually editing a photograph?
It starts with having an editing framework. That’s why I created one for myself, and use it, and that is also why I share it with my newsletter subscribers. (get your free copy here)
My approach focuses on editing light, detail, and color. That’s it. That is what I think about. Sure, there are multiple tools for each, but I have my standby favorites at my fingertips, and I depend on them for 95% of my editing.
When you approach an edit with this framework in mind, your edits get better. The framework gives you a place to start, keeps you from randomly bouncing between tools, and gives you a logical progression through the edit.
It becomes a lot less about “what tool should I use?” and instead becomes “what am I trying to accomplish?”.
The tools themselves become secondary. Maybe your favorites will differ from mine. That’s ok. But if you approach an edit using my framework, you effectively guide yourself to a more visually pleasing result. Of course you can adjust any photo to suit your own tastes. This framework doesn’t force you to make an image look like mine. It’s about helping you achieve a pleasing result, and getting there in an effective way.
And this same idea is one reason why I like presets. A preset is a tool. It isn't the finished photograph, and it isn't the creative decision. It's simply a starting point that can help you explore an idea.
I don't apply a preset and think, "Well, that's done." I look at what it gives me and then ask, "What do I like about this? What don't I like? Where can I take it?".
That's how I think about my own presets. They're tools for experimentation - not substitutes for learning. And each of them is built with the framework of light, detail, and color in mind.
It’s not about learning every minor nuance of every single tool in Luminar. That doesn’t automatically make you a better editor. It’s about learning what you want to say with your photograph, and getting there in a logical, incremental, and professional way.
Doing that does make you a better editor.
Just remember - the tools are there to serve you. They aren’t the creative part. You are.
Learn the tools, adopt a framework based on sound principles, and your images will improve.
All of my presets were built with my editing framework in mind. Here are some of my most popular packs:
Turn Your Travel Photos into Vivid, Dreamy Masterpieces
You captured the moment—now bring it to life. The Travel Dreams Preset Pack is designed for photographers who want their images to feel like the memories they hold. With rich colors, balanced tones, and a touch of cinematic polish, these presets will make your travel shots pop with purpose and mood.
✈️ What’s Inside:
20 vibrant, travel-inspired presets crafted for Luminar Neo
Optimized for landscapes, cityscapes, beaches, streets, and architectural scenes
A mix of bold, moody, warm, and clean styles to match any location
Instant download + quick installation instructions and full creative control
Create Soft, Moody Light and Color in Just One Click
Want to transform ordinary images into luminous, dreamy works of art? The Lovely Light Preset Pack for Luminar Neo helps you instantly infuse your photos with warmth, color, radiance, and subtle glow—perfect for those moments at the edges of the day when the light is soft, dreamy and gorgeous.
✅ What You Get:
20 handcrafted presets designed to enhance and amplify beautiful soft light
Built with and optimized for Luminar Neo
Ideal for landscapes, city scenes, and travel images
Instant download, easy install, and full creative control
🎨 Perfect For:
Glowing sunsets and golden hour magic
Romantic landscapes with a hint of haze
Creative edits that feel alive with light
Even dreamy portraits with soft skin tones
