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Toning Your Digital Photos to Look Like Film

In a world where digital cameras have become the de facto standard for amateur and even some professional photographers, there is still a contingent who wants to make their pixelized photos look more like they were shot on film. While the definition of a "film" look encompasses a broad territory, many take it to mean a softer, slightly grainier appearance. To help achieve the film look without actually using a film-based camera, you can adjust your shooting technique and take advantage of digital manipulation software to achieve the effect.

Software
- Leading software programs like Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, Aperture and Ulead all have built-in options to help photographers add a film-like appearance to their shots. There can be a learning curve associated with these high end products, but once you figure it out, you'll be able to apply enough subtle graininess and color adjustments to your shots that the layperson might have a difficult time believing they weren't shot with an old style film camera.
Plugins
- Black-and-white photos are a staple of the film era. To satisfy the demand of photographers who wish to work in that medium with an authentic film look, plugin programs like Silver EFX Pro can be installed to extend the capabilities of the already impressive options in most popular software programs. This plugin actually helps you analyze your photos using the 10-step process popularized by acclaimed film photographer Ansel Adams, according to a PCWorld.com review.
Film vs. Digital
- Digital photography replaced film in big city newspapers in 1999, according to Ken Rockwell, award-winning photographer. Rockwell went on to describe the debate between film and digital as a false premise, saying that each had its place. Where digital looks excellent in small size prints up to about 12-by-18 prints, large format landscape photography is still ruled by film. But if you want to retouch your digital efforts so that they look more like film, pay particular attention to shadows and highlights.
Technique
- It pays to be mindful of certain factors while shooting images in digital. Flash digital photography tends to wash out color, so avoid it when possible. To achieve an eventual film effect, you should make sure that light sources are behind you, unless, of course, you're shooting sunset or sunrise pictures. The big picture idea is to take care that unplanned light sources don't ruin a shot by washing out the color. You can do a lot with Photoshop but it's much easier when the quality of the original photo is high.

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