Student Dashboard
get the Free Preset

Steal my favorite preset

Save time editing with this preset that I personally use on my outdoor photos to brighten and warm up the scene.

The Joy Blog

How I Make Digital Photos Look Like Film: DxO Film Pack 8 Review

english photography gear photography tips
DxO Film Pack 8 Review

If you love the nostalgic look of film photography but rely on digital cameras, you’re in for a treat. With DxO Film Pack 8, you can recreate that classic analog aesthetic directly from your digital images—no film camera required.

As a wedding and portrait photographer, I often hear clients asking for that timeless, cinematic look. Luckily, this powerful film emulation software makes it easy to deliver.

 

Why Film Look Still Matters

Film photography has a certain warmth, grain, and character that many digital images lack. Even though I shoot with high-quality Canon cameras, clients still want that film-style aesthetic for their portraits and weddings.

DxO Film Pack 8 bridges the gap, letting photographers:

  • Emulate classic film types digitally 
  • Customize grain, color, and tone
  • Work with RAW or JPEG files
  • Maintain high resolution for prints and digital use

 

What Makes DxO Film Pack 8 Stand Out

Unlike many subscription-based editing programs, DxO Film Pack 8 is a one-time purchase—buy it once and keep it forever.

Here’s what I love about it:

  • 15 new film emulations to get started
  • Over 300 customizable filters for endless creativity
  • Integration with Photoshop or standalone use
  • High-resolution support for superior image quality
  • Scanned film optimization tools for correcting color shifts and density issues

 

How I Edit My Digital Photos to Look Like Film

Here’s my workflow for turning digital shots into film-inspired masterpieces:

  1. Choose a base film look: Start with a preset that matches the mood you’re going for.
  2. Adjust grain and texture: Add the perfect amount of film grain or paper textures.
  3. Tweak colors and tones: Use the right panel sliders to fine-tune contrast, shadows, highlights, and white balance.
  4. Apply light effects: Add vignetting, light leaks, or subtle frames for extra authenticity.
  5. Customize further: Each preset is fully editable, so no two images have to look the same.

One of my favorite new additions is the Cine Style 800T emulation, which mimics popular cinematic film for a moody, analog look—perfect for weddings, portraits, or creative social media shots.

 

Why I Prefer Digital Film Emulation

Shooting digital and editing with DxO Film Pack 8 gives me:

  • Immediate backups and security—no risk of losing film rolls
  • High-resolution files for large prints
  • Complete control over the final look
  • Creative flexibility to experiment without limits

Whether you’re a seasoned film photographer or just starting out, this software makes it simple to get that classic film aesthetic while leveraging the convenience of digital photography.

 

Bottom Line

DxO Film Pack 8 is a must-have tool for photographers who love the look of film but want the flexibility of digital. With endless customization, high-resolution support, and a perpetual license, it’s one of the most versatile film emulation solutions available today.

If you want to elevate your digital photography with a classic film vibe, this software is a no-brainer—especially during the current Black Friday deal of up to 50% off.

 

 

Are you ready to stop guessing and start growing your photography business with proven strategies?

My Mastermind program is designed for photographers who want to scale, find freedom, and build a business they truly love. Inside, you’ll get personalized coaching, step-by-step guidance, and the community support you need to thrive.


See if it’s the right fit for you: https://www.breatheyourpassion.com/photo-insiders-mastermind-optin 

 

Want my Lightroom Presets? Here's your way to the shop: https://vanessajoy.samcart.com/products/the-complete-editing-bundle

Your Next Step

Take the free Speed Posing 101 class

Learn to pose individuals, couples, and groups with precision and speed. This free class will help you shoot with confidence no matter the situation and consistently wow your clients with a variety of stunning images.

Take the free class

Latest from the blog

How I Make Digital Photos Look Like Film: DxO Film Pack 8 Review

The Easy Way to Backup Photos and Videos Without Missing a Shot

The BEST Way to Capture Cozy Newborn Photos at Home

Free downloads

Don't leave without your goody bag
Free Preset

Steal my favorite preset

Save time editing with this preset that I personally use on my outdoor photos to brighten and warm up the scene.

i'm ready

Get Posing ideas

The Posing Inspiration Guide

Use my poses that your clients will love. Swipe ideas for posing individuals, couples, groups, and details.

yup, i need it

Free Class

Speed Posing 101

Feel confident shooting, deliver a variety of images, and pose with precision and speed — I'll show you how!

let's do this!
Meet Vanessa

Photography education that gives your art an edge

Vanessa has been photographing weddings, events, portraits and lifestyle for over 20 years.

She's a Canon Explorer of Light, an honor given to only 5 photographers in the United States, and her work has been published by Yahoo! News, Grace Ormonde, Style Me Pretty, Rangefinder and more.

With her practical and open-book style of teaching, she shares everything she knows with hundreds of thousands of photographers as an educator and influential sparker.

Work with Vanessa →

Join Vanessa Joy's Photo Insiders

Come sit at our “lunch table” and learn with top-notch video lessons released monthly, a private community and live photoshoots. Join our live group coaching calls, request videos, and get your individual questions answered.

Become a member

Get photography and business tips

Join our email list to get it all directly in your inbox

Follow along on Instagram