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

[Mareenz]

I have never heard of these actions but am now intrigued and would love to win a set to try.

[Andrea]

Ooooh! I'm always looking for great actions and presets. Definitely gonna check these out, Thanks!

[Jayne Bramley]

I clicked over to their site and was very impressed :) I am new to photoshop and actions so I would love to win and start playing!!!!

[Leigh Anne]

I have just discovered Actions and they are so fun - would love to win!!

[Janelkg]

The Totally Rad presets for Lightroom are already on my wish list!

[Pam]

Would absolutely love to win these to use on photos for my new business venture. Thanks for the chance to win!

[Beatriz Macias]

Pick me! Pick me! I have never used actions before and I want to learn so bad!!! Crossing all fingers. I am the winner!

[Laura]

Ooooh! Sign me up for that!

[Joyce]

Totally RAD....GIVE ME SOME ACTION :) I love you guys!!!

[Karen]

I just started using actions (other than a quick one that boosts color and sharpens) in the last couple of weeks. You describe the sensation perfectly--just like a kid. But, you're also correct that it is very easy to overdo it. Would love to have a new set to play with.

[Renae]

I've always wanted to try actions so this would be fantastic!

[Courtney]

Quality actions are a huge time-saver... TRA makes some of the best!

[Liza]

Actions! yes, please. I started using them a year ago and love em!

[ajira]

Oooh, the brat in me is whining, 'I want. I want. I want' as loudly as she can manage!! :) So awesome and great advice about the actions. They are awesome but also easily overused. But so is PS in general. Great to see it in action when it's used to accentuate though. Chenin Boutwell was just saying on her blog the other day what she thinks about PS and TRA- garbage in, garbage out. Which I totally agree with. If you don't have a good picture to begin with, no amount of editing will make it great.

*fingers crossed*

[Toni | Daily Vignette]

That shot, post-action, is so adorable - what a sweet, sweet face!

[Laura T.]

I have to admit, I haven't used actions yet, but want to start ... it's amazing how much a picture changes by using an action.

[val]

I love actions!!! Awesome giveaway:)

[cindy]

i love their presets, especially boogie nights!

[Tara]

What an awesome giveaway! I would absolutely be thrilled to win as I have been wishing for Totally Rad actions for months.

[Deirdre]

Beautiful work on that photo. The presets sound exciting!

[xanthe]

would love to give them a try x.

[Holly Howe]

would TOTALLY love to try 'em out!!!! yay for giveaways! :)))

thanks guys!
--H

[Teresa]

oh..I have been eyeing TRA for soooo long!! I love looking at the recipe part of their website..even though I don't have them. Is that weird?

[Thimbleanna]

Oooh, pick me, pick me!!! I'd love to own a totally rad action!

[Lisa]

I, too, have found that TRA's actions are the best in my aresenal and the ones I go back to most often. I would love to win this contest! Thanks for your example (and the description of how you did it)!

[joey]

I would spend way too much time playing with new actions...

[Emily V.]

Holy Moly...I am dying for these! Woohoo! Thanks for the chance to win!

[traceyclark]

I am allowed to win? : ) these actions are...rad. thanks totally rad actions for the giveaway.

[Debbie Friedrich]

I always love to learn something new! Thanks for the opportunity!

[Weezie Black]

Love Totally Rad, have BOTH sets but would LOVE the new Lightroom Presets!

[vanessa falle]

oooh! I love a good giveaway. and I love good actions. these look especially fun. fingers crossed :)

[erica]

I love TRA - they are amazing!

[stef]

wow, what a treat! Would love to learn more about ACTIONS!

[Nanette ~ A Mom Blog]

Beautiful photos. Love the feel they give you.

[Trish]

I have always admired these actions and I would love to win a set of them!

[Sharon]

Oh. To have TRA!!! Love their actions.

[Darla]

I've been wanting TRA for a long time! They look fab and the cute action names crack me up. I just want to get them so I can say I used a little pool party. (Joke) O please let it be me that gets the prize!!!!!! You can follow them on Twitter also.

[Sarah A]

I have heard great things about these actions and would love to give them a try myself!

[Anna aka @Beach_Mama]

Oh my, what a generous giveaway. I love Totally Rad, but haven't tried their presets yet.

[Marcela]

Love Totally Rad Actions! Been saving up to get the set. :-)

[Vinita]

What a fab giveaway! Would love to win!

[Lauren E. Sykes]

the flexibility certainly seems like it would be amazing - i've been using adobe lightroom & photoshop, but i'm always willing/wanting to try the newest things out on the market!

[strawberrygoldie]

* hyperventilate *

DO LOVE.

[Amanda]

I LOVE Totally Rad Actions! Here's hoping!!

[yvonne]

This sounds like something i should want! Thanks.

[vivienne]

beautiful! and what a generous giveaway!

[Jennifer]

Wow! What a huge difference! Looks great. I love the look.

[miel&co]

i've been lusting over TRA for a long time now - i would love to win this!

[divrchk]

Sounds awesome!

[Jen L.]

Who doesn't love something free!