If you love the crisp tones of classic transparency film, you’re probably chasing that Kodak Ektachrome E100 look. This guide shows you how to create those cool blues and crystal highlights inside Lightroom, even if you’ve never worked with actual film. To get there faster, you can start with the Kodak Ektachrome E100 Presets and then fine-tune them to your style.
01.
Start With the Right Raw File
Shoot in RAW to keep every bit of color and detail. A RAW file gives you the latitude to push saturation or pull back highlights without ugly banding. Cameras like the Fuji X-T4 or Nikon Z series handle RAW beautifully. Aim for ISO 100–400 to keep noise low and shadow detail clean.
02.
Balance Cool Blues and Bright Whites
Slide film is known for deep, balanced blues and bright whites that don’t clip. In Lightroom, open the HSL panel and move the Blue Hue slider a touch toward aqua for skies and water.
Drop Blue Luminance slightly for richer tone. For highlights, pull down the Whites slider just a hair to protect the brightest spots while keeping that signature pop.
| Adjustment | Suggested Range | Effect |
| Blue Hue | –5 to –10 | Adds a subtle teal tint to skies |
| Blue Luminance | –5 to –15 | Deepens water and sky |
| White Slider | –5 | Keeps highlight detail intact |
| Clarity | +5 to +10 | Adds crisp slide-film contrast |
| Vibrance | +10 to +20 | Boosts colors without skin issues |
Mind Your Midtones
Kodak Ektachrome E100 renders midtones with a neutral, almost glassy feel. Use the Tone Curve to add a gentle S-shape: lift the shadows slightly and pull the highlights down a notch. This creates a clean separation without harsh contrast, perfect for both portrait and landscape photography.
Keep Skin Tones Natural
Strong blues can make faces look cold. Use the Targeted Adjustment Tool in HSL to nudge Reds and Oranges slightly warmer. This keeps skin healthy while the background stays cool.
03.
How do I edit Digital Photos to look like Kodak Ektachrome E100 film?
Apply a Kodak Ektachrome preset, shoot RAW at ISO 100–400, adjust the Lightroom HSL panel for cooler blues, fine-tune the Tone Curve for subtle contrast, and warm skin tones in the Red and Orange sliders.
04.
Related Details You Shouldn’t Skip
Velvia and Provia film simulations inside Fuji cameras can act as quick previews of how your final image might look. Even if you’re working in Lightroom later, these simulations help you pre-visualize color balance. For landscape scenes, combine a tripod with a polarizing filter to deepen skies before you even start editing.
A September 2025 Shotkit.com survey of 657 photographers found that 58% use Adobe Lightroom for editing, citing its ease of use and comprehensive features, while subscription cost was a deterrent for some.
Lightroom is noted for its effectiveness in managing and processing large volumes of RAW files, serving as a primary hub for many photographers despite some using other tools like Photoshop for advanced tasks (Source)
“Slide film rewards careful exposure and subtle editing,” says photographer Karen Lee. “Small moves make a big difference.”
05.
Bring It All Together
Practice on different subjects. Portraits will test your skin tone adjustments, while seascapes push those blues. Try side-by-side edits to compare your work with the Kodak Ektachrome E100 presets as a reference. With a few tweaks, you’ll nail that slide-film glow.
By following these steps, you can capture the unmistakable feel of Kodak Ektachrome E100 presets from start to finish. Cool blues and crystal highlights are absolutely within reach when you work carefully and keep your edits light.
