Simulate analog film light leaks with gradient overlays, warm color washes, and Screen blending for lo-fi photography aesthetics.

Step 1: Open Your Photo

Start with any photo. Slightly reduce contrast for a flatter base.

Step 2: Orange Leak Left

New layer. Draw orange (#ff6622) to transparent gradient from left edge. Screen mode 40%.

Step 3: Pink Leak Right

Another layer. Pink (#ff4488) gradient from right edge. Screen mode 30%.

Step 4: Warm Center Wash

Large soft yellow (#ffcc66) brush stroke across center at 15% opacity, Overlay mode.

Step 5: Blur the Leaks

Gaussian Blur each leak layer at 60–100px for soft analog feel.

Step 6: Add Grain

Noise layer at 5% Overlay for film texture authenticity.

Step 7: Reduce if Needed

Lower leak layer opacities until effect feels subtle and organic.

That's it! You've completed this tutorial. Experiment with the techniques and share your results with the Designstacks community.