Photo Filters Explained
What each filter actually does under the hood — and when to use it.
Warm
What it does: Increases warmth (yellow/orange shift), slight saturation boost
When to use: Sunset scenes, portraits, cozy indoor shots
Warmth +30-40%, Saturation +10%
Cool
What it does: Shifts toward blue, reduces warmth
When to use: Winter scenes, moody portraits, tech/modern look
Warmth -30-40%, Saturation +10%
B&W
What it does: Removes all color, converts to grayscale
When to use: Drama, architecture, portraits, street photography
Saturation -100%, Contrast +15%
Sepia
What it does: B&W with brown/yellow tint
When to use: Vintage, historical, nostalgic look
Saturation -60%, Warmth +35%
Vivid
What it does: Boosts saturation and contrast significantly
When to use: Landscapes, food, flowers — anything colorful
Saturation +40%, Contrast +20%
Fade
What it does: Lifts blacks, reduces contrast for washed-out look
When to use: Vintage, dreamy, editorial fashion
Fade +30%, Contrast -20%
Cinema
What it does: Teal shadows + orange highlights (Hollywood color grade)
When to use: Cinematic portraits, street, architecture
Contrast +25%, Warmth -10%, Shadows teal
Noir
What it does: High-contrast B&W, crushed blacks
When to use: Film noir, dramatic portraits, silhouettes
Saturation -100%, Contrast +35%
Golden Hour
What it does: Warm glow, lifted highlights, slight haze
When to use: Emulating sunset light on any photo
Warmth +50%, Brightness +10%, Fade +10%
Moody
What it does: Darkened, desaturated, cool undertones
When to use: Dark/emotional content, rain, urban night
Brightness -10%, Saturation -20%, Warmth -15%