Dreamy Effect in Photography

Bright colors and hazy light make a picture look dreamy.

With the introduction and continuing development of both cameras and software to digitally alter photos, it is easier than ever for both amateur and professional photographers to add the desired effects to their pictures. Techniques to make pictures look dreamy and ethereal are varied, whether you are at the moment of snapping the shutter or adding the effects using a computer after the fact.

Using Light

A dreamy picture of boys playing in the late afternoon light.

Soft, fuzzy light or light that seems to be omnipresent rather than have a specific source will make a photograph look abstract or ethereal. When you are taking a picture in the field, choose cloudy or rainy days when the light is diffused. Take your pictures in the morning or late afternoon when the sun is at a steeper angle to catch a few beams of light. If you are using software to manipulate an existing picture, play with the level of contrast to lighten or darken the image.

Colors

The light mixed with soft, fuzzy colors creates a dreamy effect.

Colors can be accentuated to evoke certain emotions. Colors that evoke dreamy feelings are often softer, secondary colors, with the exception of some shades of blue. Light blue is a tranquil color that denotes relaxation. Green is associated with nature and creates a calming effect on the eye. Lighter shades of green, like olive, symbolize peace and harmony. Soft tones of purple are well liked by children and are often used to market children's products. Use light tones of these colors, either in your chosen live shots or your computer's color palette, to create a dreamy effect in photography.

Soft or Decorative Lines

Lines of young plants shot at an angle.

Another technique that can give your photos a dreamy effect is the manipulation of internal lines and shapes or softening the borders. This is a process that can only be done using a software program with existing photographs. Adjusting the borders of your picture by rounding out the corners, or softening the edge of the border to fade a clear black line, or putting a light curve into the edges, can soften both light and lines. If your picture contains lines, soften or angle them to soften the effect on the picture. Juxtapose other patterns or lines on the photo to make it look more intricate or symbolic.

Dreamy Locations

Mystical Egyptian ruins are great subjects for dreamy photos.

Some places are easy to take ethereal pictures of because they look dreamy anyway. For more romantic pictures, think of places with lush landscapes or ancient ruins. If you are a tourist and you want to give your photos an ethereal effect, visit that picturesque lookout or crumbling jungle temple at sunrise or sunset to enhance the dreamy effect by using the dim light. Digitally manipulated or created photos frequently make use of lush landscapes, stars and planets or mystical themes for subjects or backgrounds.

References

• Nifty Tutorials: Add a Dreamy or Misty Effect to Your Photos
• Eyes on Tutorials: Dreamy Photo Effect