Retro Photo Tips
The fashion and styles of the days of yore always seem timeless to us now, and as photographers, we often look for inspiration from decades past.
Whether we incorporate vintage nostalgia through color, the outfits and accessories of our subjects, or through our edits, retro photos are a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon!
Here are some tips to inspire your next retro photo session!
Image by Sarah England
TIP #1: Hair, outfits, and accessories
Instantly get the retro vibe on point with the outfits and accessories of your subject(s)! Even hairstyles can play a huge role in getting your photos to look like they are from the time period you’re emulating!
Image by Sarah England
Edited with Quest 16 Riven Presets
The sunglasses, vintage t-shirt, and even the puka shell necklaces give off a retro vibe in this photo!
Image by Cassandra Vanderkrogt
Edited with Quest 11 InstantFilm Presets
TIP #2: Vintage vehicles
Rent a vintage vehicle to give your subjects something to pose with!
Old cars, trucks, RVs, even an old boat from decades past are perfect to add an authentic retro touch!
Image by Nuno Pereira
Edited with Quest 07 Obscura Presets
Image by SHINE VISION - Simona Hulmanova
Edited with Quest 14 InstantFilm BW Presets
Image by Laura Berkenpas
Edited with Quest 11 InstantFilm Presets
TIP #3: Use tools in Lightroom to add a vintage touch!
Filmic grain, grungey Dust & Scratches, borders, and other tools offer a way to add nostalgia and timelessness to your images in post-processing!
Creative borders— especially rounded ones and arches— scream retro! Remember all that old 60’s and 70’s wallpaper?
Image by Fabrizio Simoneen
Edited with Quest Tools 06 - Modern Borders
Remember— most media before the 2000’s was photographed/filmed ON FILM. That means film grain galore and remnants of old dust or scratches on the film emulsion!!
Image by Klaudia Kirschner
Edited with Quest Tools 03 - Dust & Scratches and Quest 10 ExFilm SE
BONUS: Mix and match the above tips for epic retro style!
Plus— soon you’ll be able to add extra filmic goodness to your images with May’s BONUS Filmic Borders Toolset— coming soon to Quest!!
Image by Heather K Purdy
Edited with Quest Tools 07 - Filmic Borders - COMING SOON TO QUEST
Which decade is your favorite to add retro inspo to your photos? Tell us in the comments!