Ever scroll through Instagram and see photos that look soft, bright, and glowing — like the light is wrapping everything in warmth? That’s the magic of the right VSCO filter.
Glow edits are all about brightness, warmth, and soft highlights, creating a radiant and airy feel that makes your photos look alive and polished.
Here are five VSCO filters that give your pictures that perfect glow-up.
🌤️ 1. A6 – Clean and Naturally Radiant
Best for: Bright, minimal, and lifestyle shots
Why it works:
A6 brings out clarity and brightness without washing out skin tones. It’s one of VSCO’s most balanced filters — creating clean whites and subtle warmth that make your photo glow naturally.
Recommended settings:
- Exposure +0.5 to +1
- Contrast +1
- Temperature +0.5
- Grain +1.5
✨ Ideal for: Selfies, aesthetic flat lays, and bright outfits
🌅 2. AL3 – Golden Glow & Sunlight Aesthetic
Best for: Outdoor, golden-hour photos
Why it works:
AL3 adds a sun-kissed tone and soft glow to any image. It beautifully enhances natural light and makes your photo feel warm, golden, and radiant — like your own little sunset filter.
Recommended settings:
- Exposure +0.5
- Temperature +1.5
- Contrast +0.5
- Fade +0.5
✨ Ideal for: Beach pics, sunny portraits, and travel content
🌸 3. J5 – Dreamy, Soft Glow
Best for: Indoor shots with natural or soft lighting
Why it works:
J5 gives your photos a creamy tone and slightly lowered contrast, making everything look cinematic and softly lit. It’s amazing for creating that glow-from-within aesthetic without losing detail.
Recommended settings:
- Exposure +0.5
- Contrast -0.5
- Temperature +1
- Grain +2
✨ Ideal for: Skincare shots, cozy room photos, soft aesthetic feeds
☀️ 4. C1 – Bright, Airy Pop
Best for: Vivid, high-energy photos
Why it works:
C1 enhances brightness and color vibrance, giving your photo a glowing, happy tone. It makes whites shine and adds a clean pastel glow that feels energetic and fresh.
Recommended settings:
- Exposure +1
- Saturation +0.5
- Highlights -1
- Grain +1
✨ Ideal for: Fashion shots, colorful content, and outdoor photos
🌼 5. A10 – Soft Glow with Depth
Best for: Balanced warm glow with deep shadows
Why it works:
A10 creates warm tones and clean contrast that make your image glow — not just in brightness, but in feeling. It’s perfect for creating moody-glow vibes where light and shadows dance together.
Recommended settings:
- Exposure +0.5
- Contrast +1
- Temperature +0.5
- Grain +2
✨ Ideal for: Portraits, sunsets, and aesthetic daily photos
💫 Bonus Tip: Glow = Light + Warmth + Softness
To achieve that glowing effect, focus on balancing exposure, temperature, and highlights — increase light gently and reduce harsh contrast. Add a bit of fade or grain for that dreamy finish.
🌞 Final Thoughts
From the golden warmth of AL3 to the bright, clean tones of C1, these VSCO filters help your photos shine — literally. Perfect for creators who want to capture soft light, glowy skin, and a warm, happy aesthetic.
✨ Make your photos glow — not just with light, but with mood
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