Perfect choice — the Dark Academia aesthetic is one of the most beautiful and moody styles on VSCO 🎓📚☕
Think Oxford libraries, old books, candlelight, and muted brown tones.
Below are 5 VSCO filters that match the aesthetic — with a full step-by-step guide for each one, so you can create that dreamy, intellectual look yourself.
🕯️ 1. A4 – Warm Vintage Academia
Mood: Classic, golden-brown vintage tone.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
- Apply Filter A4 → set intensity to +9
- Go to Exposure: -1.0 (slightly darker for that moody tone)
- Contrast: +0.5
- Temperature: +1 (adds cozy warmth)
- Grain: +2
- Fade: +1
Result: Warm, candlelit mood with soft brown film vibes — perfect for library desks, old books, or study setups.
☕ 2. M5 – Faded Retro Film
Mood: Aged film look, like 90s academia photographs.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
- Apply Filter M5 → set to +10
- Exposure: -0.5
- Contrast: -1 (softens the photo)
- Temperature: +0.5
- Fade: +2
- Grain: +3
Result: Faded, warm sepia-like tone that feels like a worn-out paperback cover.
📖 3. A6 – Clean Neutral Classics
Mood: Timeless and balanced, for modern academia looks.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
- Apply Filter A6 → set to +8
- Exposure: +0.3 (slightly bright)
- Contrast: +1
- Temperature: -0.5 (neutralizes warmth)
- Highlights: -1
- Grain: +2
Result: Clear whites and gentle shadows — ideal for architecture, desks, or university shots.
🌫️ 4. F2 – Cool Matte Shadows
Mood: Misty, intellectual, moody mornings.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
- Apply Filter F2 → intensity +9
- Exposure: -1.0
- Contrast: -1
- Temperature: -1
- Grain: +1
- Fade: +2
Result: Desaturated, cold atmosphere — perfect for rainy windows, coffee, or vintage coats.
🪶 5. J5 – Muted Film Academic
Mood: Soft cinematic palette with creamy highlights.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
- Apply Filter J5 → set to +8
- Exposure: -0.5
- Contrast: +0.5
- Temperature: +0.3
- Grain: +1.5
- Shadows Tint: slightly warm brown (+0.5 tint if available)
Result: Balanced and poetic — perfect for portraits, reading shots, or classic architecture.
🎓 Bonus Styling Tips for Dark Academia Photos
- Lighting: Natural light near windows or candlelight works best.
- Colors: Stick to browns, creams, dark greens, black, and gold tones.
- Props: Books, typewriters, mugs, vintage lamps, leather bags.
- Outfits: Turtlenecks, blazers, plaid skirts, loafers, tweed jackets.
Would you like me to generate a visual guide (photo grid) showing these 5 filters applied to the same “Dark Academia” image (like a desk, book, and candle setup)? It’ll help you see the difference side-by-side.
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