May 13th, 2008MCP Actions Website | MCP Flickr Group | MCP Reviews
Have you ever wanted to just lighten the face in your photo? Have you ever wanted to just lighten a part of a photo you did not expose properly?
Have you ever wanted to add emphasis to part of the photo by darkening the surround area but leaving the subject lighter?
If so, I have a special treat for you. It is an action called “Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness.” It will help you achieve this look! I have been getting requests to make and sell an action like this for months. But I have decided as a gift to my loyal MCP Actions Blog Readers to make this a FREE action.
In exchange for the free action, I would love for you to spread the word about my blog -tell your photographer friends to come get the action here too. This is a Blog EXCLUSIVE. This one will NOT be going on my regular website.
Click here to download this action – compatible in Photoshop 7, CS, CS2 and CS3
______________________________________________________________________
Here are step by step details on using this action:
1. Start out by unzipping and installing the action – details available in my video tutorial on how to install and use actions.
2. You can use this action any time in your editing process. Just make sure no solid pixel layers are above this. Adjustment layers can be on top of this however. I usually do all of my editing before using this action, unless I need major lightening help. Then I may run it earlier on. This action works exceptionally in conjunction with my Complete Workflow Actions Set and with the Quickie Collection Actions. When you are ready to use them click PLAY button.
3. The action will run and leave you with 2 layers. One called “Touch if Light” and one called “Touch of Darkness.” Make sure to select the layer you want to work on and that the mask is selected to, as shown.
4. Now select your brush tool – make sure to click back to your default colors (black and white). White reveals the effect, black conceals the effect.
5. Make sure to vary your opacity of your BRUSH as shown below. You do NOT want to use it at 100%. You will want it way lower. You will want an airbrush soft round brush and will want to vary the hardness. Do not use this at 100%. You will want to use the brush at 0-50% hardness. In areas where you want it feathering out, you can keep it at “0.” In areas where you do NOT want a halo effect, for example if you are darkening close to a person to make them stand out, you will want it between 30-50%. I will still feather but there will be less of one, so less chance of a halo around your subject(s).
6. Last step is to actually paint on the Light or Darkness. Often you will want a little of both. This usually is my last step in editing a photo but it can be used anytime. You can see the masks and how I revealed and concealed light to emphasize my twins riding their bikes. This photo was shot in full sun in the middle of the afternoon. Yet with this set and proper exposure it does not have that noon sunlight look at all.
7. Enjoy this action. Please use the SHARE ME button below to share this blog page so your photographer friends can download the action. Also, if you find this tutorial useful and are happy with the action, please leave a comment. Thanks and enjoy the fun freebie.
89 Comments
Welcome to the MCP Actions Photoshop Blog
- Learn to enhance your images with time saving Photoshop tutorials. Join us for daily blog posts with the latest photography and photoshop tips, contests, photographer interviews, and blueprints teaching how to use photoshop actions.
Featured Posts
- Editing Landscape Images Using Actions in Photoshop
- My Camera Takes Really Nice Pictures
- Over-Editing in Photoshop: How to Avoid 25 Common Editing Mistakes
- Portrait Photography Trends & Fads: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
- Finish It Photoshop Actions Set Now Available ~ Changing the Way You Prepare and Display Images on the Web
- See All Featured Posts
Recent Posts
- Win Holiday Card Templates from Photographer Cafe
- Photoshop Alone Does Not Make a Good Photographer
- Watch Me Work: Photoshop Actions & Workflow Online Class
- Tips for After Your First Portrait Portfolio Building Session: Part 2
- 7 Tips for Your First Portrait Portfolio Building Session: Part 1
- See All Recent Posts
Polls
Loading ...
Photoshop Tips
- Outdoor Image Fixed in Photoshop: Better Sky ~ Better Lighting
- Senior Photography: Tips and Tricks on Posing, Locations and More
- Using Photoshop Actions to Enhance a Blue Sky and a Rainbow
- Photoshop Actions: Glossary of Offerings by MCP Actions
- Photoshop Actions: A Guide to Choosing the Best Actions
- See All Photoshop Tips
Video Tutorials
- Photoshop Video Tutorial: Watch Me Work {Color Pop, Eyes, Skin}
- The Secret to Using Photoshop on an iPad and iPhone
- Installing Photoshop Actions in Elements: Video Tutorials
- What Are Photoshop Actions And How They Can Help Or Hurt Photography
- Free Photoshop Action + Video: To Add Texture to Photos in Photoshop
- See All Video Tutorials Posts
Categories
- Activities
- Announcements
- Assignments
- Blueprints
- Business Tips
- Cancer Awareness
- Contests
- Discounts, Deals & Coupons
- FAQs
- Featured Post
- Free Actions
- Free Photoshop Stuff
- Guest Bloggers
- Interviews
- MCP Collaboration
- MCP Thoughts
- Photo Sharing & Inspiration
- Photography & Photoshop News
- Photography Tips
- Photoshop Actions
- Photoshop Tips & Tutorials
- Polls
- Social Networking
- Video Tutorials
- Workshops
2:25 amMay 14th, 2008
thank you for the free action… i will share your site!!
