Dawn M Photography

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Monday / 21 April 2008

Photoshop Action: Color & Contrast Enhancer

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.

coloraction_after.jpg

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.

link // filed under For Photographers // 24 comments posted (add yours)

(tagged: photoshop action, share)

Commentary on "Photoshop Action: Color & Contrast Enhancer"


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.

said lorissa on 21 April 2008 @ 8:23 AM

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. :)

said dawn(m) on 21 April 2008 @ 8:37 AM

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

said Joan on 21 April 2008 @ 8:53 AM

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!!!

said Kristin on 21 April 2008 @ 9:54 AM

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

said Stefanie on 21 April 2008 @ 10:56 AM

Excellent. Thanks so so much!

said elaine on 21 April 2008 @ 12:23 PM

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!!

said Angie "TheThiers" on flickr on 21 April 2008 @ 12:48 PM

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

said harriet on 21 April 2008 @ 1:57 PM

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!! :)

said Jennifer on 21 April 2008 @ 3:42 PM

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!! :)

said Jennifer on 21 April 2008 @ 3:42 PM

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!

said Kimberly on 21 April 2008 @ 6:33 PM

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

said Hannah on 21 April 2008 @ 6:37 PM

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.

said dawn(m) on 21 April 2008 @ 7:08 PM

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!

said Minnette on 21 April 2008 @ 9:38 PM

Thanks so much!! This is awesome.

said Shey on 22 April 2008 @ 6:23 PM

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

said Rachel on 1 May 2008 @ 1:44 AM

Oh, Dawn, thanks so much for sharing!

said Nicole on 4 May 2008 @ 7:59 PM

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.

said lauren on 5 May 2008 @ 8:22 PM

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

said stefani on 6 May 2008 @ 8:22 AM

Hi,

I was wondering;

How do I share an action I've made to a friend? That is; retrieving the .atn-file?

said runar on 6 May 2008 @ 2:22 PM

Thanks for sharing, this is a great action!

said SummerL on 23 May 2008 @ 10:58 PM

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

said April on 1 June 2008 @ 12:13 PM

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!

said RCC on 20 June 2008 @ 2:34 AM

Thanks for sharing Dawn! These are great...

said Dennis on 27 June 2008 @ 9:08 AM

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