Besides identifying these effects, we’ll also show you what you’re able to do instead.
Without further ado, let’s get started.
It’s one of my favorite filters, but I must also admit it’s very overused.
Kaspars Grinvalds/ Shutterstock
you could do several things instead of using the Slumber filter on Instagram.
As a starting point, it’s worth trying out the otherInstagram filters for your photos.
you’re able to also edit your photos with a vintage effect for a different film-like look.
However, many beginner photographers overdo the effect and make their pictures look sloppy.
There’s nothing wrong with adding a vignette to your pictures, but you should use it sparingly.
However, the problem comes when you start thinking that simply desaturating your image automatically makes it better.
you might also try a monochrome effect but with a color instead of black and white.
And adding too much saturation for specific colors is also a bad idea.
I’ll admit being guilty of this, especially when I see anything red.
However, you should probably be careful not to add too muchespecially when it makes skin tones look unrealistic.
I always recommend starting with subtle edits and using saturation sparingly in your photos.
It will make for a more interesting photo.
I recommend doing the opposite of the S-curve in your edits and keeping the shadows neutral.
If you edit your photos, consider subtly tweaking the blue/yellow, red/cyan, and green/magenta graphs.
And focus more on the lighting; here’show I get the perfect lighting for my smartphone photos.
Often, this is done by editing the white balance and moving it more into the yellow category.
However, you’re able to also use split toning and color grading to achieve the same result.
Check out myguide to white balance in photographyif you don’t know where to start.
We get ityou want to make your images look sharper.
But bumping the clarity slider to 100 is going to make the picture look strange in most cases.
Even though smartphone pictures are often flatter than camera images, the point still stands.
One thing I’ve started doing is actually removing clarity from my photos.
Instead, I add some sharpness instead.
Look at clarity as a tool, not a necessity.
Instead of shooting HDR all the time, stick to normal modes unless you absolutely need the additional help.
Your pictures will look much better as a result.
If you genuinely enjoy using some of these photo effects, by all means, continue using them.
But if you’re looking for other things to try, consider these alternatives.