Favorite plug ins or actions?

[michellerv]

:rolleyes: Hi! I was just reading an article on plugs ins and actions and am going to give it a try but the available plug ins and actions are overwhelming! Does anyone have favorites that they can share or a favorite website to purchase these? And, of course, any advice for someone just starting to use them? Thanks for any ideas!

[Shabby Miss Jenn]

Hey Michelle

Great post! Hmm..I was told to try using actions on photos first...just to get the idea in general. I have the TRA (http://www.totallyradactions.com/) actions..but will try these (http://www.mariahmphoto.com/blog/for-photographers/) too.

[michellerv]

Thanks, Jenn-I feel like a cooler hipper person just for visiting the TRA site. :cool: So, cool! I would love to try them, but, I use PS Elements 6.0 and haven't been brave enough or rich enough to take on CS. Are plug ins and actions mainly CS tools? Has anyone used them in Elements with great results? I guess I'm wondering if I should not waste my time learning to use them until I am ready for the more advanced software.

[Plucky]

I'm so down for anything from Doug Boutwell by way of Totally Rad Actions. He's amazing and has made my workflow so much easier and quicker. LOVE his stuff!

[jennyg]

I am in the same boat and only have Elements 6. Are there actions for Elements users?

[michellerv]

:)Hi! There are actions for Elements. I'm really only interested in enhancing photos more easily but there are even more actions for creating elements. I compare it to learning how to sew my own clothes. I can buy great clothes cheaper than I could ever make them and of higher quality. I can buy one of SMJ's kits reasonably and they are so GREAT or I can spend 50 hours and end up with some crummy rivet. The exception in my case would just be for scanned in items...recital programs, tickets, you know. Anyway, I googled actions and plug ins and realized how totally clueless I am. I'm still reeling. Not sure I'll pursue it anymore. I am focusing on learning the capabilities of PS Elements and using them first and also on digiscrap tutorials. My photography skills could be sharpened too.:rolleyes:

[jennyg]

Oh yes yes....that is all I want as well! Just actions for enhancing photos.......no creating for me! Looking for actions for Photoshop Elements 6.:)

[schmoo]

Actions were made more complicated to install in PSE6. Also consider filters, these are easier to install.

A couple of sites that have actions for PSE6 are:

graficalicus (http://www.graficalicus.com/graffishop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1) - there are some b/w ones and some other photo effect ones, you have to pay for these ones. There is also an installer that you can buy for installing actions into PSE6 because it isn't easy. It is possible to do it without the installer. I have used these.
Panos (http://www.panosfx.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=142&Itemid=47) - there are some interesting ones here. Not really photo enhancements but some interesting ones such as big picture. Make sure you go to the PSE actions page. I have used these - also a cool jigsaw puzzle one.
EZ Actions (http://www.ezactions.com/)- there are tons of photo effect ones here that they say can be used on PSE 6 - you have to pay for them. I don't have any of these but they look nice. (Check out filters below first)
Action Central (http://www.atncentral.com/download.htm) - This is a site for free actions mainly for CS but there are a couple for Elements. Go to the downloads page and then do a serach for the word 'elements'.

If you don't already have a layer mask action get one. You can buy from Graffi or Grants Tools (http://www.cavesofice.org/~grant/Challenge/Tools/Files.html) is a free (make sure you get the right one for your version) and I think there is another free on one About.com.

Also some great free filters out there. Put these in a directory and then point your additional filters to it (under preferences).
Smartcurve (http://free.pages.at/easyfilter/curves.html) - allows curves in PSE - this is free. I have used this.
Virtual Photographer (http://www.optikvervelabs.com/)-
This has some great photo effects which you can then edit yourself. The interface is a bit confusing but if you just stick to the custom made filters it's very easy to use. You can download loads of effects. This is free. I have used this.

I'm not at home at the moment but when I get back I'll check my laptop for some more actions. I don't think I have many for photo enhancements in terms of workflow and photo correction.

Hope this helps a little. All these actions and filters are probably only for PC as that's what I use.

Have fun
Sue