Showing posts with label Tutorial. Show all posts

How to Take Vintage and Pastel Pictures.

14 Comments »

Hello! I get asked often on how I create vintage and pastel tones on my pictures, so today I would love to provide some personal tips and experiences on that. Also, I did this post as a guest entry at [herecomesthesunblog] this week. Do check it out! 

#1. Get The Right Objects


VINTAGE: It is not difficult to get vintage objects. Film cameras, your grandpa's watches, floral teacups, old books with brown pages, oxford shoes... just to name a few!


PASTEL: Girls will know what sorts of things to go well with the theme. I can think of the creamy cupcakes, the fluffy clouds, the light-colored helium balloons and the white laces on a dress.


#2. Search for Beautiful Backgrounds


VINTAGE: There're just so many places to take vintage pictures. My personal preferences would be wheat fields. Abandoned blocks and old tea rooms can be great venues too!


PASTEL: Pastel pictures are generally more simple and clean. I always love taking objects against trees as the little spaces between the leaves and branches will help create beautiful bokeh as backdrop. Alternatively, you can set your objects on a wooden table indoor, near to the windows.


#3. Good Lighting


VINTAGE & PASTEL: I personally think natural light works best for both effects, especially for pastel pictures that are dreamy, soft and light. Shooting indoor for pastel pictures is more appropriate to avoid harsh sunlight but also remember to find places near the windows to get sufficient and softer natural light. Vintage pictures can be taken outdoors, best during the magic hours (evening).


#4. Editing


VINTAGE & PASTEL: Editing is an integral part in creating both effects. There are many online Photoshop presets available for such editing. If you are interested, you can also download them free from my [site].


#5. Combination


Vintage and pastel can go hand in hand. For example, you can get vintage objects going with pastel editing. Simply mix tips above and have fun!

love, M

How I edit my pictures using Photoshop: Pastel and Vintage.

51 Comments »

I have been asked many times, on how I edit my pictures. I wish I could tell you I edited them using curves I had developed myself, but sadly, I ain't reaching that level yet! :P Usually I search for Photoshop actions and curves online and modify them to suit my own preference. To load the actions and/or curves to be applied to your pictures, just google the instructions! :) 

PASTEL EDITING
#1. Basic Enhancement {by me!}

Download Pastel Basic Enhancement [here]

I always hate pictures going too blue and greenish. Hence, what I always do is adjusting the color balance to make pictures more red and yellowish. On top of that, I brighten the pictures a lot. While brightening, be careful to lower the contrast at the same time. You can increase the saturation for a sweeter touch. 

BEFORE.


AFTER


Some sample pictures under this editing. 


#2. Dreamy Light {by onixa}

Download Pastel Dreamy Light [here].

This action gives a very soft and dreamy feeling to pictures! 

BEFORE.


AFTER. 


SAMPLES. 


VINTAGE
#1. Retro Film {by Purp0l}

Download Vintage Retro Film [here].

This action defines the retro style! 

BEFORE. 


AFTER. 


SAMPLES. 


#2. Action 9 {beckasweird}

Download Vintage Action 9 [here].

This action is seriously great and unique! It's just simply dramatic. However, it's more suitable for darker pictures as bright pictures will go overexposed when applied. Having said that, I think it works very well on indoor pictures! :) 

BEFORE. 


AFTER (What a big difference, hahaha!). 


SAMPLES.  


#3. Blood Orange {by jtrotti}

Download Vintage Blood Orange [here]

I'm loving Jtrotti's curves so much because they are so dramatic and vibrant. Too good!! 

BEFORE. 


AFTER. 


SAMPLES. 


#4. Ambers {by jtrotti}

Download Vintage Ambers [here].

This is by far my fav. curve! Applicable to almost all pictures :) You can reduce the opacity of the curve layer if it's too vibrant. 

BEFORE. 


AFTER. 


SAMPLES. 


#5. Pink Lady {by me!}

Download Vintage Pink Lady [here].

Alright, that's such a sucky name, but whatever! ;) This is suitable for vintage shootings with pretty girls and fields :) You can apply the action twice for a even more vintage-ish touch. 

BEFORE. 


AFTER. 


SAMPLES. 


And that's all! Any problems or inquiries, you can simply leave a comment :) I will certainly assist you, hehehe! Tell me which's your favorite action/ curve too! :D 

xx

love, M

Instagram

Archives