Shoot Photos Like this with a Dab of Vaseline, a Skylight Filter & a Deft Finger (VIDEO)

This tutorial demonstrates the magic of a “Vaseline technique” that will impart a soft, dreamy look to just about any image you shoot. This method isn’t exactly new, but it’s rarely discussed among digital photographers who typically apply software filters to create special effects.

Likewise, there are camera lens filters designed for similar effects, but instructor Eva Polak explains why the old-school Vaseline method provides more control. One reason is that you can experiment with different smears to craft a unique vision.

Polak is a notable impressionist photographer specializing in unique methods that immerse viewers in the beauty of fleeting moments “where every frame tells a story.” All you need to accomplish today’s trick is your camera and lens, a skylight filter, and a small dab of Vaseline. As she says, “this technique is perfect for achieving a poetic, painterly effect right in the camera.”

So buckle up, grab your filter and a little jar of gooey magic and let’s turn an everyday subject into a beautiful, artistic masterpiece in the next eight minutes. Polak discusses the types of subjects that work best for this approach, how to configure the camera to achieve optimum results, and why a tripod can be a big help when setting up a shot.

She also demonstrates a few compositional tips, and how your camera position relative to the light factors into to the equation. Creating photos with this painterly effect relies upon understanding various ways you can “paint” Vaseline on the filter with your finger to alter the results.

The fun part of this method is there’s no one “right way” to get the job done. Rather it’s all about a keen eye and a willingness to experiment until you like what you see. The only problem is that’s it can be difficult to stop once you get going because the variations possible are virtually limitless.

Bottom line: Vaseline isn’t just for skin, and a small tub deserves a spot in your everyday camera bag. Be sure to check out Polak’s instructional YouTube channel if impressionist photography strikes your fancy.

And don’t miss the tutorial we featured with another creative pro who demonstrates how to use water reflections to capture unique photographs after the sun drops below the horizon.