Many of my new actions have a layer called "Define" and I have had readers ask how it works. Well, it is a really easy editing technique that sharpens only the darker parts of your image, so it works great
on eyes, hair and darker backgrounds. If you have PSE or want to save time, you can download the action below, but if you have Photoshop you can follow my tutorial below.
CoffeeShop Define Action UnWrapped (Photoshop only):
1. Open your image.
2. Click on the Channels tab and click on the small button on the left side seen circled in red below.
3. This selects the highlights in your image. Click on Layers.
4. Go to Select, Inverse.
5. Ctrl-J to add the selection to a new layer.
6. Filter, High Pass.
7. Set the radius to 10.
8. Put this layer in overlay, vivid light, or soft light blending mode and adjust the opacity to taste. This is a subtle edit, but it can really add a nice pop to portraits.
Download the free CoffeeShop Define Action. You can also download it here.
Want all of my favorite CoffeeShop Actions or Design Elements in one simple download AND help support this blog? Just click here for my action pack or here for a download of some of my most popular design elements, storyboards, and textures. For complete info on installing all of my actions, click here.
