In this digital age, the art of photography has become a form of self-expression and creativity. Retrica is a great way to capture the essence of everyday moments and infuse them with a touch of artistic flair. Join me on a visual journey through Seoul—where Retrica first began back in 2014—as I share the Retrica filters that brought these moments to life.

To start off, I applied the Fresh Look filter to these four photographs taken in a local café. This filter magnified the color and vibrancy of the surroundings, especially bringing out the café’s color-themed orange.

Walking around Seoul, I encountered a unique range of cafés, from animal cafés and board game cafés to study cafés, character-themed cafés, and cafés with unique and photogenic aesthetics.

This filter, along with the Lively filter from the “Be Clear” pack, are vivid and bright, boosting color and clarity. These filters work well with both indoor and outdoor shots.

Myeong-dong Market

Pictured here is Myeong-dong Market captured using the Lively filter from the “Be Clear” pack. This filter beautifully complements the vibrant nature of the market, enhancing its charm and appeal in photographs.

Myeong-dong Market is a bustling shopping district, renowned for its lively atmosphere and diverse array of shops and stalls. Here, I found everything from trendy fashion boutiques and cosmetic shops to traditional Korean street food vendors and global brand outlets.

Dongmyo Flea Market

I then used the Screen filter for these images from the Dongmyo flea market. This filter adds an authentic touch to the image, with added grain and text along the edges contributing to a vintage look.

Dongmyo flea market was full of a mix of antiques, second-hand goods, and vintage treasures. The market is a haven for thrifters, bargain hunters, and anyone seeking unique pieces for as low as 1,000 KRW (less than $1)!

Gyeongbokgung Palace

I then used the collage feature to group these photos of Gyeongbokgung Palace together.

Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest of the Five Grand Palaces and served as the main residence for the kings’ household. Built in 1395 with over 7,700 rooms, the palace stood until the late 1500s when it was destroyed by fire during the Imjin War. The palace was then restored in the 19th century, only to again be destroyed by the Japanese empire. On January 21, 1963, it was finally designated a cultural property.

Shopping and Food

I captured these moments while shopping and enhanced them using a variety of filters such as Humdrum, Ahoy, Eastern, and Fresh filters from different packs, each one adding its unique touch to the different stores.

Some food on the way… edited with the So Tasty filter from the “Dig In” pack, which is made specifically for food shots, adding a delectable twist to every photo.

Random Shots and Collages

Random shots taken throughout the day were edited using the Lagom or Shine filters. I added these into collages, which are perfect for grouping related photos together and showcasing multiple perspectives.

Seoul Tower Sunset

I then used the Sunset filter to edit this photo of the sunset at the top of Seoul Tower, creating a sense of warmth and vibrancy. I added a timestamp, which is a simple but effective way to document the timeline of your activities.

Namsan Tower, or Seoul Tower, is an observation tower located on Namsan Mountain and is marked as the second highest point in Seoul.

As we conclude this visual journey through Seoul with Retrica, let’s remember to observe and appreciate the magic of everyday life and continue to find inspiration in the ordinary celebrating the beauty that surrounds us every day through our lenses.