Vintage presets: the look of the 50s, 60s and 70s in Lightroom

"Vintage" often gets treated as a single style, while the 1950s, 60s and 70s share little visually. If you want to give a photo a retro feel, you should not just grab any old preset, but pick a specific decade.

The 1950s: bright and saturated

The Rock-'n-Retro category works with bright, saturated colours: red, chrome and pastel, as in Chroomdroom and Pastelwagen. These presets suit subjects with clear form: cars, facades, fashion. On a busy street photo they get overwhelming fast.

The 1960s: saturated and experimental

Flower Power brings more contrast between bright and muted colours side by side, as in Psychedelisch or Pop Kleur. This style calls for images with character: a strong composition or a striking element, otherwise the subject drowns in the colour.

The 1970s: warm and muted

Avocado goes the other way: warm, slightly faded tones as in Avocadogroen and Oud Goud. This works well on portraits and interiors, where you want warmth and calm rather than bright colour.

Not sure which decade fits

Look at what your photo already has. Strong structure and shape: the 50s. One striking graphic element: the 60s. Soft skin and interiors: the 70s. Beyond these three there is also the broader Filmkorrel category, with a more neutral analogue look as a middle ground.