This Blueprint was sent in by Jessica Crawford, an MCP Actions customer.  She explains below how she has saved time using our products and she shared an example of how she adds color and depth to her photos while using our products.

“I’ve been a huge fan of MCP Actions ever since I first discovered them. I use the Fusion Photoshop Actions on almost all my images. As much as I love using photoshop in my digital darkroom, as a mother of two small kids, I love finding shortcuts to make my workflow more efficient. I’ve found that with the Fusion Photoshop Actions Set, it can take me from start to finish with a click of a button and a few opacity adjustments. This set has truly improved my images by 100% and cut my editing time in half. I’d like to share this before and after shot I did and my blueprint on how I created vibrant color and add depth to a flat imagine using MCP’s photoshop actions.”

BEFORE:

 To achieve this look, I used MCP’s Fusion Set, MCP’s Eye Doctor, and MCP’s Free Photoshop action: Touch of Light and Touch of Dark.

1. Ran “Eye Doctor” to lighten the iris, enhanced the catch lights, and sharpened with sharp as a tack.
2. Ran “Fixed overexposed” under the Fusion set at 13% opacity.
3. Ran “Color Fusion Mix and Match” under the “Fusion” set and  I left “One Click Color” at its 75% default while making these adjustments:  turned off “Brighten it,” and “Spot Light It” because the image was bright enough already, raised “Richen It”  to 55% opacity, “Edge It” to 100%, and used “Sentimental” on all of the background at 45% opacity.
4. Ran “Magic Marker” and used a white soft brush at 100% and painted color over the graffiti wall. I adjusted the overall opacity to 40%.
5. Ran “Touch of Dark” at 66% opacity over parts of the track and 10% over his face and hair (I still felt like he was a little overexposed.) I used “Touch of Light” to dodge parts of the track and his clothes at 10%.
6. Ran “Golden” from the Fusion set at 5% to warm him up a bit.
7. Finished by running “High Def Sharpening” from the fusion set at 100% opacity.

AFTER:

This Blueprint was created by Jessica Crawford at Jessica Crawford Photography and Framedweddings.com is based out of Raleigh, NC, specializing in Newborns, Children, Families, Engagements and Weddings.

Are you wondering how to get creamy newborn skin and edit baby images in Photoshop? It all starts in camera with proper lighting.  Nice, diffused, even lighting will help even out skin tones. Many babies have red or yellow coloring and bumpy or textured skin.

There are a few tricks you can do in Photoshop to help even texture and tones for a creamy newborn skin.

Step 1: Duplicated the background layer and then use the Patch Tool in between the eyes and left eyelid to smooth the skin. Adjusted the layer opacity to taste.

Step 2: Used the Lasso Tool to select her hands, set a light feather 1st so there is in a jump in toning.  Then used a Hue/Saturation Adjustment Layer. For this image, Hue to +4 and the Saturation to -5. She still looked red all over. In a second Hue and Saturation adjustment layer, this time all over rather than just on the hands,  set the Hue to +2 and Saturation to -3. This will vary based on the image and color issues.

Step 3: Next, used MCP’s Magic Skin Action set – specifically the Powder Your Nose skin smoothing Photoshop action which is great for newborns and set the opacity to 50%.  Brushed all over her face except lips, eyelashes and hair.

Step 4: Flatten Image. Made a duplicate layer and chose MULTIPLY as my blending mode. I set the opacity to 29%.

Step 5: Made another new layer and chose SCREEN as my blending mode and set the opacity to 50%. Amounts will vary based on your image.

Step 6: Added a layer mask to the SCREEN layer and used a black brush on the green blanket to darken it back. The mask icon is the tiny circle in a square at the bottom of the layer’s palette.

Step 7: Next, used MCP’s Crackle – a Photoshop action to add mid-tone contrast in the Quickie Collection.

Step 8: Lastly, used MCP’s Free Magic Dark action at 17% opacity and darkened the edges.

Katie Hardy is the owner of Katie O Hardy Photography located in Augusta, Georgia. She specializes in studio and natural light photography. Her work is described as clean and simple.

