By Deidre M. Bastian

Although the world is all about modernsation, people still long for the touch of something aged, vintage and, well.....“old”. And when it comes to old photographs, they always give that sense of history and all the great memories that come along with them.

They are our most immediate link to the past. Sometimes photos look very normal and boring, but when the right filters and adjustments are applied, believe me, the results are awesome. The truth of the matter is people are simply drawn to ‘uniqueness’. Yes, that antique ‘feel’ and ‘look’ concept. Toned pictures can create a mood or otherwise transform a mundane photo into something interesting.

I have always had a thing for antiques and that vintage look of every kind. For example, a piece of new furniture can look old by simply using Mineral Spirits and elbow grease to get a really good, weathered look on wooden projects.

But let’s not stray, as today we will look at the ease of transforming ‘photos’ to something that looks as if it was taken 100 years ago. The antique ‘washed-out’ effect is all you need to perform this time travelling magic. ‘Antiquing’ a photo is something of an art, and there is much that can be done to achieve a convincing effect. This technique is basically the same no matter what program you use.

Here’s a site that can assist: http://121clicks.com/tutorials/the-faded-antique-look-in-photoshop-cs5

Or if you wish, many digital cameras include settings that enable photographers to set their cameras in the sepia mode, so that pictures can automatically become sepia toned.

However, with the use of Adobe Photoshop software, this process is very simple and quite effective. Here is how:

• Open the image in Photoshop and convert it to black and white by choosing Image, Adjustments, Black & White. Make any necessary adjustments to get a nice tonal range and click OK. (You can also use a colour image or start with a nicely toned black and white image.)
• Thereafter, choose Image, Adjustments, Hue/Saturation. When the Hue/Saturation dialogue box appears, select the Colourise check box. (This allows you to add color to the image)
• Adjust the Hue slider to produce the tone you are looking for. To produce a rich sepia tone, move the Hue slider to the far left. If you prefer green, blue or some other shade, you can experiment with this slider to get the exact colour you want.
• Adjust the Saturation slider to modify the richness of the colour. When you move the slider to the right, the colour becomes more pure, which can result in a striking red at the far-right position.
• Adjust the Lightness slider to lighten or darken the photo, depending on your mood.

Generally, you want to leave the Lightness slider at the default middle position. To create a darker, moodier picture, move it to the left. Or to produce a more faded look, move a’re satisfied with your changes, click OK.

Now you see how a simple effect can make a photograph much more valuable than before. Oh, let’s not forget: More photo value translates into more resources (financial resources). In particular, your transformation will be an intriguing - but classical - look that would leave your customers happy and you proud.

Another important thing to remember is to use this effect sparingly but well. Do not over-do these effects, or you will become the ‘comic sans’ of the photography world very quickly.

By all means, don’t you think it is time to step out of the box and get serious, but savvy, with your production? Conventional photos can be lacklustre and extremely boring. Constantly seek out adventurous ways to improve and present your photos to the world. That’s how money is made.

Step up your game and give your photos that ‘vintage’ look everyone really loves. It is a keep-sake. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game!

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee2111@hotmail.com

About the Columnist Ms Bastian is an extensively-trained graphic designer who has qualifications of M.Sc., B.Sc., A.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of the Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.