Is ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets worth it if you’re shopping in Photography?
Quick answer
| Best for | Creators who want a consistent, warm, cinematic look for Instagram photos and video without spending hours in Lightroom or Premiere. |
| Skip if | You need a hyper-specific niche look (e.g., high-fashion black-and-white or heavy sci-fi color grading) or you only shoot in raw formats that require manual calibration. |
| Price | $9 |
| Format | 11 presets + DNG files + Cube LUTs + Lightroom/Photoshop profiles |
| One-line take | A rare $9 bundle that covers the entire post-production stack (mobile, desktop, video) so your feed looks cohesive across every platform. |
What you’re actually buying
Most preset packs are a single format: a .xmp file for Lightroom or a .cube for Premiere. You end up with a fragmented workflow where your photos look one way and your reels look another. ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets from Ashraf Dagestani solves this by treating your visual identity as a unified system. For $9, you aren’t just buying a color grade; you’re buying a cross-platform toolkit that ensures the “Istanbul” aesthetic travels seamlessly from your phone to your editing suite.
The core of the pack is 11 distinct presets, but the real value is in the format coverage. You get standard presets for Lightroom Mobile and PC, which handles 90% of your social media content. But the pack also includes DNG files with the presets baked in, which is a lifesaver for iPhone users who want to apply the look directly in their camera app or without importing into Lightroom. For video creators, the inclusion of Cube LUTs for Adobe Premiere (and other compatible apps) means you can match your video clips to your photo presets without manual color matching. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
This is a “set and forget” kind of pack. You don’t need to be a colorist to get a professional result. The presets are designed to give photos “new soul,” implying a stylized, atmospheric look rather than a flat, neutral correction. Because it covers both stills and motion, it’s ideal for creators who post mixed media on Instagram. You can snap a photo on your phone, apply the mobile preset, edit a video clip in Premiere with the LUT, and export both with a consistent tone. That consistency is what keeps a feed looking intentional rather than random. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
At this price point, the breadth of deliverables is hard to beat. You’re not paying for a single preset; you’re paying for a complete post-production workflow that saves you time on every single post. If you’ve been struggling to make your video content match your photo content, ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets is a low-risk way to fix that gap.
Why it’s on our radar
This pack stands out because it bridges the gap between photo and video editing, a pain point that most $9 preset packs ignore. Most creators are forced to buy separate assets for Lightroom and Premiere, leading to a disjointed brand aesthetic. Ashraf Dagestani’s approach of bundling Lightroom profiles, DNGs, and Cube LUTs into one $9 package is a smart move for the modern creator who needs speed and consistency. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
The “Istanbul” name suggests a specific mood—likely warm, textured, and slightly cinematic—rather than a generic “bright and airy” look. This specificity is valuable because it gives you a clear direction for your content. You’re not guessing what the preset does; you’re adopting a defined style. For solopreneurs and content creators who need to post daily, having a ready-made, multi-format style pack removes the decision fatigue of “how do I make this look good?” every single time. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
What actually matters
Before you buy, check your workflow. If you primarily edit on your phone, the Lightroom Mobile and DNG files are the critical components. If you edit video in Premiere Pro, the Cube LUTs are essential. The pack is only as good as your ability to use the formats you need. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
- Check your video editor: The LUTs are for Adobe Premiere and “other apps.” If you use Final Cut Pro, you may need to convert the
.cubefiles to.c3dor use a plugin. Confirm your video editor supports standard Cube LUTs before purchasing. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets) - Look at the sample images: The “Istanbul” style is likely warm and atmospheric. If your content is high-contrast black-and-white or cool-toned corporate, this preset may clash with your existing brand. Use the preview images to judge if the vibe matches your niche. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
- Verify the DNG compatibility: DNG files are great for on-camera application, but they can sometimes be tricky on certain Android devices. If you’re an Android user, test the DNG files with a free app like Lightroom Mobile or Snapseed to ensure they apply correctly. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
Mid-check
If you’re ready to streamline your post-production and get a consistent look across photos and videos, See current options to grab the pack.
FAQ
Can I use these presets on both my phone and computer?
Yes. The pack includes presets for Lightroom Mobile and Lightroom PC, so you can apply the same look whether you’re editing on the go or at your desk. This ensures consistency across all your platforms. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
Do the presets work for video editing?
Yes. The pack includes Cube LUTs that are compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro and other video editing software that supports standard LUT files. This allows you to match your video clips to your photo presets. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
What is a DNG file and why is it included?
DNG (Digital Negative) files are a raw image format. Including DNG files with the presets baked in allows you to apply the look directly in camera apps or without needing to import into Lightroom. It’s a convenient option for quick edits on mobile devices. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
Is this pack suitable for beginners?
Yes. The “one-click” nature of the presets means you don’t need advanced color grading skills. You apply the preset, make minor adjustments if needed, and export. It’s designed to be accessible for creators who want professional results without a steep learning curve. (ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets)
Bottom line
ISTANBUL v1.3 Presets is a smart, low-cost investment for any creator who wants to look professional without spending hours in post-production. By covering both photo and video formats in a single $9 package, it solves the consistency problem that plagues mixed-media feeds. If you’re ready to adopt a cohesive, cinematic style for your content, this pack delivers the tools to do it fast.