Looking for a workflow to achieve bright vibrant photo's

[dbrianne]

Hi. I am new here. I just got into photography about a yr. ago. I know how to take a great picture and I have a decent workflow using actions in Photoshop to post process but I am looking for an action set or something that will make my photo's BRIGHT and VIBRANT. I want to be able to pump up the lighting and pop the colors. I've tried a couple different actions but can't seem to find exactly what I am going for. Does anyone have any advice that could help?

[Paul]

Not a photographer - but Topaz would do wonders mate.

[dbrianne]

What is Topaz?

[iDad]

Topaz Labs Forum


http://www.topazlabs.com/products.html

[sprucemagoo1]

All I've been hearing off you guys is Topaz, so I looked it up, seen the amount all the plug-ins do, and treated myself to the Topaz Plug-in Bundle for Christmas

It's the best £193.25 I have spent this week, and I'm particularly impressed with the DeNoise plug-in.

[Paul]

Good stuff ain't it, nice how you can mix and match stuff, lol way to many beers here lol.

[sprucemagoo1]

NEVER too many beers!

[ChrisHPZ]

I hate to sound so pessimistic but there may not be any particular workflow solution to what you want dbrianne. The thing with Ps actions is that they apply every step in the action set exactly as you've recorded them to whatever other file you apply them too. This is not always the best thing as different photo's require different attention. I do the photography thing myself and if there's one thing I've learned based on my own observation, it's that no two pictures ever come out exactly alike. With that said, I've spent a lot of time making each one of my photographs "pop" when the need arises. I attribute this to the uncertain nature that is photography. Whether I'm shooting outdoors or indoors, the steps I take to improve a photo are never the same. I don't want to leave you empty handed though. Try playing with the HDR Toning in Ps. Click on Image>Adjustments>>HDR Toning... Also, this website may prove to be of value to you in working with your camera. There's also a daily newsletter that you can subscribe to if you feel the need. Pretty good stuff here as well. A year ago I didn't know the difference between aperture and HDR photography. Hope it helps you.

PictureCorrect - Photography Tips and Techniques

[Hoogle]

LOve Topaz especially the new adjust 5 but noise removal Nik software have got down to a tee once you have learnt about seting key points etc.
next step then is Nik plugin bundle more expensive than topaz but once you learn past presets setting key points etc it is amazing software.
Especially if you only want certain areas of photos to pop

[sprucemagoo1]

Once I have had my fill of this, I will endeavour to treat myself again.