Sometimes your daytime photos fail to capture the depth and warmth that you remember seeing in person.  This amazing photo by Amanda of Sparrow Memories Photography is full of personality.  What an adorable shot. Amanda sent me her before and after and felt that while she loved the original, it needed an extra something.  Admittedly, her favorite MCP Photoshop Actions set is Fusion. She uses at least some actions from Fusion on nearly every edit.

Here are her steps for this image – the Blueprint shows how she got from the before to the after using actions in the Fusion set (which works inside Photoshop and Elements).

If you prefer your photo not quite this warm, you could definitely dial back the Magic Markers and not do the last One Click Color, but Amanda loves rich color pop and this is how she achieved it.

Thank you, Sparrow Memories, for sharing your edit with us!  MCP Fans – when you edit your photos, come share your favorites on MCP Actions Facebook Page.  Yours could be selected for a future Blueprint.

Learn my photo editing process from beginning to end for a bridal image.

I use Photoshop for all of my editing – starting with the RAW images from my Nikon D700 in Adobe Bridge to completion in Photoshop.

In Adobe Bridge:

• Turn the Brightness down to +40 (I tweak until the histogram is more evenly distributed). There is a little more bright than dark to begin within this photo, so it won’t be completely equal, but you don’t want anything climbing the right side of the histogram.
• Under “Detail” I pulled luminance up to +5 under noise reduction. It’s­ very effective for both reducing noise and softening. Next I open the photo in Photoshop to complete the editing process.

In Photoshop:

Step 1 (Cropping): I don’t like the column on the left or the way she is centered completely in the photo, so I’m going to re-crop. Generally it’s a good idea to get your crop right in camera so you can maintain the most information possible. Sometimes, however, it’s just not as easy as others. This picture for instance was taken while I was 2nd shooting at a wedding. So the main photographer was directing the bride, and I am literally just shooting a 2nd perspective. The bride may never look at me, and in this case was only standing here for about 30 seconds.

Step 2 (Cloning): Now we have our basic composition to where we like it. I do NOT however, like the big gaudy black hand rail running through the pretty white column. So that has to go. We’re going to get rid of it by cloning. Be precise when cloning, and always do it on a separate layer. Once you clone, you delete the data that was in that spot. Duplicate your background layer. You should always do this before editing so that you can always undo whatever you have edited. I named this layer “Handrail Clone.” This fix is all I will do on this layer.

Click on your “clone” tool from your tool selection.  We’re going to start on the column and work our way left. You want to do this in as few and correct motions as possible. So make your clone tool the size of the rail. You’ll find the sizing selection at the top left corner of your screen.  Also make sure your opacity is at 100% for this. So you don’t have to go over and over to get the desired look. Once this is done, find the spot on your photo you want to replace the rail with and click on it while holding ALT.  You can see the preview of that you’re going to move over when you hover. Just make sure any lines, or designs match up how you want them to.

So far we’ve gotten rid of the bar completely that was on the column. All of our lines match and you can’t tell it was ever there!  Finish your cloning. Try not to clone using the exact same place as your source the whole time. It will look good as you go, but when you finish and look at the whole photo you’ll see an undesired pattern or repeat in your photo, and it won’t look natural.  Just to make sure all of my bushes blend together, I’m going to select my blur tool, which is under the little button that looks like a tear drop. Select about 50% opacity, and blur my bushes a little.  I also cloned the small portion of the white column that remained on the left side of my photo. I wanted to keep this size, but don’t want the column.

As of now, this is what we are working with.       

Step 3 (The Eyes): I want to make her eyes a little more clear. For me, in a portrait, the eyes should always be the focal point.  I use the MCP Photoshop Action “Spark” from MCP Fusion set. It also automatically creates a new layer which I love. After running this action, I painted on her eyes to activate at 50%.

Step 4 (Teeth): I like for everyone to look their best in photos, so I generally whiten teeth and clear up and skin issues as well.  MCP has an action called Eye Doctor and Dentist  and another called Magic Skin so check those out for action based retouching.  For teeth, I do it manually by duplicating my last layer and call it “teeth.” I like to just use the DODGE tool. I put it at about 17% opacity, and on midtones to start. zoom in close enough to see the teeth, and make your brush about the size of one tooth.

