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Lighting Effects Image Filters: Before & After Examples for All 24 Presets

See all 24 Lighting Effects photo filters from the free Image Filters tool, each with a before-and-after comparison, a full applied image and its exact settings.

Lighting Effects Image Filters: Before & After Examples for All 24 Presets

This page shows every Lighting Effects preset from the free Image Filters & Effects tool on its own: a before-and-after comparison and a full picture with the filter applied. There are 24 filters here, all run at 100% strength on the same sample photo.

Lighting Effects presets imitate different light sources and set-ups, from soft studio light to coloured glows. Try them when your photo has the right subject but the light feels wrong. In this set of 24, 12 lean warm, 4 lean cool and 8 stay close to neutral. On average they change contrast by +12 and saturation by +8; 8 boost colour, 4 add visible grain and 11 add a noticeable vignette.

Looking for the contact-sheet view with six filters per image, plus how the tool works? See the full guide to all 467 filters.

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All 24 Lighting Effects filters

1. Blue Night Light

Cool moonlit night — desaturated with deep blue ambient light.

This preset softens colour, adds a clearly cool, blue cast, pulls exposure down a little and settles the midtones a bit darker. For depth it uses blue-tinted shadows and cool, icy highlights. On top of that it adds strong contrast and applies extra clarity. The look is finished with a heavy vignette that darkens the edges and a touch of grain.

Brightness −8 · Contrast +20 · Saturation −15 · Gamma 0.95 · Warmth (R−B) −40 · Clarity +8 · Vignette 45 · Grain 12 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Blue Night Light photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Blue Night Light: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Blue Night Light filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Blue Night Light applied at 100% strength.

2. Candlelight Warm

Intimate candle glow — ultra-warm amber with soft contrast.

Applied at 100%, it boosts colour, adds a clearly warm, orange cast, pushes the greens and lifts exposure slightly. It also adds warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. It closes with a noticeable vignette and a touch of grain.

Brightness +8 · Contrast +5 · Saturation +20 · Gamma 1.1 · Warmth (R−B) +63 · Clarity +3 · Vignette 40 · Grain 10

Before and after comparison of the Candlelight Warm photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Candlelight Warm: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Candlelight Warm filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Candlelight Warm applied at 100% strength.

3. Cloudy Soft

Gentle overcast softness — flat even light with slight cool tone.

The grade leans cool, lifts exposure slightly and gently lifts the midtones. Final touches: a touch of grain.

Brightness +8 · Contrast −5 · Saturation −5 · Gamma 1.08 · Warmth (R−B) −8 · Clarity +5 · Vignette 8 · Grain 5

Before and after comparison of the Cloudy Soft photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Cloudy Soft: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Cloudy Soft filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Cloudy Soft applied at 100% strength.

4. Cold Fluorescent

Harsh fluorescent office light — cool, clinical, slightly green-tinted.

At full strength it leans cool, lifts exposure slightly and adds some contrast. It also applies extra clarity. To finish, it adds a touch of grain.

Brightness +8 · Contrast +10 · Saturation −8 · Gamma 1.02 · Warmth (R−B) −13 · Clarity +8 · Vignette 5 · Grain 5 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Cold Fluorescent photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Cold Fluorescent: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Cold Fluorescent filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Cold Fluorescent applied at 100% strength.

5. Diffused Light

Overcast diffused light — shadowless, even, soft and clean.

This preset brightens the frame and gently lifts the midtones. On top of that it flattens contrast for a soft, faded feel.

Brightness +10 · Contrast −10 · Saturation +5 · Gamma 1.1 · Warmth (R−B) +2 · Clarity +5 · Vignette 5 · Grain 3

Before and after comparison of the Diffused Light photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Diffused Light: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Diffused Light filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Diffused Light applied at 100% strength.

6. Dramatic Spotlight

Theatre spotlight — heavy vignette with bright centre hotspot.

Applied at 100%, it lifts exposure slightly and settles the midtones a bit darker. Beyond that it adds very punchy contrast, applies extra clarity and applies noticeable sharpening. It closes with a heavy vignette that darkens the edges and a touch of grain.

Brightness +5 · Contrast +40 · Saturation +5 · Gamma 0.95 · Warmth (R−B) +5 · Clarity +15 · Vignette 70 · Grain 8 · Sharpen 2

Before and after comparison of the Dramatic Spotlight photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Dramatic Spotlight: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Dramatic Spotlight filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Dramatic Spotlight applied at 100% strength.

7. Edge Glow

Glowing edges with dark centre — inverted vignette light effect.

The grade boosts colour, lifts exposure slightly and adds strong contrast. Colour is split-toned with warm golden highlights. In addition it applies extra clarity. Final touches: a touch of grain.

Brightness +8 · Contrast +25 · Saturation +15 · Gamma 1 · Warmth (R−B) +5 · Clarity +12 · Vignette -20 · Grain 5 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Edge Glow photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Edge Glow: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Edge Glow filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Edge Glow applied at 100% strength.

8. Film Burn Effect

Chemical film burn — red-orange light leak edges with grain.

