Photoshop Actions

[Pat]

Noting a recent spate of interest in Photoshop actions, I thought I might proffer a few actions with examples from my actions pallette, plus sources.
The first in the series is the Cracked Wall Painting action from PanosFX (http://www.panosfx.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=category&id=42&Itemid=57).
Next comes the Coloured Vintage Photo action from photographersfreebies ( http://www.photographersfreebies.com/page1/files/a690549a4eaa4369e04ddd4cbdd20b43-18.html).
Thirdly we have the Hayes Island action via shutterfreaks (http://www.shutterfreaks.com/Actions/PetesHayesIsland.html).
Fourth up is Aly's Vintage from Action Central (http://www.atncentral.com/download.htm).
The last pic is unmodified except for resizing for comparison.

The Hayes Island is an example of an action that works best at a minimum size, which I couldn't apply here because of the upload size restrictions. The sample doesn't quite do it justice. It does look better in larger size pics.

A few more action resources...
Smashing Magazine (http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/20/the-ultimate-collection-of-useful-photoshop-actions/)
DesignMag (http://designm.ag/resources/photoshop-actions-touchups/)
Visual-Blast (http://www.visual-blast.com/photoshop/124-free-photoshop-actions/)
Design River (http://designreviver.com/freebies/400-time-saving-photoshop-actions/)


Learn from actions...In your actions menu click on "playback options" and have a look at how the action was built and how, perhaps, you might alter it to suit your tastes.

Finally, a handy little Photoshop plugin that should also work in Gimp and Elements. Virtual Photographer (http://www.optikvervelabs.com/).

Enjoy.

[sorted]

Hi Pat

Thank you for all this info more to confuse me !:)
No it all looks great just added Virtual photographer to my photoshop Elements and it works a treat.
Going to have a good long look at the others you mentioned now.

Thank you for this great post.;)

[sorted]

Hi Pat

Was off Tonight for some Christmas Shopping :eek: but now maybe not.
This is a Brilliant post Sunday shopping now :)
Sure this will benefit many people.
Thank You

Have a Good Weekend Xx ( Now where is that bottle opener:))

[Hype]

These are great Pat, Thank you.

[Pat]

Okee dokey, folks. Aside from the elemental adjustments for sharpness, saturation, contrast, and cropping for serious photo work, photoshop and it's kin are a terrific playground with lots of toys to play with (keeping in the Christmas theme, Elaine).

I guess I forgot to mention that Virtual Photographer is free (http://www.optikvervelabs.com/).

[canasta]

Love the vintage one - thanks for sharing