Oh Snap: Photoshop Actions

(Me and You Unicorn Hat)

My process for editing photos is super simple. I use Photoshop CS5 and actions.

What is an action? Actions are simply a means to record all the commands used to generate an effect in Photoshop for re-application later.

How do you use actions? I would check the instructions that come with your actions. 

Can I buy actions? Yes, there are a number of places that you can buy actions. I use Totally Rad Actions and MCP actions. 

How do I install actions? Here is a short video form MCP on installing actions. You can also read a post that LA from Freckled Nest wrote here. 

Here are a few before and after photos.

Before:

After:

(Farmers Market Mittens)

Before:

 After:

(Sail Away Mittens) 

Skin retouching actions 

Before:

After:

I will write a lengthier post about actions after Thanksgiving; I'll have more photos to edit then.

Questions from my last Oh Snap post.

Q: What online class are you taking?

A: I am taking Karen's photography class http://www.snapshotsofagoodlife.com/

This class that I am signed for is closed, but there will be another one in April. 

Q:Why do you think you're a Nikon girl? 

A: My first SLR camera was a Nikon and I was really conformable with the Nikon camera. There is no real reason why I choose Nikon over Canon. It's kind of like this... I learned to knit before I learn to croche and I think that crocheting is really hard. I started with Nikon and then Canon and I find Canon hard to use. 

Q: What didn't you like about Canon?

A: There are a few settings that I like better on the Nikon vs. Canon. With the Canon I could not shoot without the flash on any setting. In order to shoot without flash, I had to shoot in Auto no flash mode. Sometimes, I wanted to shoot up close and use the micro setting, but I could not shoot without the flash. With Nikon you have a choice to turn the flash off. You might be able to do this with the canon, but for the life of me I could not figure it out.

If you have any questions for me, you can email me at vivianna(AT)polkadotrobot(DOT)com or leave them in the comments. I will answers any new question in my next Oh Snap post. 

Since I am new to all this-- I would love to hear what you think of my photos. constructive criticism only :) 

Comments

[Jazmyn Alexandria]

I'm trying to decide between a Nikon D3000 and a Canon Rebel EOS XS right now but I don't know what to choose. The Canon seems to take better photos but I'm so familiar with Nikon seeing as how I've had a D40 before. Such a hard decision!

I'd also love to have photoshop. GIMP is just not cutting it for me anymore haha! What lenses do you use for your camera?

[Kristi @ Visible Voice]

I think you take great photos! And I LOVE actions. The Pioneer Woman has some free actions on her blog. You should check them out. (If you don't already have them) There is a vintage one that you can play around with.

[CaL]

How fun! I've never used actions...I'll have to check out LA's how to. I need to learn how to shoot manual on my little canon.