Quartz 02 Cool Editorial | Cross-Processed Film Preset for Lightroom Mobile & Desktop

Q2 is for fashion, editorial, and contemporary lifestyle photographers who want cross-processed aesthetic applied in a cool, controlled register — the sophisticated editorial direction rather than the warm or bold directions of the other presets.

For photographers whose work appears in editorial contexts where controlled, precise colour quality communicates professional intent.

The cool precision reads as editorial. Q2's controlled cool shifts produce the specific quality of contemporary fashion photography — considered and intentional.

It is the most refined cross-processed preset. The restraint and precision of Q2 suit editorial and commercial contexts where heavy character would be inappropriate.

It references the fashion photography tradition. Q2's character is the visual language that defined editorial photography in its cross-processed era.

1 × Q2 Cool Editorial DNG file — for Lightroom Mobile
1 × Q2 Cool Editorial XMP file — for Lightroom Classic
Installation guide
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This preset captures the essence of classic "low-key" cinematography and underexposed 35mm film stocks used in noir-inspired modern films. It is the professional answer for those who want their work to feel heavy with atmosphere. By emulating the dense shadow textures and the characteristic "olive-gray" mid-tones of vintage cinema emulsions—known for their ability to render mood without losing soul—Q2 ensures your photos possess a gripping, narrative quality. It transforms digital files into frames that feel like a hauntingly beautiful still from a classic European film.

Step 1 — White balance first. Cross-processed film had unpredictable white balance responses — set Temperature to 5,000-5,400K as a neutral starting point. The colour shifts of cross-processing are built into the preset's calibration rather than the white balance, so a neutral starting point gives the shifts the most consistent foundation.

Step 2 — Apply Q2 Cool Editorial. The controlled cool shifts and editorial tonal quality apply simultaneously.

Step 3 — Adjust Exposure per photo. For fashion and editorial content, Q2 at full 85% produces the most refined results.

Portrait photography with Q2: the cool character creates an editorial skin quality. For warm flattering skin, other presets are more appropriate. For editorial fashion portraiture where the cool quality is intentional, Q2 at 82% with Orange Luminance +8 produces compelling results.

On phone photos: 82-84% strength.

What is the difference between Q2 and Q6 Cool Moody? Q2 is cool and editorial with controlled subtle shifts — the sophistication is the defining quality. Q6 is darker and more atmospheric — a moodier, more urban expression of the cool cross-processed direction. Q2 for clean editorial fashion photography, Q6 for cool atmospheric urban depth.

Does Q2 work for architecture? Yes — Q2's cool, precise quality suits architectural photography. The controlled character emphasises clean lines and structure without warm distraction.