Actions

[lindaf]

Are there any free actions to download in PSE4 that will make our black & white conversions look better. I found one in panos but it required photoshop 6 or higher. I use levels and its ok but i wondered if theres one better for elements.

[Byron Gale]

Linda,

I don't know about actions... but there is a video in the Subscribers section which details how, in PSE4, to use the Color Variations tool to convert to B/W.

It is a nifty trick, and allows for plenty of tweaking to get just the look you want. In fact, it is a good simulation of the B/W conversion tool in PSE5.

It is the video named "Black & White" dated June 16, 2006.

HTH,

Byron

[graficalicus]

I've got about a dozen and a half I'm working with, but the kicker is that they're PSE 5-only (for the most part) :(

[AngelicKim]

You could download the demo at www.ezactions.com (http://www.ezactions.com) It does a great job. Don't know if it expires but I don't think so. I have been using it for about 3 months now.

[Steve Cat]

My favorite now is Pixiedust a plugin collection of special effects including one called monocrome. Use the deep gray option and CIE. Very high quality output. No brainer few option software. Can't believe this isn't more well know. Cannot empasize who great this is

http://www.redprince.net/pixie/ download the freeware option

If you want to diddle more with results similar to results from Elements 5.0, but not as good as pixie dust above the next best is virtual photographer. Make sure to download the addon if you like this. Nice tints and special . Again freeware

http://www.optikvervelabs.com/

And finally Resne's Photocamel plugin

http://www.photocamel.com/forum/black-white/21493-processed-renses-photocamel-plugin.html
look around alittle, don't give up.......film type metaphor

These are all plugins, not actions

[lindaf]

Can I use pixiedust if I have elements 4 or do i have to have 5? Its sounds like what Ive been looking for.

[Steve Cat]

I don't know since I don't have 4, but download it and unzip it into the plugins file and see if it works. It really is cool. It utilizes the pseudograyscale that I'm so enamored with.

[lindaf]

GREAT!! Thank you so much, I will do it tomorrow.

[Steve Cat]

Let me know if it works? I don't want to confuse you but what you will end up with is a color picture to looks so close to black and white you barely can tell other than I believe you get a greater tonal range than 256 grayscale and some "color" editing can still be done to modify the B&W. But if you are satified with its output then don't worry about this stuff. FWIW I'm fooling which editing my jpegs using the raw editor included with ACR 4. I get the same output as pixie dust but have more control over the edits, but I think I'm getting ahead of myself again. Excuse me but I'm really into B&W......sorry if I go on and on

[lindaf]

LOL your not going on & on. Its wonderful when someone has a great passion for something that they want to share it with the world. Thank you for your help. I really appreciate your time.