How to Create a Vignette Effect in Photoshop

 

Vignetting is a darkening of corners in a photo. In this tutorial we will see how to add a vignette effect in a photograph.

Step 1

Open the image in photoshop. Go to File -> Open -> select the image

Step 2

Now we will create an Oval selection. Select elliptical marquee tool and draw  an oval selection over the center of the image.

Step 3

In this step we will Feather the selection. Feathering will soften the hard edges of elliptical selection. Go to Select > Modify > Feather and choose a large value.

Step 4

Now we will invert the selection. Go to select -> Inverse. This will invert your selection

Step 5

Add a new curve adjustment layer. With selection still active add a curves adjustment layer. It is a masked shape of your selection

Step 6

Make few changes to curve to adjust the vignette effect. Click on the curve to add an adjustment point near the middle, then drag it downwards to darken the corners of the photo, or upwards to lighten them.

 The final image

Vignetting can really add interest to the photos. Keep it subtle rather than overdoing it. Keep experimenting with Shapes and sizes and positions to create the effect you want.