How to Achieve Retro Instagram Effects with Levels or Tone Curves

Retro effects are one of the most popular ways to stylize your photo and give it a nostalgic feeling. There are many ways to create these effects but not all of them are as simple as this one. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to create your own retro effects with just one adjustment layer using a technique called Channel Contrast. You’ll also learn how to use Channel Contrast to analyze the color grading of other photos and use them on your own.

Video Tutorial

Download the Example PSD

See a comparison between a retro effect created with many layers versus the same effect with just one layer.

Photoshop Actions that Uses Channel Contrast

Here are some Photoshop actions that uses the same Channel Contrast technique. You can download the free versions to explore the numerous effects you can create with Channel Contrast.

• Instagram Actions
• Cross Processing Actions
• Pastel Actions
• Night to Twilight Actions
• Faded Film Actions