Step 4 (Lightening and Darkening): Now I want my subject to pop a little more off of the backdrop, so I want to darken behind her, just a LITTLE. To do this I’m going to use the MCP Fix Overexposure Photoshop action in Fusion. It automatically defaults at 0% opacity, so you just increase it to suit your needs. In this case I’m going with about 30%. Remember this layer is masked, so you only want to judge it based on the area you want darker, were going to erase this action over the rest of the photo. So now just use the mask, (a soft black paint brush, while the fix overexposure layer mask is clicked on).

Step 5 (Enhancements): I like to do as little as possible. LESS IS MORE! For this photo, I ran the Sentimental and the Fantasy actions in Fusion, but turned off One Click Color. I added a mask over the Sentimental layer and turned the opacity up to 57%. I used masking so that it only affected the surroundings and not the skin tones.

Below is the before and after bridal image:

Jenn Kelley is a VA Wedding and Lifestyle Portraiture photographer in Chesapeake Virginia. In business for 2 years and studying photography for 8. More info on Jenn and her photography can be found on her website/blog at WWW.JennKelleyPhotography.com.

Installing Actions into Photoshop Elements is just not the easiest thing in the world.  But it can be done.  After much trial and error, I’ve decided that the method below is the most efficient way to get those actions into Elements.

We included a video below detailing this method if you’d like to watch it.

Please note that this method applies only to actions that should be installed into the Effects Palette, not the Action Player.  Please check with the instructions in your action download to confirm that they are Photo Effects actions.

First, a broad overview.  Putting actions into Elements is a three step process.  First you download the actions from our website, then you install them into PSE.  You complete the process by resetting the database.

Are you ready?  Here are the details:

1. Find the actions you want for Photoshop Elements.  After your purchase, you will be directed to a webpage with a download link, and you will get an email with the same download link.  Click on this link, and the actions will be downloaded to your computer.  You might see a message asking whether or where you want to save them, or they might go directly to a folder like “My Downloads.”  It depends on your computer setup.
2. Next, you need to open the file that you’ve just downloaded.  It will be a zip folder.  Most people can open it either by double clicking or by right clicking and selecting “unzip” or “extract all.”  If neither or those options work for you, use Google to find an unzipper for your computer.  In many cases, these unzipper utilities are free.
3. Once you’ve unzipped your folder, you will see something like this:
4. Save the contents of this folder to an easy to find location on your hard drive that you back up regularly.
5. Open the folder that says “How to Install Actions in PSE.”  Locate the PDF instructions specific to your operating system and your version of Elements.
6. Make sure Elements is closed.  That’s “Quit” on a Mac.
7. The next step is specific to PSE 7 and up only.  If you have a prior version, please read the instructions included in your download.  Open the folder that says PSE 7 and up and copy all the files inside. They will end in ATN, XML and PNG.  Do not copy the folder itself, only copy the files inside.  You can do this by typing command or control A to select them all, and then command or control C to paste them all.
   

1. Using the navigation path included in your How to Install PDF, locate the Photo Effects folder.  Open it and paste all the files you just copied into it.
   
   
2. Also using the navigation path included in your How to Install PDF, locate the Mediadatabase file.  You can either Rename it, as stated in the PDFs, or you can delete it.
3. Open Elements and give it a long time to process.  Don’t touch it until the Progress Bar indicating that your Effects are being rebuilt disappears.  Don’t touch it even if it says “Not Responding.”  Don’t even touch it until the cursor returns to normal (no hourglasses or watches).  Really, this can take a while, and clicking around will only slow the process down!

Every once in a while, something can go haywire.  If that’s the case for you, read these troubleshooting tips.

So that’s it.  Not so bad, right?

Learn to Install Photoshop Actions the Easiest and Best Way

There are many ways to install Photoshop actions into Photoshop.  While there is not a wrong way, there is one method that helps them “stick” better.  We often get support questions asking, “What happened to my actions?  They vanished from the actions palette.”  The most common reason for this is using the “double click” installation method, where you literally click on the .atn file and it opens in Photoshop.  I do not know why it has this imperfection.  Most people love this method since it takes the least effort, up front anyway.