At full strength it boosts colour, adds a clearly warm, orange cast, lifts exposure slightly and adds some contrast. The look is split-toned with warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. To finish, it adds visible film grain.

Brightness +5 · Contrast +15 · Saturation +20 · Gamma 1 · Warmth (R−B) +50 · Vignette -10 · Grain 25

Before and after comparison of the Film Burn Effect photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Film Burn Effect: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Film Burn Effect filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Film Burn Effect applied at 100% strength.

9. Flash Pop

Camera flash pop — even bright exposure with punchy colours.

This preset boosts colour, brightens the frame and gently lifts the midtones. On top of that it adds strong contrast, applies extra clarity and applies noticeable sharpening. The look is finished with a touch of grain.

Brightness +15 · Contrast +20 · Saturation +20 · Gamma 1.1 · Warmth (R−B) 0 · Clarity +15 · Vignette 5 · Grain 5 · Sharpen 2

Before and after comparison of the Flash Pop photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Flash Pop: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Flash Pop filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Flash Pop applied at 100% strength.

10. Halo Glow

Angelic halo glow — bright warm centre with fading soft edges.

Applied at 100%, it leans warm, brightens the frame and opens up the midtones. It also adds warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. Beyond that it applies a soft blur of about 1 px for a dreamy look. It closes with a light vignette.

Brightness +15 · Contrast −8 · Saturation +8 · Gamma 1.2 · Warmth (R−B) +7 · Clarity −3 · Vignette 15 · Grain 4 · Blur 1

Before and after comparison of the Halo Glow photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Halo Glow: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Halo Glow filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Halo Glow applied at 100% strength.

11. Laser Highlight

High-key highlights with maximum detail — clinical bright clarity.

The grade brightens the frame and adds strong contrast. In addition it applies strong clarity for crisp local contrast and applies noticeable sharpening. Final touches: a light vignette.

Brightness +10 · Contrast +28 · Saturation +10 · Gamma 1 · Warmth (R−B) 0 · Clarity +25 · Vignette 15 · Grain 3 · Sharpen 3

Before and after comparison of the Laser Highlight photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Laser Highlight: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Laser Highlight filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Laser Highlight applied at 100% strength.

12. Light Leak Vintage

Analogue light leak — red-orange bleed with vintage grain.

At full strength it adds a clearly warm, orange cast, lifts exposure slightly and gently lifts the midtones. The look is split-toned with warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. To finish, it adds a noticeable vignette and visible film grain.

Brightness +5 · Contrast −5 · Saturation +10 · Gamma 1.1 · Warmth (R−B) +34 · Vignette 30 · Grain 28

Before and after comparison of the Light Leak Vintage photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Light Leak Vintage: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Light Leak Vintage filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Light Leak Vintage applied at 100% strength.

13. Moonlight Tone

Silvery moonlight — cool blue-white with soft shadow detail.

This preset softens colour, adds a clearly cool, blue cast, lifts exposure slightly and adds some contrast. For depth it uses blue-tinted shadows. On top of that it applies extra clarity. The look is finished with a noticeable vignette and a touch of grain.

Brightness +5 · Contrast +15 · Saturation −25 · Gamma 1.02 · Warmth (R−B) −28 · Clarity +10 · Vignette 30 · Grain 8 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Moonlight Tone photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Moonlight Tone: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Moonlight Tone filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Moonlight Tone applied at 100% strength.

14. Neon Glow

Electric neon light wash — vivid saturated colour with dark contrast.

Applied at 100%, it pushes colour to a vivid level, pulls exposure down a little and settles the midtones a bit darker. It also adds blue-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. Beyond that it adds strong contrast and applies extra clarity. It closes with a heavy vignette that darkens the edges and a touch of grain.

Brightness −5 · Contrast +30 · Saturation +50 · Gamma 0.92 · Warmth (R−B) −5 · Clarity +12 · Vignette 45 · Grain 10 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Neon Glow photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Neon Glow: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Neon Glow filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Neon Glow applied at 100% strength.

15. Overexposed Artistic

Intentional blown highlights — ethereal overexposure as art.

The grade brightens the frame and opens up the midtones. Colour is split-toned with warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. In addition it flattens contrast for a soft, faded feel and applies a soft blur of about 1 px for a dreamy look. Final touches: a touch of grain.

Brightness +25 · Contrast −25 · Saturation +5 · Gamma 1.3 · Warmth (R−B) +2 · Clarity −10 · Grain 5 · Blur 1

Before and after comparison of the Overexposed Artistic photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Overexposed Artistic: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Overexposed Artistic filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Overexposed Artistic applied at 100% strength.

16. Rim Light Effect

Strong rim light separation — dark background, glowing edges.

At full strength it leans warm, pulls exposure down a little and settles the midtones a bit darker. The look is split-toned with warm golden highlights. It also adds very punchy contrast, applies strong clarity for crisp local contrast and applies noticeable sharpening. To finish, it adds a heavy vignette that darkens the edges and a touch of grain.

