Freebie: Paper Mama "Brighten Me" action

The Paper Mama Brighten Me  action. This action has been working really well on natural light photos. The photos of Ruari below were all edited using this action. And, after I run the Brighten Me action... I run the Sharpen action. It's included in this download.

The photos of Ruari below were all run with the Brighten me action on the SOOC image. Then, I ran the Sharpen action. I did not adjust any layers for these photos.

This is one of the before photos: SOOC:

For this photo I turned off the "Exposure" layer and tuned on the "Levels" layer. Then I ran the Sharpen action:

Brighten me action info:
- You may or may not want to adjust your photos exposure before you run the action. Try both ways! See what works best.
- Every layer is available to be changed. I recommend playing with each layers opacity and fill until you get the desired effect for your photo. I think actions should be used as a base, then add your own touch to each photo!
- There will be a folder inside the Brighten Me folder once the action has run through. Here you can decide if you like the way "Exposure" looks... or turn that off and try the "Levels" layer. Or, you can try both and adjust opacity as needed. For me I've found that the "Levels" on and "Exposure" off  works best with photos that have a lot of shadow.
- A "Sharpen" action is also included in this download. I like to run this after I run the Brighten Me action. Adjust the opacity of the Sharpen action if it's too sharp.
- If you use this action, please let me know! I'd love to see it! Share your blog or Flickr link to the photo the action was used on in the comments below. Or, join the Paper Heart Camera Flickr group and share it there. Thanks!
- Play around, have fun!

You can download the Paper Mama's Brighten Me action here!

New Paper Mama Action: Pacific NW Blend

{Ruari 8.5 months. Photo edited with Pacific NW Blend action}

My newest action: The Pacific NW Blend. This is only the 2nd action I've ever created. I'm still learning. This action was inspired by the lighting you get here in the Pacific NW on a bright overcast day.

Here's a few example of what this action can do...

You can choose to check both the "Brighter White" folder and "Light White" folder. (Seen below).

OR, you can adjust the opacity of one of the folders:

I also wanted to show how this action can look in a direct sun photo (since most of mine are taken in overcast settings. :D). I adjusted the exposure layers to make up for the direct light:

Pacific NW Blend action info:
- You may or may not want to adjust your photos exposure before you run the action. The doll photos were run without adjusting the exposure before. While Ruari's and my photo had their exposure adjusted before. Try both ways!
- Every layer is available to be changed. I recommend playing with each layers opacity and fill until you get the desired effect for you photo. I think actions should be used as a base, then add your own touch to each photo!
- Try turning off/on a folder. Adjusting the opacity of one folder can change a lot too!
- If you use this action, please let me know! I'd love to see it! Share your blog or Flickr link to the photo the action was used on in the comments below. Or, join the Paper Heart Camera Flickr group and share it there. Thanks!
- Play around, have fun!

Download the Pacific NW Blend action here!

Paper Mama action: Summertime Vintage

{Before and After}

Summertime Vintage Action info:
- Before applying your action, perform any exposure and/or contrasts needs to your photo. :)
- Every layer is available to be changed. I recommend playing with each layers opacity and fill until you get the desired effect for you photo.
- Try turning off both Hue/Saturations. It will take away most of the red glow if you don't want that.
- If you use this action, please let me know! I'd love to see it! Share your blog or Flickr link to the photo the action was used on in the comments below. Or, join the Paper Heart Camera Flickr group and share it there. Thanks!
- Play around, have fun!

I made this action in Photoshop CS3. I don't know if it works in Photoshop Elements or not. Hey, let me know! :D

Download Summertime Vintage Here.

How to install your Summertime Vintage action to Photoshop:

1. Download the action to your Desktop. I think it's easier to find there.
2. Open up Photoshop.
3. Click on the drop down menu on the actions pane and select: "Load Action"
4. Find the action file you just downloaded to your desktop and click.
5. To play/use your action, click on the little arrow next to your The Paper Mama action.
6. Click on the first action, press the play button. It can be pretty confusing. I hope this helps!