How to Make Photos Light and Airy on VSCO

The light and airy aesthetic is characterized by bright highlights, soft tones, and an overall dreamy quality in photography. This style enhances the beauty of natural light, creating images that evoke a sense of calm and positivity. VSCO is a powerful editing tool that allows you to achieve this aesthetic easily. In this guide, we'll explore the key components of the light and airy look and how to replicate it through VSCO.

Understanding the Light and Airy Aesthetic

The light and airy aesthetic focuses on creating a sense of openness and brightness in photographs. This style often utilizes the following key elements:

• Bright Highlights: Emphasizing highlights to create a glowing effect that enhances the airy feel.
• Soft Colors: Leaning towards pastel shades and muted tones rather than harsh, saturated colors.
• Natural Light: Using natural lighting, especially during golden hour, to achieve soft shadows and even tones.
• Minimalist Composition: Keeping the composition clean and uncluttered, allowing the subject to stand out.

To achieve the light and airy feel, photographers often increase exposure, reduce contrast, and use filters that bring out soft whites and muted colors. The goal is to create a serene atmosphere that evokes warmth and tranquility. VSCO provides versatile editing tools, allowing users to manipulate aspects like brightness, contrast, and saturation, which are crucial for achieving the desired aesthetic.

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Getting Started with VSCO

Begin by selecting your photo in the VSCO app. Here’s a step-by-step approach to edit your images for a light and airy look:

1. Upload your photo: Choose a well-lit image with good composition.
2. Adjust Exposure: Increase exposure slightly to brighten the image.
3. Modify Contrast: Lower the contrast to soften the overall appearance.
4. Enhance Highlights: Boost highlights to achieve a glowing effect on bright areas.
5. Saturation and Vibrance: Reduce saturation while gently increasing vibrance for a pastel effect.
6. Apply Filters: Use VSCO’s preset filters that lean towards soft tones, like A4 or A6.
7. Final Touches: Use the sharpening and grain features minimally for clarity without harshness.

Once satisfied with your edits, save your photo and enjoy sharing your beautifully edited light and airy images!

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5. Enhancing Brightness and Saturation

When it comes to creating that *light and airy aesthetic in your photos, adjusting brightness and saturation is key. Thankfully, VSCO makes this process simple and intuitive. Here’s how you can achieve that perfect look:

1. Import Your Photo: Start by opening the VSCO app and importing the photo you want to edit.
2. Access the Editing Tools: Tap on your photo to open the editing interface, where you’ll see various adjustment options.
3. Increase Brightness: Select the brightness tool. Start by increasing the brightness slider slowly. Remember, the goal is to lift shadows while still preserving details in the highlight areas.
4. Adjust Contrast: You might also want to decrease the contrast slightly. This helps in softening the overall vibe of the photo, enhancing that airy feel.
5. Modify Saturation: Next, head to the saturation settings. Light and airy photos usually have muted colors, so gently decrease saturation. If you feel some colors are still too vivid, lowering saturation can create a more cohesive look.
6. Review Changes: Make sure to frequently toggle the before-and-after view to see your edits in context. It’s essential to find that right balance!

Finally, remember that less is often more. Subtle changes can make a significant difference, turning a regular photo into a stunning, light-filled image.

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6. Using Filters to Achieve the Desired Effect

Filters can be a game changer when aiming for that light and airy aesthetic. With VSCO's wide range of filters, you can quickly infuse your photo with a dreamy quality. Here’s how to make the most of them:

1. Explore VSCO’s Filter Library: Start by browsing through the filter options available in the app. Filters like “A6” and “F2” are popular for their ability to brighten images and give them a soft touch.
2. Test Different Filters: Apply a few filters to your image. Don’t hesitate to experiment! Just because a filter is popular doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for every photo.
3. Adjust Filter Intensity: Most filters can be adjusted in strength. Use the slider to blend the filter effect until it complements the natural look of your photo. A more subtle application often yields better results.
4. Combine Filters: Depending on the style you’re going for, you can layer filters. Try combining a light filter with a tint to create unique color tones that enhance brightness.
5. Save Your Preset: If you find a filter combination that works perfectly for your style, save it! This can streamline your editing process for future photos.

Incorporating these filters not only enhances your images but also helps establish a cohesive aesthetic across your portfolio. Remember, the goal is to create a harmonious balance that feels both fresh and inviting!

