Another Quick Vintage Technique
I can’t help it. I’m drawn to the vintage look. However, whether it is for the instant hit of nostalgia or that it just appeals to me artistically, I can’t say. But, I’ve been playing around with various effects to simulate the look of old printed photographs. Most recently, I’ve been trying out a vintage treatment that includes soft edges, brighter skin, and a hint of cyan. This look just tugs at my heartstrings in a way I can’t explain. And, while the look isn’t great for every photograph, it does work well with some. Plus, it’s really easy to pull off!
Here’s how:
- Step 1 – Set the Color Tone: Open your image in Photoshop Elements and press Ctrl-J (Mac: Command-J). Then, under Filter>Adjustments>Photo Filter, select Underwater for the Filter and increase the Density to 50%. Then, press OK.
Finally, set the layer blending mode to Screen.
- Step 2 – Add Contrast: Create a copy of Layer 1 by pressing Ctrl-J (Mac: Command-J). Then, set the blend mode for Layer 1 copy to Overlay.
- Step 3 – Soften the Edges: Under Filter>Blur>Gaussian Blur, set the Blur radius to 2.0.
And, that’s it. In just three steps, the photograph has transformed into something that looks a bit older–more vintage–and has the power to evoke feelings of nostalgia.
Be still my heart!
Frank
July 28, 2011 at 5:52 pm
Personaly I would have gone wit a Sepia look, however, it resembles a shot taken with an old brownie box camera.
Liz
July 28, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Thanks Frank!
I love those old “toy” cameras and have been coveting a Brownie for a while! =)
James
August 10, 2011 at 10:24 am
Nice tut, Liz.
Couldn’t help remembering the days when I longed for a camera that would capture clean, crisp photos with good color reproduction.
Now that we have that equipment, we find ways to make photos look like “the good ol’ days.” lol – Ironic, isn’t it? : )
Liz
August 10, 2011 at 11:34 am
Totally agree, James! There’s just something compelling about the imperfect image. Then again, I love the beautifully clean and crisp photographs that correctly capture reality and moments, too. I guess I am a photo junkie (heh-heh)! =)
Shayna
August 30, 2011 at 2:41 pm
Love it! I applied it to a pic of my 2 year old daughter in front of a waterfall and the effect gave the photo a fairytale-esque feel. Thank you!
Liz
August 30, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Awesome! I bet the photo looks amazing! =)
Elwyn
October 9, 2011 at 8:13 am
I love James’ comment. LOL. The hours I spend getting my 1970-1980′s photos to have decent colors!