Add a custom look to any photo with this pack of 120 light overlays. Simply drag and drop any of these elements into your image editor.
Want to add a custom, organic feel to your photos? We’ve created a pack of 120 free light elements that you can use in any project. Organically captured in studio, these natural-light reflections can drastically alter the look and feel of any photo.
These free light overlays are simple to use — designed for drag-and-drop compatibility with nearly every photo editing program. Here’s a look at these 120 free overlays in action.
What Are Light Overlays?
Light overlays are image files designed to layer on top of photos. This pack of 120 free light overlays includes transparent PNG files for easy, drag-and-drop use.
We captured these light overlays in studio with a variety of light sources, reflective and refractive glass, and a professional camera. We sent light through different types of glass objects and into the camera, which created the lens reflections.
Our team then processed the images of lens distortion and bokeh into these 120 free light overlays. Using different color temperatures and light sources, we were able to create completely unique light overlays that you can layer onto photographs to add depth or create a more surreal look.
Download 120 Free Light Overlays
To download these free assets, simply click on the button below. To learn how to use them, be sure to watch the tutorial below with step-by-step directions. By downloading, you agree not to resell or redistribute these free assets.
How to Use the 120 Free Light Elements
Don’t know how to use these free assets? We put together this helpful tutorial to show you how easy it is to drag and drop these light overlays into Adobe Photoshop and Shutterstock Create.
The 120 PNG files are compatible with nearly every major photo editing program. Each overlay already includes transparency, so no need to key out any colors. Just adjust blend modes and opacity for the best look.
Adobe Photoshop
To use these free light overlays in Adobe Photoshop, simply open an image and drag and drop the overlays. (If you want to use the Shutterstock Plugin for the Adobe Creative Cloud, you can download the plugin here.)
Step One: Open an Image in Adobe Photoshop
Simply open any photo in Adobe Photoshop, or add a photo to your canvas with the Shutterstock Plugin for the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Step Two: Drag Any of the Overlays Onto the Canvas
Open the folder containing the 120 free light overlays. Browse for the overlay you want to use, then drag it into your Photoshop project.
Step Three: Scale the Overlay to the Size of the Canvas
Adjust the size of the overlay with the transform tool. Keyboard shortcuts:
- Mac: Command+T
- PC: Control+T
Hold down the Shift key while adjusting the size of the overlay to maintain a uniform scale size.
Move the overlay into the desired position on the canvas.
Step Four: Change the Overlay’s Blend Mode
For the best look, adjust the overlay’s blend mode. Toy with both the Screen and Add blend modes.
Step Five: Add More Overlays, Then Save
Continue to add overlays until you get the look you want. Then simply save and export your photo.
If you used the Shutterstock Plugin, simply sign into your Shutterstock account, and license the image to replace the watermarked preview. That’s it!
Shutterstock Create
To use these free light overlays in Shutterstock Create, head to the home page to select a canvas size. If you’re already in the tool, click File > Create new > Blank Canvas.
Step One: Open Create and Set Your Canvas Size
Step Two: Import Photos
Inside the tool, click Images. Click Upload to upload your own, or type in keywords to find one from the Shutterstock library. (Note that you’ll have to license these images appropriately.)
Once you place your image onto the canvas, click Images again to find and drag the overlays into your browser.
Step Three: Drag the Overlay to Canvas or Upload
We selected the _054.png light element overlay.
Pro Tip: If you want to customize each layer, open up the Layers panel by using the Stacks (Pancakes) icon in the bottom right corner. Then, you can treat each individual asset with ease.
Drag your overlay to position accordingly.
Step Four: Adjust Fade & Blend
Drag the overlay however you want it placed on the canvas. Then, click Fade & Blend from the top toolbar. Adjust intensity and blend mode as you see fit.
Step Five: Download and Share
If you used your own photo, just hit the Download button. If you used a Shutterstock image, you would’ve been prompted to remove the watermark right away. Select your Shutterstock plan, then hit Save.
Select your preferred file format, then click Download. Lookin’ good!
Bonus: More Free Elements and Assets
Looking for more free stuff? Check out these roundups with thousands of free assets and tools. If you need more royalty free images, check our image and photo library.
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- For free motion graphic assets, check out the monthly freebie from RocketStock
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