Thursday, April 09, 2009

CoffeeShop Lomo PS/PSE Free Action!

I have had many requests for a lomo action that runs in PSE. Many of the tutorials out there do not work in Photoshop Elements, and even this action uses a technique PSE users can't access themselves (selecting the individual channels and adjusting their contrast) yet works if written into an action.

So what is Lomo? Here is a bit from Wikipedia: Lomography emphasizes casual, snapshot photography. Characteristics such as over-saturated colors, off-kilter exposure, blurring, "happy accidents," and alternative film processing are often considered part of the "Lomographic Technique."Users are encouraged to take a lighthearted approach to their photography, and use these techniques to document everyday life, as the Lomo LC-A's small size, simple controls, and ability to shoot in low light encourages candid photography, photo reportage, and photo vérité through the much-touted "10 Rules."

Is it crazy that we use high tech camera equipment and editing software and then try to make our images look like snapshots taken on a cheap camera? Heck no! Photography is art and art is subjective and a faux-Lomo look can be fun!

If you want to do this by scratch and not use an action, you can read the CoffeeShop Lomo Action UnWrapped tutorial.  But for now you can play with this fun little action that runs in Photoshop and Photoshop Elements. Just adjust the Black fill layer opacity and Vignette layer opacity and blending mode (multiply, overlay, or soft light) to taste after the action runs. Flatten and rerun the action and adjust the Lomo layer's opacity to taste for even more contrast and color.

Download the free CoffeeShop Lomo PS/PSE Action HERE!

Do you want to download thousands of professional CoffeeShop PSE/Photoshop actions (including exclusive ones not found anywhere for free), textures/overlays, scrapbooking papers, clip art/design elements, photo storyboards and frames, and Lightroom presets from this site in one convenient zipped file AND help support this one-woman blog?

Just click here for my CoffeeShop Mega Download Pack!

14 comments:

  1. http://theropersfamily.blogspot.com/2009/04/my-bath-tub-cutie.html

    I used some of your clipping masks and textures today that I saw on I heart faces! I have never used clipping masks before and they sure are a lot of fun!

    My kids were getting so mad at me because I would be like... I'm almost done and ten minutes later I am still finishing up. I remember when I told them I am almost done again and my oldest boy said... you said that so long ago!

    I just can't help it! I love editing pictures! Thanks again for all that you do! It is such a blessing to add these special touches to my photos!

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so AwEsOmE!!!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am to find your site (by referral). I have looked and looked for actions that will work in elements, but found almost nothing, and what I did find didn't look too appealing. These look great! I haven't downloaded them yet, but I cannot wait to try them!

    And free!! Amazing. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU for sharing!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you so much for this Freebie. I want to let you know that I posted a link to your blog in Creative Busy Hands Scrapbook Freebies Search List, under the Photoshop/Gimp Resource(s) (Brush(es), Swatch/Palette, ...) post on Apr. 10, 2009. Thanks again.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you! Your blog post will be advertised on the DigiFree Digital Scrapbooking Freebie search engine today (look for timestamp: 10 Apr [LA 07:00pm, NY 09:00pm] - 11 Apr [UK 02:00am, OZ 12:00pm] ).

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Rita!
    I am a fan of your site!

    I wanted to let you know that I am awarding you with the "I'm a Fan of Your Site" award!

    If you accept awards, please visit my blog to pick it up. :)

    Thank you for so generously sharing your awesome PS talents! I ♥ your actions!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am new to photo editing. I've had PSE7 for about 6 months now and I still know very little about the program. I was trying to get information about PSE actions and luckily found this site. Downloaded some of the actions and tried to use them. Successfully! All the help and tutorials here and at DPM helped a lot.
    THANK YOU so much for sharing all your awesome work!

    I apologise for the anonymity, but I am not a member in any of the places (LJ, blogs) and don't have own site either.

    I will certainly visit this amazing place again.
    Thank you!

    HK, a happy girl from Europe

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi! I can't find the tutorial for this action. Help? :D

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rita, thank you for sharing, i love all your actions ( i download some of it ), i dont have blog yet:), your tutorial really help me how to enhance my works ( photography )i purchased one of your watermarked kit and Heather design my business cards, you guys, ROCK!! i always check on your blog for a goodies:)
    once more Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  9. This does not seem to appear or work in PSE 9.

    ReplyDelete
  10. RR, I haven't tested it, but it should. I think all actions that work in PSE6 through 8 work in PSE9. Perhaps you installed the incorrect files? Or are working in an image that is not 8 bit or not in RGB?

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to leave a message, I love reading them! All comments are personally moderated by me and I will post and answer them them as soon as possible.
Rita