To edit your photos to resemble Wolfgang Tillmans’ style, focus on these key elements:
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Experiment with Lighting: Tillmans often uses natural or subdued lighting, giving photos a soft, ambient feel. Try to avoid harsh contrasts and instead play with different light sources to create intimate, moody shots.
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Use Grain & Texture: Tillmans’ work often incorporates visible grain and texture, giving the photos a raw, analog look. You can add grain or reduce clarity in post-processing to achieve this.
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Play with Colors and Tones: Tillmans’ photos feature unique color grading. You can experiment with warm or cool tones and even mute colors slightly for a more subdued, painterly effect.
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Abstract & Unconventional Compositions: His compositions often feel spontaneous, with subjects not always centered and sometimes cropped in unconventional ways. Don’t be afraid to break traditional photography rules and embrace abstract angles or accidental blur.
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Use of Blur: Often, his photos have parts that are intentionally out of focus, creating a sense of intimacy or emphasizing texture over detail. Use selective focus or blur for this effect.
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Printing Effects: Tillmans is known for his innovative printing techniques. If possible, experiment with printing and re-scanning your photos to create a more tactile, textured look.
By integrating these elements into your editing process, you can emulate Wolfgang Tillmans’ distinct style.
