How to Achieve a Vintage Photo Effect
Want to achieve an “old photo” look? Whether you want to evoke memories of yesteryear or simply love the aesthetic of vintage photography, BeFunky’s Photo Editor has everything you need to create stunning vintage effects. From soft sepia tones to grainy filters that mimic retro Polaroid shots, there’s no end to the old-style photography you can create.
There are plenty of reasons why vintage photography remains so popular. Despite the ease of snapping a quick photo on your phone, these crystal-clear images just don’t capture our imaginations in the same way that photos containing accidental light leaks, grainy textures, and sun-drenched colors do. “Vintage” refers to anything greater than 20 years, yet less than 100 years old, and we can’t help but think of these decades as the “good old days” where a certain simplicity existed.
In this article, we'll show you how to apply a vintage effect using some of our Photo Editor’s most popular old photo filters, textures, and frames. Interested in restoring your old photos and adding a modern touch to these instead? You’ll be pleased to hear that the Old Photo Restorer can do exactly this!
How to Make Your Photos Look Vintage Using BeFunky
Ready to achieve that vintage photo effect? To get started, head to the Photo Effects tab of the Photo Editor and open your image.
Step 1: Apply an Analog Photo Filter
First, we’re going to emulate a nostalgic, vintage photo by adding an Analog Tones effect. These effects recreate the warm, nostalgic hues and subtle imperfections that give vintage photos their unique character.
Click on Analog Tones from the Photo Effects tab.
Click on any analog filters to sample how they look on your image and adjust the slider to increase or decrease the strength of the analog photo effect. Then, click Apply to apply the effect as-is, or you can click Settings to customize it further.
For this example, we’ve used the effect Analog Tones 4.
Step 2: Add a Film Grain Effect
Next, we’re going to enhance the vintage look of our photo by adding a grainy photo effect. Vintage photography often contains grainy textures because older film was made up of larger silver halide grains. This gave analog photography that distinctive, textured appearance!
To add some graininess, navigate back to the Photo Effects tab, then click on Cinematic, followed by Film Grain.
If you’re happy with the grainy effect as-is, simply click Apply. To adjust the effect, click the Settings icon.
In this example, we’ve slightly increased the intensity of the effect.
Step 3: Add a Light Leak Texture
For the final vintage photo edit, we’re adding a light leak texture, which you can find by navigating to Textures, followed by Light Leaks. Vintage photography often features light leaks because of the imperfect sealing of analog cameras. This allowed unwanted light to sneak in and create those beautifully unique and unexpected flares in photos!
Adjust the settings if you wish to customize the blend mode, opacity, or position. Or, just click Apply to apply your effect as-is.
We’ve chosen Light Leaks 3 for this image.
Step 4: Save Your Final Vintage Photo
Once you’ve finished editing your vintage photo, all that’s left to do is to save it. Click Save at the top of the screen, then select your desired save location.
Modern Image to Vintage Analog Photo
It’s hard to believe this retro-inspired photo was created in just minutes. It’s the easiest way to turn your everyday digital photography into vintage imagery of decades gone by!
More Old Photo Looks You Can Create Using Vintage Photo Effects
Looking for some more creative inspiration? Here are three additional ways to mix and match BeFunky’s features to create stunning vintage images:
Add a Sepia Filter for a Timeless Look
Apply a Sepia filter to add warm, vintage tones that mimic aged photographs. This effect is ideal for creating photos that feel both romantic and timeless. Pair it with a subtle Film Grain effect to enhance that classic film quality, making your photo look like it’s from another era.
Layer Grunge Textures for Old Photo Charm
You can also add an old photo look to your images with BeFunky’s Grunge textures and Scratches overlays. These effects create an aged and weathered look, adding an authentic-looking ruggedness to your photos. Experiment with different opacity levels for a customized effect that looks like a worn vintage print.
Add a Polaroid Frame for Instant Vintage Charm
Turn your photos into instant keepsakes by applying a Polaroid frame. This effect mimics the look of a classic vintage Polaroid photo with a white or time-stained border, giving your image an instant retro feel. From landscapes to styled portraits, our Polaroid frames make any image feel like a timeless memento from the past.
Create a Vintage Photography Look in Just a Few Clicks
Thanks to the vintage photo effects, textures, and frames within BeFunky’s Photo Editor, achieving the perfect vintage look is just a few clicks away. Whether you prefer a classic sepia tone, a grainy film look, or the charm of a vintage Polaroid, these tools will have you unleashing your creativity.
Create your own vintage photo in the Photo Editor today!
