Vintage Photo Post-Processing

These are the steps I took took in converting a fresh-looking photo into something more or less what most would call "vintage" or "dreamy".

I used Photoshop CS5 but you can use an earlier version like CS3 or CS4.
Before you try do any of the steps below, make sure your photo has about more or less the same lighting condition as what I used. If you have a photo with darker lighting, you have to fix it first.
Please note that different people use different tools and features in Photoshop so this effect might also be done using other ways.
I almost always use adjustment layers in editing images and if you haven't used them before, you can find them in Layer > New Adjustment Layer.

First step is to open your image in Photoshop. Add a new adjustment layer (Refer to above screenshot). You can also use a shortcut found at the bottom of the layers palette (screenshot below).

Select Gradient Map option from the list.

An adjustment layer labeled "Gradient map" will be added on top of your layer using a default gradient (black and white). The gradient colors must be changed. To do that, double click on the layer thumbnail.

The Gradient editor will appear on screen. Choose a gradient from the selection containing black and white colors.

At the bottom of the Gradient editor, change the black areas of the gradient by clicking on the left slider. (1) Click the slider once to activate the color box below it. (2) Click the box labeled "Color" and choose a dark purple color from the spectrum.

Click Ok.
Next is to change the white color to something beige or light yellow. (1) Click the right slider. (2) Click the white box labeled "Color" to choose another color.

I chose a creamy color as shown below. If you want to use this exact color, you can copy the html color value encircled below.

Click Ok to go back to the Gradient editor. Click Ok again to close it and go back to your image. You will see the image now appear in creamy purple tint.

Set layer opacity to 30% to put back most of the original colors.

Add another adjustment layer to the image. Go to Layer > New Adjustment Layer > Selective Color (or find the shortcut below the layers palette).

If you are asked for a layer name for the adjustment layer, just click Ok.

Click on the list labeled "Color" and select "Neutrals".

Use approximately the same values below: -5, +26, -13, +16 (Note: It doesn't have to be exactly the same value, you can adjust depending on what you see in the preview.)