A couple of years ago I discovered a set of Photoshop Actions that forever changed the way I edited my photos. I’ve always been a “less is more” kind of girl when it came to post processing and found a lot of actions I tried were just too much for my taste. As soon as I discovered Addy Lane actions I knew I’d found the perfect fit for me!
Christy Williams is the creative talent behind Addy Lane and the actions she creates for both Photoshop and Photoshop Elements users are truly stunning. I began using her actions on client images and photos I shared on my blog and I loved the touch of vintage they added without being too overdone. I’ve used Addy Lane’s actions almost exclusively on a lot of the images you see posted here at Simple as That, in fact, they’ve become such a part of my signature style I don’t know what I’d do without them. 🙂
When ideas began forming for my next eBook, I thought it would be fun to offer a set of PS/PSE actions to go with and I immediately turned to Christy of Addy Lane to help me put this idea into reality. As we discussed the needs of the beginner photographer, common problems one can encounter when editing photos and tested several versions of the actions, the Simple Fixes Action set came together and I couldn’t be happier with it!
This basic set of actions is so simple to use and combats some of the most common problems that one can run into when editing photos. They are a great base set of actions, in fact, I find myself using them more and more when editing my everyday photos. They’re simple and concise and I really like that about them. Read more about why I love using actions and how they can simplify the editing process.
Follow along with me as we explore a little of what the Simple Fixes Actions can do and how, when paired with my latest eBook Real.Life.Photography., they can turn your everyday moments into magical memories!
Simple Fixes Actions Step by Step:
1. See the original photo in the upper left corner? What I noticed immediately was that my daughters hands were slightly darker than the rest of the image.
2. I used the SIMPLY LIGHT/DARK action and with a few brush strokes brightened up the hands and also darkened the dandelion she was holding.
3. After touching up these two little problem areas I then applied the SIMPLY BOOST action.
4. I loved the contrast the Simply Boost action added to the photo, but it really accentuated the redness in the skin tones. I used the GOODBYE RED action and with a few brush strokes eliminated some of the redness of the hands and that was it. You can see these were all very subtle edits to the image but when viewed overall you can see the difference they made.
Once you’ve mastered the use of the Simple Fixes Actions you can take your photos a step further and create beautiful, vintage looks with Addy Lane’s more advance action sets. Here is the same image above included in this series just edited using Addy Lane’s Story Tellers Collection instead.
all images taken with Canon 5D Mark II + 24-70mm 2.8 lens
Addy Lane’s actions have not been available for purchase over the past few months and just for us, Christy is bringing ALL of her action sets out of retirement!! This is such exciting news!! Even more exciting is that she’s making them available for 20% off using coupon code SIMPLE now through June 25th!
Here is a little bit more information about the Simple Fixes Actions for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements along with a video showing exactly what they can do for your photos. Visit Ella Publishing Co. to view the video for Photoshop users and if you already know how to install actions then simply skip the first 5 minutes of the video.
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Add an extra dose of magic to your favorite photos with these simple actions for Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Fix common photo problems, punch up the color, or even create ultra rich black and whites in just a few clicks of the mouse.
If you’re new to actions, watch one of two instructional videos to see exactly how to install and use Photoshop Actions. Your life is about to change! This high quality, versatile, classic set is a must for your action library. You’ll turn to it again and again.
Enjoy these 8 amazing actions:
Simply Boost
Simply Lighten
Simply Darken
Simply Dark/Light Selective
Goodbye Red Skin
Goodbye Yellow Skin
Simply Sharpen
Simply Black & White
Instructional .pdf is included with purchase. Actions can be installed on either Mac or PC computers. They are compatible with Photoshop versions CS3 and higher, as well as Photoshop Elements versions 9 and 10. (Note: while they’re not designed for Photoshop Elements 8, they often work in this program, too. If you try and they don’t work, take advantage of our money-back guarantee).
Stay tuned later this week for an exciting giveaway featuring my latest eBook Real. Life. Photography, the Simple Fixes action set along with a collection of Addy Lane’s vintage actions!
Also, be sure to join the Real. Life. Photography. eBook Launch party happening this week!
21 incredible and inspirational bloggers will be sharing their thoughts on my latest eBook, testing out the Simple Fixes actions and hosting giveaways all week long! You can enter to win here:
Whipperberry
She Paperie
The Crafting Chicks
Crystal Wilkerson Design
Thirty Handmade Days
Rebecca Cooper is a 42-year-old wife and mother of four from Alberta, Canada. As a photographer, crafter, author, and blogger, she finds joy and fulfillment in celebrating everyday moments. She loves to read and eat chocolate, and is a firm believer in afternoon naps. Rebecca shares her family’s adventures, photo tips, simple craft projects + more right here at Simple as That.
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Rebecca-how fascinating. I just discovered your blog and there are so many handy tips!! I’ve only just started teaching myself to use my DSLR and I’ve tried a photoshop elements trial-but it’s so hard for computer illiterate people like me! Still, I know I am going to have to learn at some point-so little time! 🙂
i bought pse a few months ago and i think i need to take a class or something…its sooo not easy for me! i can do some things, but overall i’m lost.i would love to add these actions and such, but i think i better figure pse out first!!
Caroline and Alicia, Everyday Elements share some great tips for using PSE on her blog and you can also purchase her new eBook Photoshop Elements from Scratch: http://everydayelementsonline.com/workshops/guides-and-workbooks/ Lot’s of great tips on how to get started in PSE! 🙂
I have always wondered how you got your photos to look that way. I am new to actions and post editing so this really helps. Thank you for the awesome information.
Amazing! I love it. I just use Picasa. It can’t hold anything to that.
Thanks for sharing! I hadn’t heard of her before! Is that how you get the softened look to your photos or is that another action set!
The code is not working… it is saying that it is invalid or expired. I will try again later.
I don’t use photoshop often, mostly lightroom. But software aside, I’m still defining my photography style, so I think I should work on that ;). Great actions tho!