How to Create a Photo With an Old Look

Before Taking the Picture

• 1

  Screw a UV filter over the front of your camera lens. Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly around the inside rim of the filter's glass to add a soft, blurred vignette around the edges of your resulting images.

• 2

  Engage black and white or sepia shooting mode on your camera to add a timeless effect. Many cameras also offer a muted color option, which emulates slide film from the 1960s and '70s. If you have a 35mm film camera, try shooting a few rolls of black and white film for a more authentic effect.

• 3

  Choose your subject matter wisely. One of the best ways to make your photo look old is to photograph things with classic appeal, such as vintage cars, quaint storefronts or landscapes. Avoid shooting subjects or scenes that contain modern technology for best results.

During Post Processing

• 4

  Open your photo in your preferred image editing software.

• 5

  Select the "Filter" menu from the software's top toolbar. Highlight "Blur" and then "Gaussian Blur." Adjust the scroll bar until the desired amount of softness is applied to the image. This emulates the results of an old, uncoated lens.

• 6

  Scroll down the "Filter" menu again and select "Texture," and then "Grain." Adjust the intensity of the grain until your image emulates the look 35mm film.

• 7

  Locate the "Layers" menu box, which is found to the right or left of the screen in most software programs. Lower the saturation to mute the colors in your image and emulate slide film. Move the notch all the way to the left to completely desaturate your image.

• 8

  Save your work. To preserve the original picture, rename your new file before saving.