Moody Film 02 Earth Fade | Moody Film Preset for Lightroom Mobile & Desktop

M2 is for documentary, landscape, and lifestyle photographers who want the Moody Film Archive's organic quality applied with earthy warmth — a matte, considered quality that suits natural environments and candid photography.

For photographers whose aesthetic references the documentary tradition — organic, present, earthy.

The earthy warmth feels inherent. M2's warm shadow quality reads as a characteristic of the photography rather than an editing choice — the earthen tones feel like the location rather than a filter.

It is the most organic preset in the collection. The combination of muted colour and earthy shadow warmth creates a natural quality that suits documentary and landscape work specifically.

It suits mixed outdoor environments. Foliage, earth, stone, organic textures — M2's earthy colour grading aligns with these subjects naturally.

1 × M2 Earth Fade DNG file — for Lightroom Mobile
1 × M2 Earth Fade XMP file — for Lightroom Classic
Installation guide
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This preset captures the rich, moody aesthetic similar to the legendary M2 filters. It’s the perfect professional alternative for those wanting an analog-inspired look that feels substantial and classic. By emulating the deep color saturation of 1970s professional cinema film, the M2 ensures your digital shots have a polished, high-density finish that feels like it belongs in an art gallery.

Step 1 — White balance. M2 assumes a warm-neutral starting point — 5,200-5,600K for outdoor daylight. The earthy warmth of M2's shadow grading reads most naturally on a warm foundation.

Step 2 — Apply M2 Earth Fade. The muted colour, earthy shadow warmth, and film grain apply simultaneously.

Step 3 — Adjust Exposure and White Balance per photo. M2 handles the earthy cinematic identity. Exposure and White Balance handle per-photo differences.

For landscape and nature photography: M2 at full 85% strength. The earthy tones suit outdoor natural environments directly — foliage, soil, stone, and natural textures all benefit from the warm organic quality.

Portrait photography with M2: the earthy warmth in the shadow range creates a natural, considered quality for environmental portrait work. For close-up portraits, check that skin reads warm and present — add Orange Luminance +5 if skin looks slightly flat within the muted palette.

On phone photos: 83-85% strength.

What is the difference between M2 and M3? M2 is muted and earthy — the organic quality is subtle and the overall character is natural. M3 Heritage Matte has a stronger fade and more vintage character — a more obviously aged quality. M2 for organic contemporary documentary, M3 for stronger vintage fade.

Does M2 work for travel photography? Yes — M2's earthy, organic quality suits the documentary register of travel photography. Outdoor environments, natural landscapes, and candid travel moments all suit M2's character.