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7. Fine-Tuning White Balance for a Soft Feel

When it comes to achieving that light and airy aesthetic in your photos, white balance* plays a crucial role. The right white balance can transform an image from dull and flat to bright and inviting. Here’s how to fine-tune white balance on VSCO for a softer look:

• Start with the Basics: Begin by selecting the photo you want to edit and navigate to the editing tools. Make sure you’re familiar with the white balance slider options—Temperature and Tint.
• Temperature Adjustment: If your photo leans too cool (blue), gently slide the temperature towards the yellow end of the spectrum. Conversely, if it feels too warm (yellow), slide it towards the blue. For that airy feel, a slightly warmer temperature often works best.
• Tint Tweak: The tint slider adjusts the green and magenta tones in your photo. For a softer image, aim for a bit more magenta, which can help create a dream-like quality. Just a few nudges to the right can make a world of difference!
• Use the Preview: Always keep an eye on the full-screen preview as you adjust. This will help you see the changes in real-time, making it easier to fine-tune until you find that perfect balance.

Remember, the goal is to create a feeling of lightness, so don’t hesitate to experiment! The beauty of editing on VSCO is that you can easily revert to the original if you feel like you've gone too far.

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8. Adding Grain for a Dreamy Texture

Adding a touch of grain to your photos can enhance that ethereal, soft vibe you're going for. It infuses a sense of nostalgia and visual warmth, making your images feel more inviting and artistic. Here’s how to do it:

• Access the Grain Tool: After you’ve adjusted your image's exposure, contrast, and white balance, head to the grain tool in VSCO’s editing menu.
• Choose Your Grain Level: VSCO allows you to control the amount of grain you want to apply. Start with a low level (around 10-20) to see how it affects the overall feel of your photo. You can always add more later!
• Experiment With Different Textures: Depending on the mood you want to evoke, try various grain textures. A fine grain can make your image feel more delicate, while a coarser grain can add a vintage touch.
• Consider the Context: Different scenarios may call for varying amounts of grain. For soft portraits or pastel landscapes, opting for lighter grain might work best, while strong, bold colors may benefit from a heavier grain.

Just like with every other edit, the key to success is subtlety. A little grain can go a long way in adding that dreamy texture without overwhelming your image. So have fun experimenting and find what feels right for your style!

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9. Exporting Your Photos for Optimal Quality

So, you've perfected your light and airy edit on VSCO, and now it’s time to export your photos. This step is crucial as it ensures your images maintain their quality and look stunning when shared with the world. Here are a few key considerations for exporting:

• File Format: When exporting, consider using JPEG or PNG. JPEG is great for photos as it balances quality with file size, while PNG is ideal for images needing transparency.
• Resolution: You want your images to be as high resolution as possible for that crisp and clear look. Aim for at least 1080 pixels on the shortest side if you're posting on social media.
• Quality Settings: In VSCO, when exporting, select the highest quality option. This ensures no details are lost!
• Sizing: If you're sharing on platforms like Instagram, export at the correct size to avoid compression issues that can dull your images. Use the 1:1 ratio for Instagram square posts or 4:5 for portrait images!

Once you’ve adjusted these settings, simply hit export! Your photos will maintain that beautiful light and airy aesthetic—and they'll look fantastic when they pop up on your feed!

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10. Tips for Consistency Across Your Feed

Creating a cohesive feed is essential for any photographer or influencer looking to establish their brand. Here are some solid tips to ensure your light and airy photos maintain consistency:

• Stick to a Color Palette: Choose a palette that enhances the light and airy feel—think soft pastels, muted tones, or bright whites. When you maintain a similar color range across your images, your feed will naturally feel more unified.
• Use the Same Presets: If you find a VSCO preset that gives you that airiness you love, stick with it! Consistent editing styles across your photos can tie them all together beautifully.
• Keep Your Lighting Consistent: Shoot in similar lighting conditions for your photos. Ideally, aim for natural light or golden hour for that dreamy vibe.
• Plan Your Layout: Use apps like Planoly or Preview to see how your images will look together before posting. This visual planning can help ensure you maintain your desired aesthetic.

By following these tips, you'll not only enhance your light and airy images but also create a stunning and cohesive Instagram feed that draws viewers in!

• Light and Airy Photos
• VSCO