7:20 amMay 14th, 2008
Jodi ~ Thank you so much for the action and the detailed instructions on how to use it! You da bomb, babe!
9:10 amMay 14th, 2008
Thank you, Jodi! I’m off to play with this now!
9:22 amMay 14th, 2008
Wow thanks Jodi! Can’t wait to play with this!
9:24 amMay 14th, 2008
Thanks Jodi! This is awesome!
9:42 amMay 14th, 2008
wow Jodi, this is very cool! Thank you! I will download and share this after I get my dd to school.
10:08 amMay 14th, 2008
Thanks Jodi……..I just used them and you are a lifesaver!!! As I have said before….Jodi’s actions are absolutely “the best” out there!
10:32 amMay 14th, 2008
Thank you so much, Jodi – you are so generous. I can’t wait to try these out. I’ll definitely spread the word about your blog.
10:48 amMay 14th, 2008
Thanks Jodi!! It’s exactly what I needed for photos of our Mothers Day hike.
11:53 amMay 14th, 2008
Thank you for sharing this Jodi!!
12:04 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thank you so much, Jodi
12:19 pmMay 14th, 2008
Another great tutorial Jodi!
4:13 pmMay 14th, 2008
Very Cool….Thanks. I’ll definately share your site!
4:27 pmMay 14th, 2008
I am always bragging about MCP!! I will continue to do so!
4:34 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thank you so much!!
4:46 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can’t wait to try it out! And I’ll share your site too!
4:56 pmMay 14th, 2008
Wow, thanks so much! I can’t wait to try this one… thanks for the instructions too!
Tracy
5:06 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thank you so much for everything you do Jodi!!
6:26 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thanks Jodi! I can’t wait to try it out!!!
7:16 pmMay 14th, 2008
What a great share. Thanks so much.
8:02 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thank for sharing Jodi. off to try this out now!
8:09 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thanks Jodi! You ROCK!
8:14 pmMay 14th, 2008
You guys are all so welcome – let me know how you like it!
9:34 pmMay 14th, 2008
Thanks, Jodi..what a nice treat for us..
12:42 amMay 15th, 2008
Thank you! Very generous!
1:19 amMay 15th, 2008
THANKS JODI, You’re the best!
2:51 amMay 15th, 2008
Thanks Jodi. Can’t wait to try it.
7:29 amMay 15th, 2008
Thanks so much Jodi I love your eye/teeth actions so much!
8:25 amMay 15th, 2008
Thank you so much for sharing!
8:32 amMay 15th, 2008
Thank you Jodi for another wonderful action. I have your skins, dentist and eyes and love them! Can’t wait to try this one! Thanks again.
10:43 amMay 15th, 2008
Thank you Jodie!
10:52 amMay 15th, 2008
Jodi you are awesome!!
10:58 amMay 15th, 2008
Jodi, Thanks for the action. I have purchased a few of yours. I’m off to your site to check out a few more. You rock girl!!!
9:40 pmMay 15th, 2008
Thanks Jodie!! You are da bomb with your actions and tutorials. I’m learning so much from you. Love love love your blog.
10:50 amMay 16th, 2008
Thanks for the great action. Off to look at the examples, etc.
11:07 amMay 16th, 2008
Thanks Jodie. Appreciate the freebie
11:50 amMay 16th, 2008
Thanks Jodi! I have to correct a recent photo and this is just what I needed. You’re awesome!
12:25 pmMay 16th, 2008
Jodie – you’re the best! I can’t wait to try this action. I think I’ll write a little blurb about your and your actions on my blog and show some examples of my favorite things that you offer. Is that ok?
5:19 pmMay 16th, 2008
I love using your actions!! Thanks for the freebie!!
5:45 pmMay 16th, 2008
thanks!!!!!!!!!
6:33 pmMay 16th, 2008
Thank you very much for sharing. I’m planning on editing some pics this weekend and will certainly try it out!
7:51 pmMay 16th, 2008
Thanks Girl! You are AMAZING!
4:15 amMay 17th, 2008
thanks jodi! i purchased your workflow actions – but your crackle examples look so good i might have to get the quickies too!
9:06 amMay 17th, 2008
Glad everyone is loving this.
I would love for you all to post examples on my flickr group (link at the top of each post).
And a few of you mentioned “Crackle” – yep – “snap, crackle and pop” but especially “crackle” have become my favorite go to actions for photos that are really good SOOC but need a boost. It is amazing. Sometimes it, plus this free one, complete an already well exposed, well focused photo.
12:52 pmMay 17th, 2008
Such an effective action! Thank you for the chance to use it. As with all your products, top notch.
7:01 pmMay 17th, 2008
Thanks so much that is great!
10:10 pmMay 17th, 2008
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! You are my hero!
10:09 amMay 19th, 2008
Thank you for the touch of light/touch of darkness action, I will try it out today!
1:53 amMay 21st, 2008
Thank you! Can’t wait to play!
1:50 pmMay 26th, 2008
Thanks !!!!!!! I’ve purchased a few other action sets only to go unused(for the most part) I wish I had
found your site before wasting all that money!!!! Your stuff is really great !!!!
