Need help creating an action that does THIS

[whitneyn]

Hi all,

I'm still relatively new to PS but have still not been able to find an action that truly replicates the editing done on the posted images. Does anyone have any tips/tricks that I can do in PS that would give me this style? The blacks all appear very matte, they all have a film like quality to them. If anyone could help me create an action like these, I would be so grateful! Thanks

 

[Hoogle]

http://www.smashingmagazine.com/2008/10/20/the-ultimate-collection-of-useful-photoshop-actions/

 

[whitneyn]

thanks for the link! I've actually already googled a ton searching for whatever action has been applied to the images...I still can't find what I am looking for. I'm hoping someone can specifically tell me the steps taken in photoshop that can give that appearance?

 

[Smokey2011]

go to

image/adjustments/levels


play around with the arrows (sliders) and you'll achieve this effect

 

[dv8_fx]

You can achieve that effect either by blurring, unsharping... making the background out of focus.

Isolate the main image subject on its own layer. Apply whatever appropriate effect on the original layer.

To get the look of the 2nd image you can even the Paintbrush in airbrush mode. Set at a Medium flow and spray BLACK on a third layer above the main subject . Spray just aroundthe image and the rest of the background... Play with layer mode setting, opacity Even Hues & Saturation.