For many of us, modern photography has meant parting ways with the tools and techniques of our predecessors. Creativity, however, is often born at the intersection of past, present, and future. So, how do we move forward while honoring our roots?

The release of our free limited-time preset, KC25, does exactly that and so much more. It’s our tribute to the iconic color film stock used in Steve McCurry’s famous image “Afghan Girl”, in photos of Edmund Hillary’s climb to the top of Mount Everest, and in Paul Simon’s summertime song “Kodachrome.” As casual photography took hold around the world, it also brought color to everyday memories captured by millions.

Kodachrome documented history, opened our eyes to humanity, and gave us hope while reminding us what photography was really all about — a window into everyday life beyond our own.

Now, after two years dedicated to recreating the film’s look on mobile, Kodachrome’s legacy lives on in KC25, inviting you to keep capturing every day with curiosity and compassion in a time when we need it most.

KC25 is free on VSCO until August 25th. To permanently add the film look to your preset library, join VSCO membership.

With its deep blues, brilliant reds, and natural rendering, it’s easy to see why photographer Joel Meyerowitz called Kodachrome “the greatest of all color films”. Here are a few tips on how to bring the color out in everyday images using KC25 —

After applying KC25 to a sunlit image, tap the preset tile to access additional Strength, Character, and Warmth sliders. Try decreasing character to add depth to blue skies and to the overall tonality.

Increasing character on KC25 will decrease contrast, brighten shadows, and add warmth to the color balance. Add a touch of character and a bit of warmth to bring life to a muted color palette.

The Warmth control can alter the mood of a portrait. Moving the slider to the left creates a cooled off look, while moving it to the right creates a sunny glow. The Character slider also alters skin tone — more yellow to the left, more red to the right. Move the sliders in opposite directions for a more expressive portrait