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Full Version: Curves presets/Actions - How often do you use them?
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Since most of the times when I'm working on a client shoot time is of the essence I find it quite handy to use photoshop curve presets or action that I got online. It sure does save a lot of time with editing and it's easy to achieve the same look for multiple images.
Here are some of my favs and, of course, they are free of charge so that everyone can try them out:
http://buycolor.tumblr.com/post/74719198...-curves-to
http://buycolor.tumblr.com/post/29832967...ilm-series
http://lieveheersbeestje.deviantart.com/...y/34574995
http://alexandrasophie.deviantart.com/ar...-253473148
http://stacytangerine.deviantart.com/art...-203032218
http://igotthelook.deviantart.com/art/Ph...-296187750
So, do you find these presents come in handy? What's your oppinion, in general, about curves & actions? Are they a way to save time and discover more about the process of manipulating color or do you think they aren't useful and encourage people to copy some else's style?
They most probably are a time saver. I have used my own actions, to resize folders of Photos for different forums. You can then pick
The ones you want for viewing. This makes it easier to see what the viewer will see.
I have not tried third party ones as yet.
I will look at these later. Thanks.

Just had a quick look. I would like one that changes after into before. Big Grin
(Oct 13, 2012, 12:10)NT73 Wrote: [ -> ]Just had a quick look. I would like one that changes after into before. Big Grin

Well, those are some of my favs, but I usually start from them and modify the end result to fit my ideas Big Grin I 've posted them because I actually like what they do, but I guess that's a matter of taste most of the times Smile
I have actions I have recorded myself that I use, to give standard sizes for 6x4, 5x7, 20x16 etc, as well as for watermarking, drop shadow framing etc, don't have any third party ones.
Mostly I use my own actions for sharpening and some complex filter effects that would take time if they were always done manually.
I don't really understand why most of you have never tried third party actions or curves. To me it seems a great way to try and improve your skills since you can play them step by step and learn other techniques.
(Oct 13, 2012, 20:44)EnglishBob Wrote: [ -> ]I have actions I have recorded myself that I use, to give standard sizes for 6x4, 5x7, 20x16 etc, as well as for watermarking, drop shadow framing etc, don't have any third party ones.

Same here...

(Oct 18, 2012, 12:43)alessya Wrote: [ -> ]I don't really understand why most of you have never tried third party actions or curves. To me it seems a great way to try and improve your skills since you can play them step by step and learn other techniques.

When I take a shot, I know how I want it to look like. I'm always doing my best to reduce post processing to minimum and I don't actually need actions for those few clicks. Even if I'd manipulate a photo to the point where it becomes another photo, I wouldn't feel like that photo is mine while using 3rd party actions.