12:53 pmMay 30th, 2008
Looks so cool. I cant wait to try it out. Thanks a ton for sharing!!!
6:34 pmJune 6th, 2008
Thanks so much for all your help, Jodi! Can’t wait to use these actions!
6:33 pmJune 12th, 2008
Thank so you much I cant wait to purchase all your actions!
12:42 pmJuly 14th, 2008
Jodi thank you so much for this action and the detailed instructions! I just love your actions! TFS
2:58 pmAugust 1st, 2008
MERCI BEAUCOUP!!!
It’s really nice from you to share it for free!
9:44 amSeptember 29th, 2008
Jodi,
Thank you so much for this wonderful treat!!! I can’t wait to play with them.
Have an awesome week.
3:28 pmOctober 28th, 2008
I’m so new in this whole thing….I have to say, I just love your actions! You make my life SOOOO much easier. My kids thank you!
10:47 amOctober 31st, 2008
[...] FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION – Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness | MCP Actions Blog [...]
7:56 pmOctober 31st, 2008
free action why not! Trick or Treat?
Thanks for the action!
9:04 pmNovember 4th, 2008
[...] video will teach you new ways to use the FREE Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness Photoshop Actions. Download these actions at this past blog post and [...]
8:17 amNovember 5th, 2008
Cool! Thank you!!
12:20 amNovember 6th, 2008
You have amazing before and after photos, Jodi! And your detailed explanation is great for beginners. Thank you.
THe only problem……Does this action work in PSE? (I have 6.0) With most of the actions I’ve tried in PSE, a box comes up once the action is clicked and says there is no “xxxx” command (“Make” or something to that effect). So although the action is loaded and shows up in a layer, it can’t be adjusted. Would LOVE to know. Thank you. Colleen
4:45 amNovember 8th, 2008
COol, thanks a lot
I’ts working for me
11:42 amNovember 10th, 2008
Thank you for this action. It looks like a great process
1:42 amNovember 18th, 2008
Thank you for this information and this action, it’s special working for me
9:32 pmNovember 18th, 2008
you’re the best! I can’t wait to try this action.
5:27 pmNovember 24th, 2008
Thank you for the action and the info. I can’t wait to get going!
6:50 pmNovember 30th, 2008
Thanks! Looking forward to finding out more about your actions
6:01 pmDecember 4th, 2008
Thanks so much for sharing this with us Jodi!
4:07 pmDecember 17th, 2008
Thanks for the free action. I look forward to using it. I found your blog on the Adobe exchange website. I would like to know if I can link your site to my myspace page? Feel free to contact me thru my email address. This blog is just what I have been looking for. I’m a newbie photographer. Thank you for all your time and effort in advance.
4:26 pmDecember 17th, 2008
yes – you may link to my site and blog. Thanks for asking.
3:26 pmJanuary 2nd, 2009
Your site/store is just what I’ve been looking for! So excited to work towards making purchases on your site here. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to link to you from my blog as well. Thanks!!!!
8:46 pmJanuary 11th, 2009
Thank you so much! I just bought some actions, and was so delighted to learn that there are also some free ones! This will keep me buying more from you and telling everyone I know about your actions! I feel really good about spending my hard earned money with such a generous person!
11:35 amJanuary 31st, 2009
thank you for sharing,Jodi. Your free action are really good. Looking forward to buy!
9:02 amMarch 23rd, 2009
love it! Thanks for sharing.
2:01 amApril 1st, 2009
[...] of Light | Touch of Darkness (Please visit my blog tutorial here to learn to use this action [...]
2:07 amApril 1st, 2009
Oh Darn! I fell for it! April Fools indeed! But I did download the burnt edges action. I’m going to give it a whirl.
Thank you!
9:00 amApril 8th, 2009
[...] Photoshop, you can use Touch of Light/Darkness (free here) or Hide and Seek (which is in the MCP All in the Details set and is a more powerful [...]
2:18 amMay 8th, 2009
Thank you so very much. I look forward to using this very much.
12:38 amJune 25th, 2009
Great action. Love it. Thanks for sharing. Love all your actions.
2:23 amJuly 6th, 2009
Thanks so much!
6:54 pmJuly 8th, 2009
thank you so much Jodi!!
8:51 pmJuly 8th, 2009
Thank you for sharing. You are such a fun tutor, and I am thankful for your sharing heart
.
6:42 amAugust 4th, 2009
Thank you for sharing JODI!!!!
3:01 pmAugust 14th, 2009
I love your work, and thanks for the great free actions! You are great!
I will also buy som actions from you, but I must decide which one first!
7:49 pmAugust 17th, 2009
Actions and tutorials are masterfully done…hv bought some and also gotten the freebies. Well done!
6:13 pmSeptember 17th, 2009
Thanks for sharing;)
11:18 amNovember 13th, 2009
Thank You so much!!! Your kindness is so appreciated!!!
3:39 pmDecember 13th, 2009
Jodi, this is a remarkable action. I’ve been playing with my new purchase – your amazing Frosted Memories collection, and noticed that you’d sent this one free with the purchase. Thank you!