Atmosphere
Light Leak
A light leak is a wash of warm, colored light across the edge of a photo, made when stray light slips into the camera through a worn seal and fogs part of the film.
Every stop is a real Daydream render. Only the right-edge leak setting changes.
Why it happens
Why do old cameras leak light?
Old cameras with worn felt seals let warm light seep across the frame. The accident became an aesthetic.
In Daydream
Creates warm, colorful light leaks that simulate light entering through gaps in the camera body. More diffuse and colorful than film burn.
Up close
What does light leak do to a photo?
A tight crop from the full-size render. Left is off, right is 100% right-edge leak. Drag the line to compare.
What changes
- Adds warm, colorful light spills from edges
- Creates a dreamy, vintage atmosphere
- Each corner and edge can be controlled independently
- Color can be customized across the full spectrum
The controls
How do you adjust light leak?
The dial above moves right-edge leak. Color 3% stayed fixed for every render.
| Control | Range | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Top Left/Right | 0–100% | Leak from top corners |
| Bottom Left/Right | 0–100% | Leak from bottom corners |
| Top/Bottom Edge | 0–100% | Leak from horizontal edges |
| Left/Right Edge | 0–100% | Leak from vertical edges |
| Color | 0–100% | Light leak hue (full color spectrum) |
Base for every render: the Daydream preset at its defaults.
When to reach for it
When should you use light leak?
Light leaks were common in well-used cameras. The warm red-orange default is closest to the references used for this effect.
Best for
- Vintage aesthetics
- Dreamy photography
- Warm atmospheres
One leak says analog louder than any caption.
Join the iOS Beta
Try light leak on your own photos. Join the iOS beta and shoot with Daydream Film.