Photoshop Action: Color & Contrast Enhancer

Monday, April 21, 2008

Ok. This one is for photographers. I’ve amassed quite a collection of photoshop actions, but I tend to use the ones I’ve created myself the most. Why not share’m? There’s nothing crazy impressive going here, just a simple color and contrast boost.

photoshop action: color and contrast boost by DMP

This action creates two layers one to increase contrast (without affecting color) and the other that boosts overall image color. I often use it on my color images to add a bit of pop. The default setting with the opacity of both layers set to 50% adds a nice subtle contrast and color enhancement. In my humble opinion, that’s really all a well exposed image needs. Looking for a little more pop? Simply increase the opacity of either layer.

Download the Action

If you like this action, please say it out loud by either leaving a comment or noting as such when you use it. This will help me decide if these “shares” are worthy of being shared!

Here are a few samples with the action applied, color set to 75% opacity (maybe a bit too much, but I wanted to show the effect). Mouseover to see the image straight out of camera.

This action was created using Adobe Photoshop CS3. I think it will work with most modern versions of Photoshop, but I’m not sure. Remember this action is complimentary and consequently I won’t be providing any support for it. That means if you don’t know how to install actions or use them, please don’t email me for help. Try a google search instead. Google is your friend.

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∞ ·· Category: For Photographers ··

47 Comments

Thanks so much for sharing. I’m going to try this action out this week. I believe I still have the action you provided years ago for an Amelie effect.

lorissa ·· 21 April 2008 @ 8am

Too funny, Lorissa. Someone asked me about “The Amelie Effect” action the other day. I completely forgot all about it until then. It seems like a lifetime ago. I suppose in some ways it is. :)

dawn(m) ·· 21 April 2008 @ 8am

Thanks for sharing! I’ve always enjoyed your photos and look to your site for inspiration. I’m of the “share your actions” camp!

Joan ·· 21 April 2008 @ 8am

OMG!!! I’m totally a groupie of yours! I love your work and I also look to your site for inspiration. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful action. I can’t wait to try it out!!! THanks!!!

Kristin ·· 21 April 2008 @ 9am

thanks so much dawn! your color is always so beautiful and bright. i love it!

Stefanie ·· 21 April 2008 @ 10am

Excellent. Thanks so so much!

elaine ·· 21 April 2008 @ 12pm

Thank you for sharing this Dawn! I’m a groupie as well, and I’m actually hoping to get CS3 in the next few weeks – so I’ll be using it then! I’ll let you know when that happens (show you the before/afters). I admire your work!!

Angie "TheThiers" on flickr ·· 21 April 2008 @ 12pm

Thanks Dawn! i love getting your newsletters! Any tips you can share very much appreciated!

harriet ·· 21 April 2008 @ 1pm

Hey Dawn! I love your pictures! I tried to download the action, I as well have CS3, and it says that it cannot load b/c the file is not compatible with my version. I’m confused b/c we both have the same version of Photoshop. Do you have any idea what it might be?
Thanks so much and I love reading your blog! Keep it coming!! :)

Jennifer ·· 21 April 2008 @ 3pm

Thanks so much! I love your photography :) I don’t if this makes a difference, but I have an Apple iBook and was able to download the action to CS3. Have a great week!

Kimberly ·· 21 April 2008 @ 6pm

Thank you so much!!! I love how it doesnt make things overly bright… But it gives it a nice pop!!

Hannah ·· 21 April 2008 @ 6pm

Jennifer- I emailed you directly. I don’t have a clue why it’s not working for you. And, that’s why I’m not in the business of selling actions! ;) Anyway, I created the actions on a Mac. Maybe I have to do something to make the action compatible with Windows? I’ll have to research that a bit.

dawn(m) ·· 21 April 2008 @ 7pm

Thanks so much! I am a big fan of your work and love that you share so much. :) Can’t wait to try this out!

Minnette ·· 21 April 2008 @ 9pm

Thanks so much!! This is awesome.

Shey ·· 22 April 2008 @ 6pm

Thank you for sharing, Dawn! How wonderful of you! Love seeing your new client work again as well!

Rachel ·· 1 May 2008 @ 1am

Oh, Dawn, thanks so much for sharing!

Nicole ·· 4 May 2008 @ 7pm

wow, am I glad I happened upon your blog today…from flickr. thanks for sharing. that’s awfully generous of you. congrats on such great success of your business too.

lauren ·· 5 May 2008 @ 8pm

Tried this this morning, Dawn, and loved it. Thanks for sharing!

stefani ·· 6 May 2008 @ 8am

Hi,
I was wondering;
How do I share an action I’ve made to a friend? That is; retrieving the .atn-file?

runar ·· 6 May 2008 @ 2pm

Thanks for sharing, this is a great action!

SummerL ·· 23 May 2008 @ 10pm

Thanks so much for sharing. I just downloaded it and tried it! LOVE IT! Thanks again!

April ·· 1 June 2008 @ 12pm

Yes! Please share. I just discovered your blog and am going through it–all of it–to learn as much as I can. Your exposures are fantastic!

RCC ·· 20 June 2008 @ 2am

Thanks for sharing Dawn! These are great…

Dennis ·· 27 June 2008 @ 9am

Thanks so much for sharing this awesome action!

Kimberly ·· 31 July 2008 @ 9pm

Thank you for being so generous. This action looks great! I can’t wait to play!

Tasha ·· 21 September 2008 @ 10pm

thank you so much. im just beginning my journey into photography and so deeply appreciate when the professionals let a little of their knowledge trickle down!

hjones ·· 13 November 2008 @ 12pm

The Amelie effect!? I just discovered your wonderfully beautiful (and helpful) blog and missed that action download. Any way you could post it again (in all your spare time:)?

Jessie ·· 19 December 2008 @ 10pm

@Jessie It’s available at the adobe action exchange. Just search for “amelie”.

dawn(m) ·· 20 December 2008 @ 5am

Thanks for your share Dawn, I have been testing my own (color/contrast) actions as well, but I must say I have just compared yours to mine and it gives that little extra touch to the pictures :) Keep up the good work I’d say..
Greetz,
Anil ab-p

Anil ·· 22 December 2008 @ 2am

Love your action !! Thaks you so much send it free

Daniela ·· 30 December 2008 @ 5pm

Hey Dawn,
Greetings from Sunny South Africa. I think your work is truley amazing and I appreciate your willingness to share. I will be sure to keep my eye on your website. Keep them coming.

Maryna ·· 24 February 2009 @ 12am

Thank you so much for sharing. I have been envious of the photos that “pop” but wasn’t sure how to do it. Your tips have definitely helped and I enjoy them.

Kathy ·· 4 April 2009 @ 1pm

Thanks so much for the template, makes life easier!!

brandi ·· 24 April 2009 @ 10am

Hi Dawn! I stumbled across your blog this morning and WOW your work is amazing. Your willingness to share is refreshing and will continue to take you far in this business. Thank you so much for these downloads, I sincerely appreciate it! PS: I would have bought them (: