Actions

When I first discovered Actions, I was like a kid adding toppings to a cupcake. "I want the gummy bears, oreos, M&Ms, sprinkles, peanuts..." And just like a real sugar overdose, my creation would come complete with a stomach ache at the end. Eventually you learn that less is more. And I found myself narrowing my usage to the same 4-10 ones. By far, my favorites are from Totally Rad Actions. I haven't edited a single session in six years without using them. This a little before/after from a recent session, done by increasing contrast (33%), using "Pool Party at 67%, then "Warm it Up Chris at 26%. I use this combination a lot because I love the combination of warm over cool tones. But my single favorite thing about their actions (that I think sets them apart from the rest) is "YING YANG". It gives you the ability to choose where you want your image to be lighter and darker. The flexibility is amazing.

And the awesome peeps at Totally Rad Actions have been nice enough to offer a free set of presets to one lucky person today. Just enter by commenting on this post, and the winner will be announced tomorrow. Good luck! :)

Update on Friday, April 16, 2010 by Maile Wilson

And the winner is Glenda at hzgrace2@gmail.com!! Congratulations! And thanks for all the great comments everyone! :)

Comments

[Debbie Brenner]

When you use Ying/Yang what do you normally have your opacity and flow set to? I haven't found the right "place" for those yet. BTW, you don't have to change out the fatty picture. But if I ever move to San Antonio, we will have to change it so it doesn't affect my rep.

[Laura]

I have always wanted to try actions but have been a little nervous about them. Sounds like it's time to try!

[carla]

very cool.

[Rebecca]

This is awesome! I will have to explore TRA. I really like the effect.

[Marcie]

Oh...I love the RAD actions. Would love to be so lucky as to win some more!!!

[Amy]

I love Totally Rad Actions! Ever since I first discovered how to use actions, I haven't looked back.

[Christina]

Love the image featured -- and I wouldn't mind having those presets to go along with the TRA actions I already have :)

[lauren]

Love the first set and have been dying to get the second set (revenge)... hope I win!

[michelle.renee]

I am just learning all of these cool things!! Thanks for all the info and encouragement to try new things.

[Barbi]

I am new to the software side of digital photography. I have lots and lots of photos but I have done very little in the way of adjustments to them. So this year, I want to learn what that is all about! Thanks for this post and the chance to win!

[Tug]

I love using actions, and have heard so much about these it would be awesome to get to try them out, thanks!

[Nalen Aguilar]

Oh I love actions :), hope I'll get this one :)

[jenna nelson]

Oh, I love my TRA set one and I've been CROAKING for set 2. Definitely have my fingers crossed for this :)

[Amanda Shea]

holy moly! free actions?! what a gift! i have always wanted to give totally rad actions a whirl. i just found your blog via http://www.soperphotography.com/ and i can't wait to pour over all of your beautiful images and read all of your great posts. so glad i've found you ~ i love what i've seen thus far!

[Francesca]

I just downloaded the samples from TRA and I love them!!! So yay for karma bringing this giveaway today :-)

[CarrieQ]

This has been on my list of must trys. Thanks for the opportunity!

[Christina C]

I love actions. I think they are a must have in any digital photographer's toolkit.
I've learned so much about photoshop from using them, and I love their effects on my photos.

[Molly]

I've been looking at actions recently - thanks for the great advice and the chance to win!

[aphrodite]

Oh, I've been coveting Totally Rad Actions! How exciting!

[tiffunny]

I have always wanted to buy actions from there. I need to stop putting it off!

[Gail]

...in the way of all synchronicities I had just discovered Totally Rad Actions today through Elizabeth Halfords blog and I spent quite a bit of time browsing through their site....because I am new to PSE I haven't tried any actions yet but I am anxious to try...and these sound perfect!...

[Rhona]

Are these actions suitable for Photoshop Elements 8? I just started using some from Pioneer Women and love them!

[Rachael]

Wow...it would be incredible to win this...Thanks for the opportunity!

[Bree]

I completely understand what you mean about using actions! I do still love my pictures that were edited with a multitude of actions, but, now I tend to use just a handful. I've never tried Totally Rad though and am so excited about the possibility of winning!

[Alesa]

I am just starting to understand what actions are. This would be so awesome to get me going.

[Cara]

I too love actions and like you said sometimes less is more. I feel like I am starting to learn that.
This is a fantastic giveaway, here's crossing my fingers!

[Jenny]

Just learning about actions and love them!!

[Joelle]

Oh please!!! I love those actions, but they aren't in the budget just yet! :)

[Bre]

These actions are amazing!

[Brenda G]

I have not used actions yet, but going from your example I would love to try. Thanks!

[Guðrún Vald.]

Ooooo I'd love to get my hands on those actions! :)

[sammie burks]

These are certainly high on my want list. I have used the free trial actions TRA gives away and love them

[Lisa]

Awesome pic! I'd love to play around with these actions!

[lifeineden]

I've been waiting -- wanting to get my shooting better. But now I'm READY! Hit me with some of these!

[Linda]

I would love to try this! I love trying new things with my pictures!

[melissa]

I'm a TRA addict too! Warm it up, Kris is at the top of my faves!

[Jasmine Hill]

WOW! What a great Giveaway. Tottally Rad actions sound like they are just that TOTALLY RAD. Can't wait to try them out...

BTW, great photo and choice of actions!

[Sarah]

I have a love/hate relationship with actions. On the one hand, they can do amazing things to a photograph. On the other hand, I feel like they can be a crutch that allows me to use Photoshop without really knowing what I'm doing. They can be a really useful tool though and I wouldn't turn up my nose at a set of actions. Like I said, they can do amazing things to a photograph.

[AnnGeeDee]

I've got a lot to learn. I'd never even HEARD of actions before this post. I'd love to know more!

[RebeccaFH]

The presets look great!

[Wendi]

Pick me, pick me. I've just spent the last 90 minutes looking at the actions, tutorials, website and I'm in love.

[CindyC]

Love TRA! I'd love to give them a try but not sure my photos are worthy.

[Tracy]

Such a timely post for me as I recently bought my first set of actions and find that I seem to end up over processing things. Even with the help of actions I have so much to learn. It's great to get a recommendation with so many out there to choose from. Thank you! I love the way your image looks.

[Jennifer]

What a wonderful sample picture. I love the effect the action had on the emotion of the picture. Thanks for the giveaway!

[MARIA]

beautiful actions!

[Cheri Andrews]

Learning to use Actions is on my "to do" list. Having never done so before, I find the idea of winning a set thrilling and yet a bit scary!

[Rene]

Just started using actions to take my photography to a new level! Totally Rad actions are "Totally Rad"!

[Stacey]

OMG, I looooove Totally Rad and only have their Revenge series so far. It sounds like I'd really love Yin Yang because that's something I do a lot through masking! It'd be awesome to get my hands on their presets too and be able to have just as much fun right in Lightroom.

[Shelly]

My fingers are crossed! Thanks for the chance to win!

[Colleen]

Um, yes please!