Retro-inspired photography is making a big comeback, blending nostalgic film aesthetics with modern creativity. From 80’s fashion vibes to dreamy film-inspired edits, we’ll share tips on styling, editing, and techniques to help you create timeless, vintage-inspired images that stand out.

Image by Andre Widjaja
Edited with Quest 52 Arcade, Quest Tools 08 - ExF Light Leaks, Quest Tools 07 - Filmic Borders, and Quest Tools 03 - Dust & Scratches

What is retro-inspired photography?

Retro-inspired photography is a modern approach to creating images that draw influence from past decades, often mimicking the style, mood, and aesthetics of film photography and the zeitgeist of the decade in question. Rather than being tied to one specific time period, you may find yourself borrowing elements from multiple eras. You might be inspired by a combo of the soft, dreamy tones of the 1970s, the fashion of the 1980s, or the grainy textures of the 1990s to evoke a nostalgic feeling in your photos.

Achieve this look through:

Styling - Wardrobe, props, and locations chosen will be big influences in the retro vibe.
Editing in Lightroom - Film emulation presets, light leaks, faded tones, added grain, or muted color palettes add old school flair to hyper-sharp modern digital images.
Retro-inspired photography is less about historical accuracy and more about capturing the feeling of nostalgia—creating images that feel timeless, playful, or cinematic while still being relevant today.

It’s all about blending the charm of the past with the polish of modern photography.

Styling and Fashion Tips for Retro Photography

Nail the retro vibe by focusing on your subject’s wardrobe and accessories—these details set the tone instantly. Don’t forget hairstyles, either; the right cut or style can transport your photos straight into the era you’re inspired by!

Play with iconic silhouettes, fabrics, and patterns - A-line dresses and mod influences for the 60’s; bell-bottoms, suede, and fringe for the 70’s; oversized jackets, power suits, sequins, and neon spandex for the 80’s; denim, slip dresses, grunge flannels, and choker necklaces for the 90’s.
Accessories, hair, and makeup - Retro styling shines in the details: think round sunglasses, chunky sneakers, scrunchies, fedoras, bold jewelry, or patterned scarves. Hair and makeup ranging from cat eyeliner and beehives for the 60’s to 80’s bright eyeshadow and crimped hair.
Mix old and new - Don’t feel confined to true vintage. Mixing authentic vintage pieces with modern fashion can make your photos feel fresh while still carrying that retro influence.

Props and Locations for Vintage-Inspired Photography

The right props and locations for your photoshoot can elevate your retro-inspired session from “inspired by” to truly authentic. Think about the little details that make a scene feel lived in, elements that not only add visual interest but also anchor your images in the era you’re trying to emulate.

Prop Ideas:

Vintage suitcases & travel trunks
Rotary phones or old typewriters
Classic vinyl records & cassette tapes
Retro cameras (film SLRs, Polaroids, etc.)
Old magazines, books, or posters
Retro kitchenware (tin lunchboxes, enamel mugs, patterned plates)
Funky sunglasses or costume jewelry
Classic cars or bicycles

Your photoshoot location and setting can also make or break the vintage vibes. A retro outfit photographed in a diner, an old theater, a mid-century styled living room, or even a textured brick wall can instantly transport your viewers back in time. Props and environments don’t have to be complicated or expensive—sometimes even a single well-chosen piece like a retro chair or vintage vehicle can set the mood perfectly.

Location Ideas:

50’s-style diners or retro cafés
Old movie theaters with marquee signs
Laundromats with patterned floors & neon signs
Mid-century styled living rooms or bedrooms
Vintage record stores or bookstores
Roller rinks or bowling alleys
Urban backdrops with brick walls or faded painted signage
Outdoor fairs, carnivals, or boardwalks

Image by Anna Jung-Hwa
Edited with Quest 52 Arcade and Quest Tools 08 - ExF Light Leaks

Image by Anna Gadalean
Edited with Quest 52 Arcade and Quest Tools 08 - ExF Light Leaks

Editing Retro-Inspired Photos in Lightroom

OK you’ve taken the photos, now what? There are a lot of fun ways in Adobe Lightroom to edit your digital images to make them have that vintage vibe and retro charm!

Creative Borders - Play with borders on your photos! Mod rounded and arched borders scream retro! Remember all that old 60’s and 70’s wallpaper? Plus add filmic character with 35mm sprockets and more!
Grain, Dust, & Scratches - Most media before the 2000’s was photographed ON FILM. That means film grain galore and remnants of old dust or scratches on the film emulsion!! Get that gritty look by upping your grain, adding a grain mask, or adding Dust & Scratches with presets.
Light Leaks - Due to the imperfect nature of film and how it has faded over time, light leaks can give your digital images a film print look, making them look just as old and faded as photos or magazine images from the 1980’s!

Best Lightroom Presets for Editing 80’s Retro-Inspired Photography

Try these Adobe Lightroom presets to bring retro vintage nostalgia aesthetics to your photography edits in Lightroom!

Base Presets:

Quest 52 Arcade - 80’s glow, VHS fuzz, CRT scanlines, designed to bring the retro lo-fi aesthetic to your modern digital photography.
Quest 11 InstantFilm - Harness the nostalgic simplicity of InstaFilm with this preset collection featuring instant film-inspired edges, streaks, tones, and light leaks.
Quest 40 Del Mar - Bright pastel hues and warm vintage hues reminiscent of a bygone era.

Toolsets to Add Creative Flair:

Quest Tools 06 - Modern Borders - This set offers 7 clean, modern borders for your photos, available in horizontal and vertical orientations, and fully adjustable in Lightroom’s mask panel.
Quest Tools 07 - Filmic Borders - These filmic border presets bring the classic look of film—sprocket holes, light leaks, dust, and borders—into Lightroom, with horizontal, vertical, and black-and-white options, offering film-inspired aesthetics in a digital workflow.
Quest Tools 03 - Dust & Scratches - Ten dust and scratch presets that mimic real film, adding a filmic touch to any digital photo with one click and adapting to any orientation or aspect ratio.
Quest Tools 08 - ExF Light Leaks - The charm of film light leaks meets digital editing, with 18 customizable presets and a Vintage Tone tool. Using Lightroom’s masking, photographers can add nostalgic streaks, spots, and subtle film grain to create analog-inspired, dynamic images.

Retro-inspired photography offers endless creative possibilities for photographers looking to infuse their work with nostalgia and bold, playful style. By combining fashion, props, location, and creative post-processing in Lightroom, you can capture the vibrant spirit of past decades while making your photos truly stand out.

Whether you’re experimenting with neon tones, pastel palettes, or classic 80’s aesthetics, these tips will help you create cohesive, eye-catching images that celebrate the best of retro photography.

Retro Photography Inspiration: How to Capture Vintage Aesthetics in Modern Photos