A better, more reliable way to install actions into the full versions of Photoshop is the following:

1. Save the actions you want to install on your computer.  You can create a folder on your desktop and name it “actions” or move them to another easy to find location.
2. If this file says .zip, you need to use unzipping software to unzip it.  Just do a quick Google search if you do not have any software for this purpose.  It is often free. Once unzipped, you will see a file with the extension .atn. This is the important file. Make sure to back up your actions file on an external hard drive or DVD. This way if you lose it due to hard drive failure or if Photoshop has problems, you can quickly reinstall.
3. Open Photoshop.
4. Make sure your “actions” palette is open.  If not, go to WINDOW – ACTIONS.
5. In the actions palette, navigate your way to the top right corner, and click on the lines.  This will initiate a drop down box.
6. Next, click on “load actions” in the drop down menu.
7. Now navigate your way to where you saved the .atn file on your computer. Highlight the action you wish to install.  Then click “open.”
8. Your actions will now appear in the actions palette and are ready to be used. If you want to practice before buying any, download some of our free Photoshop actions today.

Below is our Installing Actions video I recorded many years ago with more details on installing and also using actions in Photoshop:

Whether you prefer color photos or black and white imagery, there are times where you may want a classic black and white photo.  Most photographers shoot in color, but it can be as easy as a few clicks in Photoshop to get rich monochromatic images or more subtle film like black and white conversions.  Using this color photograph submitted by Spanki Mills Photography in Texas, I will show you a few options using the MCP Fusion Photoshop action set.

Here is the straight out of camera image of a baby girl:

Next are three conversions to black and white.  I would love to hear in the comments which you prefer most and why. The step-by-step Blueprint showing exactly what actions were used and at what opacity is listed under each photo.

The 1st image is meant to give a look similar to black and white film.  Lower contrast, lighter tones, very classic.

This next edit used a deeper conversion with more contrast, but grayer midtones.  This gives the photo a darker overall quality.

The last photo edit has a warmer toned black and white feel by combining the higher contrast Timeless with the Toned Sunkissed action using Black and White Fusion Mix and Match.

After viewing, what are your thoughts?  Which black and white look speaks to you?  What is the most visually appealing?  Taste is subjective but it is always fun to hear opinions. Thanks for your thoughts.

Do you prefer Lightroom or Photoshop?  For many photographers, both are an important part of their workflow.  When it comes to shortcuts, both Photoshop actions and Lightroom presets can help you edit faster and get the results you want. To learn more about the differences between the two, read about the pros and cons to actions and presets and when you might want to use each.

In this step-by-step Blueprint, professional photographer Stephani Dennis used a mix of actions and presets in her editing.

She started her edit in Lightroom, using the Quick Clicks Collection Lightroom presets.  She used a preset called Extreme Detail. This preset brings out incredible details in the photo, such as the texture in the dog and the metal.  It really made the photo pop.  Next she went into Photoshop and smoothed the model’s skin using the Magic Skin action set – Powder Your Nose action. Lastly she used Touch of Light/Touch of Darkness, a free Photoshop action. She used a 30% opacity brush and painted on the light on her arms and the darkness around the edge of the photo.  In less than 2 minutes, she went from the before image to the after photo.  Thank you Stephani for sharing your work with us!

Holiday Gifts Ideas for Photographers for $50 or Less: Shopper’s Guide

Christmas and Hanukkah are almost here. We want to help you find perfect, affordable gifts for the photographers in your life. You may not be able to get them a Canon 5D MKII or a sought after professional series L Lens but we have creative, budget holiday gift ideas for photographers. If you are a photographer, make sure to “share” a link to this post with someone looking to buy you a gift.

You can also check out our 2010 Photographer’s Holiday Gift Guide, full of 20 more great ideas.

Canon or Nikon Shot Glasses. Use these fun containers for everything from desk organizers (to hold toothpicks, paperclips and more) to small flower pots. Of course if photography or photo editing stresses you out, you can fill them with an energy drink or other liquids. Get 3 shot glasses and use them however you please. Looking for a larger container?  Try the Canon or Nikon Lens Mugs featured in last year’s guide.

