In this tutorial I will explain how you can simulate a ‘vintage photo’ type effect using the curves feature in Adobe Photoshop.

Here is the photo I will be using:

Step 1. Create a curves adjustment layer.

Goto Layer > New Adjustment Layer, and select the option “Curves”.  Name your new adjustment layer whatever you wish (I like to call it vintage) and select OK.  Once you’ve done that you should see the following dialog box:

Step 2. Select the ‘red’ channel.

Under the channel selection drop down select the ‘red’ channel.  When you do this, the curve and histogram should turn red.  Click the red dot at the bottom left corner of the line and enter the following criteria: output=29, and input=0.  Next, click the dot in the top right corner and enter the following: output=243, and input=255.  Finally, click anywhere in the middle to create a new dot, and enter this: output=130, and input=107.  You ‘red curve’ should look like following:

Step 3. Select the ‘blue’ channel.

Following the same procedure for the blue channel, click the bottom left dot, and enter output=55, and input=0.  Select the top right dot, and enter output=203, and input=255.  Click anywhere in the middle of the line to create a new dot, and enter output=112, and input=126.  Your ‘blue curve’ shoud appear as follows:

Step 4. Select the ‘green’ channel.

This is the easiest step–all you have to do is click anywhere on the line to create a new dot, and enter output=123, and input=128.  Your ‘green curve’ should look like this:

Select OK, and your image should resemble the following:

Step 5. Make final adjustments.

Sometimes you will have to tone down the effect by adjusting the opacity on the curves adjustment layer.  Many times this will provide more visually pleasing results.

Adjusted image at 75% opacity:

Adjusted image at 50% opacity:

Well, that’s it!  I hope you found my tutorial both informative and easy to understand.  Feel free to comment.

Download Curves Settings: Photoshop ACV File