Do you ever scroll through social media and wonder how everyone’s photographs look so perfect? The secret is often in the editing. One of the most popular trends in photo editing right now is the "film" look. This style mimics the look of classic film photography, incorporating grain, muted tones, and a softness to the image.
If you want to add a film-inspired touch to your iPhone photos, you’re in luck. There are several methods you can try, using free or inexpensive apps and no technical photography skills required. In this post, we’ll go over three methods to achieve the film look for your iPhone photos.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed?
Before we begin, make sure you have a few things handy:
1. An iPhone (you probably have this already)
2. Photo editing apps (we’ll suggest a few in Method 1)
3. A selection of your favourite photos to edit
What Requires Your Focus?
To make your photos look like film, you’ll want to focus on a few key adjustments:
1. Colour: film photographs tend to have a muted, almost vintage look to the colours. Adjust the temperature and saturation of your photos to achieve this.
2. Grain: film photographs have a natural grain to them that modern digital photos don’t. Adding grain to your photos can give them a more nostalgic, analogue feel.
3. Contrast: film photographs usually have a softer contrast than modern digital photos. Adjust the brightness and contrast to achieve this.
4. Tone-curve: using a tone-curve to adjust mid-tones and shadows can help your photos look more like they were shot on film.
Method 1: Use a Free Photo Editing App
One of the best apps available for editing photos to look like film is VSCO, which is free to download. Here’s how to use it:
1. Open the VSCO app and select a photo to edit.
2. Tap the "Presets" icon at the bottom of the screen.
3. Scroll through the available presets until you find one that mimics the look of film (try "A6" for a classic film look).
4. Adjust the strength of the preset by dragging the slider at the bottom of the screen.
5. Once you’re happy with the preset, you can further adjust colour, grain, and other settings in the editing tab.
Pros:
– Free app
– Presets make editing quick and easy
– A6 preset is particularly popular for achieving the film look
Cons:
– Limited editing options compared to more advanced apps like Lightroom
– Some presets require a paid subscription to access
Method 2: Use Adobe Lightroom Mobile
Adobe Lightroom Mobile is a more advanced photo editing app that gives you a lot more control over the editing process. While the app is free to use, you’ll need an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription to access all of the features. Here’s how to use it to edit photos like film:
1. Open the Lightroom app and select a photo to edit.
2. Use the basic sliders in the "Light" section to adjust the brightness, contrast, and exposure of the photo.
3. In the "Colour" section, adjust the temperature and tint to achieve a more muted, vintage look.
4. In the "Effects" section, increase the grain and fade of the image to give it a more cinematic feel.
5. Use the tone-curve to adjust the mid-tones and shadows of the image.
Pros:
– More advanced editing options than free apps
– Preserves the quality of your image
– Can create more customized filters for a truly unique look
Cons:
– Requires a paid Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
– Steeper learning curve than free apps
Method 3: Use Film Emulation Presets in Lightroom Classic
If you have access to Lightroom Classic on a desktop computer, you can use film emulation presets to edit your photos to look like film. Here’s how:
1. Open Lightroom Classic and select a photo to edit.
2. In the "Develop" module, scroll down to the "Presets" section.
3. Expand the "Camera Calibration" menu and select a film emulation preset (some popular options include VSCO, Mastin Labs, and Tribe Archipelago).
4. Adjust the preset strength and other settings to your liking.
5. Fine-tune the photo with additional adjustments like exposure, contrast, and grain.
Pros:
– Most accurate film emulation available
– Greater control over settings compared to mobile apps
– Can batch apply presets to multiple photos at once
Cons:
– Requires access to Lightroom Classic on a desktop computer
– Can be expensive to purchase film emulation presets
Why Can’t I Get the Film Look?
Trying to mimic the look of film can be challenging, even with the help of photo editing apps. Here are a few reasons why you might be struggling to achieve the film look, and how to fix them:
1. Your lighting is wrong: film photographs are often taken in natural light or with soft studio lighting. Try adjusting the lighting in your photos or shooting in a different location for more favourable lighting conditions.
2. Your photo is too modern: modern elements like neon lights and digital screens can make your photos look too modern for the film look. Try framing your photos to exclude these elements, or editing them out in post-processing.
3. You’re not using the right editing tools: while many apps can give you a film-like filter, you’ll need to be strategic with the adjustments you make to achieve the true film look. Play around with the editing settings and try out different apps to find the right combination.
Implications and Recommendations
Editing your photos to look like film can be a fun and creative way to elevate your Instagram game. However, it’s important to note that while the film look is popular right now, it might not always be in style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different editing techniques and styles, and stay true to your own creative vision.
If you’re serious about photography and want to go beyond simple editing apps, we recommend investing in a photography course or attending workshops to learn more about the technical aspects of photography and editing.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I edit photos to look like film on my Android phone?
A: Yes, many of the editing apps mentioned in this post are available for Android phones as well.
Q: Do I need to shoot in film to achieve the film look?
A: No, you can edit digital photos to look like film. However, if you’re interested in shooting on film, there are many affordable film cameras available for purchase.
Q: Can I use the film look for professional photography?
A: It depends on your target audience and creative vision. While the film look can be popular on social media, it might not be appropriate for every type of photography.
Q: What’s the difference between the film look and the vintage look?
A: The film look and vintage look both incorporate muted colours and softness to the image. However, the film look often includes a natural grain and is inspired by classic film photography, while the vintage look can include elements like scratches and light leaks to replicate a worn, vintage feel.
Q: What’s the best app for editing photos to look like film?
A: It depends on your personal preference and the level of control you want over your editing. VSCO and Adobe Lightroom Mobile are both popular choices, while some photographers prefer the advanced editing tools in Lightroom Classic.
In Conclusion
Editing your iPhone photos to look like film can be a fun and creative way to elevate your photography game. There are several methods you can try, from free photo editing apps to more advanced software on desktop computers. By focusing on colour, grain, contrast, and tone-curve adjustments, you can achieve a more nostalgic, analogue feel in your photos. Play around with different editing techniques and styles to find a look that suits your creative vision, and don’t be afraid to experiment!