Brightness −5 · Contrast +35 · Saturation +10 · Gamma 0.95 · Warmth (R−B) +8 · Clarity +18 · Vignette 55 · Grain 8 · Sharpen 2

Before and after comparison of the Rim Light Effect photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Rim Light Effect: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Rim Light Effect filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Rim Light Effect applied at 100% strength.

17. Soft Morning Light

Gentle early morning warmth — soft shadows and dewy freshness.

This preset leans warm, brightens the frame and opens up the midtones. For depth it uses warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. The look is finished with a light vignette.

Brightness +14 · Contrast −5 · Saturation +8 · Gamma 1.15 · Warmth (R−B) +11 · Clarity +5 · Vignette 10 · Grain 4

Before and after comparison of the Soft Morning Light photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Soft Morning Light: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Soft Morning Light filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Soft Morning Light applied at 100% strength.

18. Street Lamp Glow

Urban sodium-yellow street lamp — warm low-light atmosphere.

Applied at 100%, it adds a clearly warm, orange cast, pushes the greens, pulls exposure down a little and adds some contrast. It also adds warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. It closes with a heavy vignette that darkens the edges and visible film grain.

Brightness −5 · Contrast +15 · Saturation +10 · Gamma 1 · Warmth (R−B) +45 · Clarity +5 · Vignette 50 · Grain 15

Before and after comparison of the Street Lamp Glow photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Street Lamp Glow: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Street Lamp Glow filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Street Lamp Glow applied at 100% strength.

19. Studio Softbox

Professional softbox studio — even, flattering, neutral-warm light.

The grade leans warm, brightens the frame and gently lifts the midtones. In addition it adds some contrast and applies extra clarity. Final touches: a light vignette.

Brightness +10 · Contrast +8 · Saturation +5 · Gamma 1.08 · Warmth (R−B) +8 · Clarity +8 · Vignette 12 · Grain 3 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Studio Softbox photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Studio Softbox: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Studio Softbox filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Studio Softbox applied at 100% strength.

20. Sun Flare Overlay

Anamorphic lens flare — warm highlight blowout with yellow-orange cast.

At full strength it boosts colour, adds a clearly warm, orange cast, pushes the greens and brightens the frame. The look is split-toned with warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. It also adds some contrast and applies extra clarity. To finish, it adds a touch of grain.

Brightness +12 · Contrast +10 · Saturation +18 · Gamma 1.12 · Warmth (R−B) +35 · Clarity +8 · Grain 5

Before and after comparison of the Sun Flare Overlay photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Sun Flare Overlay: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Sun Flare Overlay filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Sun Flare Overlay applied at 100% strength.

21. Sunset Backlight

Rim-lit silhouette warmth — blazing backlight with warm flare.

This preset boosts colour, adds a clearly warm, orange cast, pushes the greens and lifts exposure slightly. For depth it uses warm golden highlights. On top of that it adds strong contrast and applies extra clarity. The look is finished with a noticeable vignette and a touch of grain.

Brightness +5 · Contrast +20 · Saturation +20 · Gamma 1.05 · Warmth (R−B) +46 · Clarity +10 · Vignette 35 · Grain 8

Before and after comparison of the Sunset Backlight photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Sunset Backlight: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Sunset Backlight filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Sunset Backlight applied at 100% strength.

22. Underexposed Mood

Intentionally dark and moody — underexposed with crushed blacks.

Applied at 100%, it darkens the frame noticeably and deepens the midtones strongly. Beyond that it adds strong contrast and applies extra clarity. It closes with a heavy vignette that darkens the edges and visible film grain.

Brightness −20 · Contrast +20 · Saturation −10 · Gamma 0.82 · Warmth (R−B) −5 · Clarity +8 · Vignette 55 · Grain 16 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Underexposed Mood photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Underexposed Mood: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Underexposed Mood filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Underexposed Mood applied at 100% strength.

23. Warm Indoor Light

Cozy interior tungsten warmth — amber tones, deep shadows.

The grade boosts colour, adds a clearly warm, orange cast, pushes the greens and lifts exposure slightly. Colour is split-toned with warm red-tinted shadows and warm golden highlights. In addition it adds some contrast. Final touches: a noticeable vignette and a touch of grain.

Brightness +5 · Contrast +12 · Saturation +15 · Gamma 1.05 · Warmth (R−B) +48 · Clarity +5 · Vignette 35 · Grain 8

Before and after comparison of the Warm Indoor Light photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Warm Indoor Light: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Warm Indoor Light filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Warm Indoor Light applied at 100% strength.

24. Window Light

Natural window light — soft directional with bright side and deep shadow.

At full strength it leans warm, lifts exposure slightly and gently lifts the midtones. It also adds some contrast and applies extra clarity. To finish, it adds a light vignette and a touch of grain.

Brightness +8 · Contrast +18 · Saturation +5 · Gamma 1.07 · Warmth (R−B) +8 · Clarity +10 · Vignette 20 · Grain 5 · Sharpen 1

Before and after comparison of the Window Light photo filter (Lighting Effects) on the sample photo
Window Light: before (left) and after (right).
Sample photo with the Window Light filter (Lighting Effects) fully applied
Window Light applied at 100% strength.

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