Have you ever thought about adding textures to your high-resolution digital photographs to give them a worn or damaged look? Or how about adding scratches to make them less digital and more film like? Applying textures to crisp digital images allows you to create the illusion that your photographs were captured years ago with a film camera. Textures make it possible to create a variety of interesting effects giving your photographs a bit more personality.
I am going present several quick and easy ways to apply this effect using grungy textures that can be found virtually anywhere. I am also going to explain how to create a library of textures and patterns that you can use anytime you wish. To help get you started, I have made several of my own textures available as a free downloadable zip file (47 Mbs). You are welcome to use them as you work through this tutorial and on your own photographs.