How to get the Matte Film Look in your Photos + Free Preset

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***Update*** – If you like the matte look, checkout my new premium preset collection, Vintage Matte.

One popular post processing look that I’ve seen come and go over the past couple of years aims to imitate the look of film photography developed onto Matte finish photographic paper. I have to admit, there are times when this type of look can add a warmth and feeling that you sometime lose in the ultra crisp, clean, contrasty look that high resolution digital cameras give us. The key is to not take it to far. Subtlety will go a long way in selling this effect. I’m always a fan of post processing that doesn’t draw attention to itself. Add the effect because it will help the story of the photograph, not because the effect is cool and you hope it will help improve your otherwise underwhelming photo.

This look is extremely quick and easy to achieve in Adobe Lightroom. I’ve recorded a short video that shows you exactly how to get the matte film look in your photos using Lightroom. I’ve also written a text version of this tutorial after the video if you prefer to follow along that way. Enjoy!

Step One: Adjust the Tone Curve

Did I mention it was extremely easy to get this effect? It’s true. With a small adjustment to the tone curve of your image in Lightroom’s Develop tab you can quickly soften your image and achieve the matte look. Click on the small box on the bottom left of the Tone Curve section. This will allow you to edit the Tone Curve by adding control points. Add a control point to the center of the curve, and then drag the existing left control point up slightly. You’ll see as you drag this point upward, your photo will begin to become more matte.

 Step Two: Bump up the Saturation

I like to add just a touch of saturation to bring back some of the color. Drag the Saturation slider just a touch to the right to increase saturation.

Step Three: Add Some Grain

You can finish off this effect by adding just a touch of grain with the Grain control box. Again, subtly is key.

Want the Adobe Lightroom Preset? Click Here to Download.

***Update*** – If you like the matte look, checkout my new premium preset collection, Vintage Matte.