light leak
/laɪt liːk/
CommonA streak or wash of light on a photo caused by light entering the camera accidentally, or a popular editing effect that mimics that look.
What was once a camera malfunction is now a desirable style. The irony of adding a simulated defect is not lost on film photographers.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | my camera has a light leak and i'm not even mad. every photo looks vintage | A broken camera seal is creating light leaks that the owner finds aesthetically appealing. | x, 2023 |
| 02 | added a light leak overlay to this and now it looks like 2005 | The light streak effect gives the photo a nostalgic analog look. | instagram, 2024 |
| 03 | light leaks on film feel organic. light leaks on iphone photos feel try-hard | Real light leaks have authentic texture; digital imitations can feel forced. | reddit, 2023 |
| 04 | the light leak in the corner of this shot makes it look like a scene from a coming of age movie | The streak of light gives the image a cinematic, emotional quality. | tiktok, 2024 |
Use it when
- A photo has an actual light leak from a damaged film camera.
- Someone adds a light leak overlay to a digital photo for aesthetic effect.
- Describing a warm, streaky light effect in a photo or video.
Do not use it when
- You mean the whole image is too bright. That is over-exposed.Use “over-exposed” instead.
Origin and context
A genuine camera defect from the film era, where damaged or aging cameras allowed light through seals onto the film. Became an intentional aesthetic in digital editing as analog photography nostalgia grew online.
- First seen
- film era
- Confidence
- high
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/light-leakUpdated: 2026-08-28License: CC BY 4.0