DVLOP : Presets that rock!

Software Reviews

Mar 4

What is DVLOP?

I have been using DVLOP for Lightroom since they first released last year. DVLOP is a preset company like no other, and they develop presets that don't suck! (See what I did there?). What sets these presets apart from the rest? The presets are modeled after well-known wedding photographers such as Ben & Erin Chrisman, Jeff Newsom, Fer Juaristi, Sam Hurd, and Susan Stripling. These photographers work hand in hand with DVLOP to offer their signature editing styles to everyone. If you lust for one of your favorite photographers style of editing, then you should definitely check out DVLOP!

Also check out Visual Flow presets that are now based on the DVLOP profile system! You can purchase the “Modern” or “Pastel” packs here.

*Sam Hurd : Make it So + Chrisman Studios Tone Curve*

What's Included?

The presets are currently designed to work with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop only. The packs are only on sale at DVLOP's website here, and they reasonably priced at $75 each. Each pack is named after the photographer that created them and they include 5 different presets to achieve different tweaks to their signature look. There are color and black and white options to choose from with most of the packs. DVLOP also comes with palettes, tone curves, and other bonus tools such as variable fades, or quick one color tweaks. Another unique feature is that you can mix and match palettes, tone curves, and tools between the different artists and get a totally new look as well. It is very easy to quickly alter your image and get a great, consistent look with your images.

*Susan Stripling : Dead Girl Walking + Chrisman Studio Tone Curve*

Consistency is key

As we all know, the colors between camera models and brands can be quite drastic. If you have a one photographer shooting Canon and the other shooting Nikon... This can be quite painful to match systems and can add extra post processing time to match looks between cameras. DVLOP now makes this easier than ever to achieve consistent edits with their profiles and it is no longer a matter of manufacturer or model.

Coming Soon?

DVLOP is currently working on a V2 version of all presets and their color science. The V2 versions will improve upon color accuracy and consistency. There are also more packs set to be coming in the near future. I personally can not wait for the TwoMann Studios pack that is rumored to be released soon!

Conclusion

Overall the presets are great, but my favorite part of DVLOP has been the actual profile itself. The colors from my Sony Alpha cameras look much better than the standard Adobe or "Camera Standard" profiles in Lightroom (comparison below). I am much happier right away with the greens, blues, and skin tones that I'm seeing when the profile is applied. The fact that I can match my Sony files to Nikon & Canon quickly and easily, takes the fear out of having another photographer work with you that has a different camera. The V2 version appears even better in my limited testing so far in regards to consistency and contrast. I definitely have not regretted buying into the amazing color science that is DVLOP!

*Gabe McClintock : Niagara + Chrisman Studios Color Palette*

DVLOP Calibration Test

Below you can see some samples of the RAW images with the different calibrations applied. (click to enlarge)

DVLOP Preset Test

You can also see my favorite one click presets from each artist (whose pack I own) on a single image to show the differences in styles across one image. This image was taken with a very neutral, natural light. I adjusted and corrected white balance slightly on the image before applying the presets, but did no other editing to the images other than the apply the presets. These are not all of the presets from each photographer, nor is it all of the packs that DVLOP currently has on sale, so check out their site for more examples from the packs that I do not currently own. (click to enlarge)