X Archive 01 Dramatic Base | Dramatic B&W Preset for Lightroom Mobile & Desktop

X1 is for street, documentary, and editorial portrait photographers who want their black and white to feel powerful and expressive rather than refined and quiet — where the visual weight of the tonal quality contributes to the meaning of the photograph.

For photographers who are new to the X Archive and want to understand the collection's dramatic B&W character before exploring the deeper shadows of X2, the cool precision of X4, or the grain intensity of X6.

For photographers who want a versatile dramatic B&W that works across multiple subjects without being locked to a specific mood or temperature.

Strong tonal separation creates visual weight. X1's contrast is not achieved by pushing the Contrast slider — it comes from Tone Curve separation that creates depth and dimension. Shadows have texture, midtones have presence, highlights have detail.

The grain is expressive, not noisy. X1's grain adds the organic texture of film photography rather than the random noise of digital sensors. The character of the grain is part of the photograph's quality.

It works across subjects without imposing a specific mood. Street photography, documentary, editorial portraits, architecture — X1 applies dramatic B&W quality across subjects without requiring specific conditions or lighting.

It is the right starting point. X2 goes deeper in shadows. X4 goes cooler and more urban. X6 goes to maximum grain. X1 shows you what the X Archive is before you explore its variations.

1 × X1 Dramatic Base DNG file — for Lightroom Mobile on iPhone and Android
1 × X1 Dramatic Base XMP file — for Lightroom Classic on Mac and Windows
Step-by-step installation guide for Mobile and Desktop
Lifetime access — download again anytime

The X1 is inspired by the legendary Kodak Tri-X 400 and Ilford HP5 film stocks, specifically when developed in a high-contrast chemistry. It captures the essence of street and documentary photography from the mid-20th century. By emulating the organic grain structure and the high dynamic range of archival silver prints, X1 ensures your work feels permanent and powerful. It transforms flat digital files into "hard-copy" memories that look like they were pulled from a classic photojournalist's portfolio.

Step 1 — Tint correction helps. A Tint correction of +4 to +6 before applying improves tonal distribution in the B&W conversion by affecting channel luminosity relationships.

Step 2 — Apply X1 Dramatic Base. Open any photo in Lightroom. Apply X1 Dramatic Base. The dramatic B&W conversion, strong contrast, and grain apply simultaneously.

Step 3 — Fine-tune Exposure per photo. X1's strong contrast makes exposure precision matter more than with flat presets. Adjust Exposure ±0.2 per photo as needed.

On phone photos: 83-85% strength.

What is the difference between the X Archive and the Monochromatic Archive? The Monochromatic Archive is clean, refined, silver-toned B&W — balanced tonal range and subtle grain for portrait, fine art, and lifestyle photography. The X Archive is dramatic, expressive, bold — high contrast, pronounced grain, visual weight. X Archive for photography that wants to feel powerful, Monochromatic Archive for photography that wants to feel timeless and refined.

Does X1 work in the free version of Lightroom Mobile? Yes. Preset installation and use is completely free in Lightroom Mobile. No Creative Cloud subscription needed.