Stock photo: beautiful woman between sunflowers (by Belovodchenko Anton)
Transform any image into a vintage look by following this Photoshop tutorial, which utilizes a stock photo depicting a lovely woman amidst sunflowers as the starting point.Launch Photoshop and access the image by selecting File > Open (Ctrl/Command + O) and navigating to the desired location on your computer’s hard drive.
Apply a Curves adjustment layer to alter the image’s tonal range. Create a new layer and select Curves from the adjustment menu.
Modify the Red, Green, and Blue channels individually using the Curves adjustment for a specific color grading.
Switch to the Green channel and adjust the curve as depicted in the reference image.
Repeat the process for the Blue channel, making adjustments as shown.
The image is shaping up nicely, and we’re just beginning.Let’s continue.
Introduce a Gradient Map adjustment layer to add depth and color grading to the image.Click the Create a new fill or layer adjustment button and choose Gradient Map from the menu.In the Adjustments panel, modify the gradient colors as demonstrated.
Adjust the Blend Mode to Soft Light and set the Opacity to 30% for the Gradient Map layer.
Incorporate a light leak effect to mimic the wear and tear of an old camera, enhancing the retro aesthetic.Set the Foreground Color to red (#fc2c2c) and use the Gradient Tool to apply the effect.Create a new layer and draw the gradient from left to right as shown in the image.
Change the Blend Mode of the layer to Screen to blend the light leak with the image.
Apply a film edge burn effect to add texture and a worn-out appearance to the image.Turn off unnecessary layers, enter Quick Mask mode, and paint over the desired areas with a white brush.
Exit Quick Mask mode and create a Curves adjustment layer to selectively adjust the image’s colors.
Introduce imperfections typical of vintage photography by adding artificial flaws to the image.Create a new layer, fill it with purple (#510487), and adjust the blend mode and opacity to achieve a faded effect.
Apply a final touch with a white spot on the subject’s face using the Brush Tool, set to Soft Light blend mode.
Conclude the tutorial by adding a grainy texture to the image with a Noise filter and Gaussian Blur.
Set the Noise layer’s Blend Mode to Screen and adjust the Opacity to achieve the desired effect.
This Photoshop tutorial demonstrates how to convert a pristine digital image into a charming analog retro photo, utilizing adjustment layers, soft brushes, gradients, and filters to achieve a unique, aged look.Experience the transformation with this example.
photo_retro_effect (ZIP, 4.39 MB)
Share your results in the comments below!
