1895 is a free Lightroom preset that will make your photos look like they were taken in the early days of photography. It replicates the antique look of pictures taken by old plate cameras of the 1890s. Given the limitations of cameras and light-sensitive chemicals back in those days, images would appear monochromatic and tinted with some metallic hues.
This is the perfect preset to use if you want to simulate that retro look in your digital photos. Simply apply this 1895 preset and it would seem like you travelled back in time for these timeless captures. The examples below will show you how this filter ages your present-day shots in an instant.
Tints in Monochrome
The Plate Camera Look. In 1895, the only cameras available were plate cameras; these are the big boxy cameras on tripods that you see in period films. Photographers back then would use light-sensitive chemicals on plates for imaging. There are still traces of the earlier daguerrotype in its look, but softer.
To reproduce this historical look, the 1895 preset first switches image processing to black and white mode or monochrome. It then adds the signature metallic hues by blending blue tones in the highlights and yellow in the shadows.
Mutes Tones for the Antiquated Look
Old & Hazy. Cameras back then could only capture base hues. They also could not produce colors nor show the subtleties in lighting yet. The most apparent result is the soft and low-contrast look that appear somewhat hazy.
The 1895 preset does exactly this. It decreases contrast and softens blacks. You can observe in the street photo above how plain, yet quaint, this old style is compared to our digital images.
Softens Hues and Shadows
Less Detail. Unlike our modern digital cameras that shoot in high-resolution, early cameras, of course, cannot show that much detail yet. To reproduce this effect on modern photos, 1895 preset decreases clarity. This effect is great on portraits because of the soft and smooth look it gives.
Try it on any portrait that you have and see for yourself. You may even compare the result to an old family photo lying around. It would also be fun to upload your now-antiquated selfie in social media or Instagram!
Applies a Varied Color Treatment
Varied Hues. Monochromatic camera interpret colors in shades of grey. To make the result sophisticated, — a modern touch — 1895 preset varies color luminance. It decreases those of red, orange, yellow, green, and aqua tones; it increases those of blue and purple.
You can observe the result in the After photo above. The woman’s orange pants appear muted, while the blue water and sky have more light in them.
Adds the Classic Old-Film Effects
Grain and Vignetting. Finally, 1895 preset applies the classic old-film effects: grain and vignetting. These were unavoidable in old cameras after all, considering how basic the technology was back then. Vignetting was caused by the lens used, while grain was visible according to the panel’s or film’s light sensitivity.
Fortunately, this antiquated look is now more of a stylistic choice than a side effect. If you want this 1895 charm in your photos, apply this preset in your Lightroom and you are good to go.
Why not try other specific period presets? Try PresetLove’s 1970s, 1972, and 1985.
1895 preset is for Lightroom Mobile, Desktop and…
Like all our presets, you can absolutely use 1895 preset as is, right out of the box. With any preset, you might need to make adjustments to accommodate your specific camera, settings, lighting, and subject matter.
- Entirely Adjustable
- Compatible with Lightroom 4, 5, 6 and CC
- Performs with both PC, Mac, and Mobile
- Applicable to both RAW and JPG images
- 100% Free
Free Lightroom Preset by Forrest Lane
