Dreamy photography isn’t about pixel-perfect sharpness or following every technical rule in the book, it’s about creating images that feel. Images that could be memories, daydreams, or scenes from a film you wish you lived in.

Whether you’re shooting with a Fujifilm X100VI using a film simulation recipe or simply exploring with your phone, these five secrets will help you capture that soft, nostalgic magic your viewers can’t stop looking at.

1. Chase Soft Light, Not Perfect Light

Golden hour gets all the hype, but dreamy photos can happen at any time of day. Overcast skies, shaded spots, or light filtering through a dusty window can all create the kind of glow you’re looking for. The trick is avoiding harsh shadows and leaning into light that feels gentle and atmospheric.

💡 Pro Tip: If the light feels too flat, try moving so it hits your subject at a slight angle, you’ll get subtle shadows and depth without losing softness.

2. Embrace Imperfection

Perfect is sterile. Dreamy is human. Slight blur, missed focus, lens flare, or unexpected shadows, all of these can add emotion and character when used intentionally. Don’t over-polish your images to the point where they lose their soul.

💡 Pro Tip: Before deleting that “imperfect” shot, try it in black and white or tweak the tones. You might find it carries more emotional weight than the technically perfect version.

3. Underexpose Slightly

Dreamy photography often benefits from a little extra depth. Shooting just 1/3 to 2/3 stops under can help preserve highlights, deepen colors, and create that quiet, cinematic feel straight out of camera.

💡 Pro Tip: Use your exposure compensation dial for quick adjustments — it’s faster than changing shutter speed or aperture when the light changes.

Underexposed flowers - “***Dreaming***” recipe.

4. Use Your Settings Like a Paintbrush

Your camera settings aren’t just for “accuracy”, they’re for expression. Whether you’re using a Fujifilm film simulation, a custom white balance, or a unique picture profile, your settings can completely transform the mood of your shot.

💡 Pro Tip: Warmer white balance gives a golden, nostalgic feel, while cooler settings create a misty, dreamy vibe. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

5. Slow Down

This might be the hardest secret to master. The best dreamy shots happen when you shoot with intention, not speed. Pause. Observe the light. Notice the tiny details that others miss. Then shoot — not because you can, but because you should.

💡 Pro Tip: Before pressing the shutter, ask yourself: What do I want this image to feel like? Let that answer guide everything from your composition to your camera settings.

Final Thoughts

Dreamy photography is about mood over precision. By chasing soft light, embracing imperfections, underexposing slightly, using your settings creatively, and slowing down, you can turn everyday moments into images that feel timeless.

So next time you’re out shooting, don’t just look for the “perfect” shot. Look for the feeling. That’s where the magic is.

5 Secrets to Shooting Dreamy Photography (That Actually Work)