I promised forever ago that I’d do a tut on how I edit my vintage inspired pin-up photos to make them look like old posters. I use Picmonkey (the paid version: TOTALLY worth it) to achieve this look. Check it out! Also, check out this tutorial on how to do your own pin-up photography at home..
1. Open your photo in Picmonkey.
2. If needed adjust exposure and contrast.
3. Adjust sharpness and clarity.
4. Airbrush skin and remove imperfections.
5. Use the clone tool to erase the hard shadows on the backdrop if needed.
6. Apply the Orton effect at 0% bloom.
7. Apply the HDR effect at 84% or so.
8. Apply Dark Edges to the right size and intensity desired.
9. Apply the bottom middle Papyrus texture and fade it back to about 45% or so. Use Multiply.
10. Apply the Cross Process effect in Green and fade it to about 70%.
11. Apply the Film Stock effect in Reala and fade it to about 80%.
12. Apply the Daguerrotype effect in Shiro and fade it to about 80%.
13. If sharper edges are needed apply the Gritty effect and fade it to about 85%.
14. Finally, go back to Editor and play with the Exposure again to brighten up and slightly fade the image. Lowering the contrast creates a “haze” effect.