Camera Cookie Cutters: This gift is perfect for the photographer with two favorite hobbies, photography and baking. These fun vintage camera cookie cutters can be given as a present or if you like to bake, and your photographer friend does not, buy them for yourself and make them cookies.

iPad Compact Flash and SD Card Readers: Super practical. A great present for anyone who owns an iPad and a camera. These card readers give photographers a quick way to get photos onto their iPads in seconds.

SLR Camera Piggy Bank: Start saving your pennies. I love having this replica camera on my desk.  Any time I have loose change, I can throw it into the “camera” bank.  While it may be impossible to save up enough for a new camera, you may be able to fund some camera accessories just with the coins you deposit in time.

Bokeh Kit:  This is the ultimate fun toy for a photographer.  Turn your bokeh into shapes. This kit makes it easy but we also have an almost free solution with our Do It Yourself shaped bokeh tutorial.

Camera Charm by Fossil: For the charm collecting photographer…

Chalkboard Speech Bubble: What a silly, expressive prop. So many ways to use it to add life to your photos and snapshots.

Macro Lens for Camera Photos (such as iPhone and Droids): If you have ever tried to focus closeup with an iPhone, you know it is difficult if not impossible.  This little rubber band gadget allows you to get super close in and capture a photo, all while on your camera phone. Small and easy to carry, it is a must have for macro camera phone photography.

Metal Photographer Parking Only Sign: This speaks for itself. Great item to hang in the garage or on a wall – a true discussion piece.

Camera Key Chain: Makes a shutter noise too – the perfect stocking stuffer for less than $5.00.  Also see the Vintage Camera Key Fob.

Rainsleeve: This item may be less than $10 but it could be worth thousands to the photographer in your life. If it starts to rain, you need something to protect your gear. And though it looks rather silly, it accomplishes the job.  It is available with and without the extra plastic to cover your flash.

Vintage Cameras: For the collector, look for vintage cameras on eBay, Etsy, and at antique stores and garage sales. You may find some in working condition, but even if they do not work, they make cool props and look great in a photography studio too.

MCP Actions e-Gift Cards: Want the perfect, paperless gift? How about giving some Photoshop actions, Lightroom Presets, or Photoshop online training to a photographer this holiday season? Since you may not know exactly what is on their wish lists, an e-Gift Card is perfect! Available in $25, $50 and more… (cannot mention those other denominations since the title is $50 or less…)

And lastly … this one does not cost you anything! The FREE Facebook Fix Photoshop actions. Make your photos look better on Facebook and the web.

For more great gift ideas for photographers, visit:

The Photojojo Store

Adorama Camera

Amazon

Do you ever wonder which cameras are the most popular? What about what editing tools?  I get emails daily asking what cameras, software, and products I recommend. The hard part is that I only have access to a limited about of camera gear and equipment.

Amazon creates popularity lists based on sales per hour.  While popularity does not indicate that it is the best camera for you, they also have reviews from customers. Here are some of the current lists of best selling photography related products based on sales – they update this hourly:

• Best Selling Digital SLR Cameras
• Best Selling Digital Point and Shoot Cameras
• Best Selling SLR Film Cameras
• Best Selling Film Point and Shoot Cameras
• Best Selling Printers and Scanners
• Best Selling SLR Lenses
• Best Selling Cameras/Camcorders/Housing for Underwater Photography
• Best Selling Tablet Devices

Want to easily find photography related products by brand? Here’s a few to get you started: Canon, Nikon, Tamron, and all the rest by brand.

We also get asked which MCP Actions are our most popular.  As of today’s post, for 2011, our most popular product is:

• The free Mini Fusion action set

Aside from our free downloadable Photoshop actions and free Lightroom presets, which are our most popular products by far, our best sellers based on sales for 2011 are:

1. Fusion Photoshop Action Set
2. Bag of Tricks Action Set
3. All in the Details Actions
4. Incredible Retouching Package
5. Quick Clicks Collection Presets for Lightroom

* To support efforts and hosting of our blog, we may use affiliate links, including the Amazon ones here.