AMP Action Freebie | Mud Pies | CS2-CS5 and PSE6-8
Posted on September 1, 2010
Another fun Summer action as we wind down from Summer and move towards Fall …spiced apple cider, pumpkin pies, changing leaves…oh how I love Autumn!!
So here is another action for your AMP actions collection for Summer. I have one more coming just before we hit Autumn. (my goal anyway)
AMP Announcements: I have so many things happening in September!
September 10th Freebies For Photogs will be hosting an AMP Giveaway for both Just Beachy sets together (for PS and Lightroom). If you have Elements- play even if I do NOT have Just Beachy for Elements done yet. If you win- as soon as the Elements version set hits my site, hit me up and I’ll send it to you.
September 13th I am doing a Giveaway for a fantastic product called the Easy Accounting Solution for the Photographer. An Excel workbook- it’s all there. As I try to get my act together with keeping track of sales and taxes and all things that give me a business sized headache- this thing is a lifesaver.
To check it out: www.theeasyaccountingsolution.com
And although I have no specific dates to share- in September the Just Beachy Elements actions should be ready, and I will be releasing some BW presets and actions! But I’m not rushing Amanda from Everyday Elements as she is a fellow homeschooling mom of 4 kids with her own thriving business to attend to. Thank you all so much for your patronage and patience! 
Alright so back to the free action share. My latest offering is Mud Pies. By now many of you know my love for things vintage. Especially Dick and Jane style vintage and a sad, sad love for kid’s 80′s toys and clothes. So many of my actions have a little touch of that somewhere. Here is Mud Pies. Adds…just a touch of vintage color. If it’s too bright turn off the Fill Light and Middle Glow layers. Double click on the Tone layer and fiddle with Levels adjustments to make it just right for your image.
$0.00 FREE
amp mud pies action for cs2-cs5 and elements 6-8
Be sure to check out all my other Freebies!
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AMP Recipe #1 ::: {freshwater pearl} ::: Just Beachy Actions
Posted on August 30, 2010
I thought I’d start numbering my recipes. Maybe make it easier to keep track of.
I thought in my recipes I’d also recommend certain actions for certain types of images. It’s not an end-all, but just suggesting. Something to try out anyway. 
My Just Beachy actions AND presets work fantastic on non-beach photos. I know they sometimes get overlooked because of the title. But I use these two sets the most. Especially when I feel playful. 
I use the mini actions {sea spray} or {lo tide| warm} on nearly every image I edit. Period. I might lower the opacity or mask a little but those little guys get used a lot. My images tend to be towards the yellow side and that’s my personal preference. So these actions might need to be used at lower opacities if you prefer less yellow. But those are two of my favvvvvorite actions. I use them sometimes alone or layered on top of my other favorite bigger actions.
The action {freshwater pearl} is simply DIVINE on vintage/boutique clothed babes. If it’s a little too bright, turn off the /fill light/ layer. Or turn it up if it needs some more light. Make sure to click on your dropper tool from time to time and select your background layer and check those RGB numbers. Blowing the red channel on bright images happens before you know it. (you want to avoid RGB numbers over 249 as that’s blown). Especially on skin- and on skin I try to keep it under 247. I personally choose to not worry about other nonessential parts of the photo being blown if it works- that’s my artistic choice. But not that skin.
And a sample:
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A LR Preset & PS Action Recipe | Processing Recipes
Posted on August 6, 2010
I know I don’t blog nearly enough. I want to. I hope to remedy that soon! But I thought for the in between down times…I’d post recipes.
Enjoy!
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AMP Lightroom Freebie | 1978 | Lightroom Preset
Posted on July 26, 2010
Be sure to scroll alllll the way down to the bottom to learn about how to win $75 to spend in my store!!
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I’m working on my latest Lightroom offering. A set called 1978. A little vintage, a little snappy…a little bit of 1978 in every {aio} preset. So far all my presets are created on Raw images- so your results over a JPG might just be close to a nightmare. I’m just sayin’.
Not all presets work on all images, just as not any action will work on just any image. If my presets could talk- they’d say, “tweak me!”. If the image becomes too contrasty- simply lower the contrast level or even the blacks…shoot- do both. Play. Have fun. Make it yours.
Lightroom TIP ALERT!
While you’re at it- if you find a variation of any preset I make and you use- SAVE IT! I make presets ideally to have fun and save time- because shooting styles vary SO much from photographer to photographer: I WANT you to save variations of my presets so that they get you from A to B in a timely way AND make your images look pretty awesome while you’re at it. Of course- you can’t SELL them as yours- but for your own personal use- please tweak and save! I want you to!
Here’s how to save a Preset in Lightroom:
Once you are done go up to Develop (top right hand corner). It says “New Preset” - select that. Now name it (where it says Preset Name”) what is but add a V1 or V2 or V3 etc (you get the point) after the name, make sure all the boxes that you want Lightroom to save the setting as is checked, now also make sure that you select the Folder that it belongs in is also selected (it’s a drop down menu inside this box). I recommend keeping it in the same folder the original is in. Keeps your workspace tidy. Especially if it’s a set you use frequently. Easy peasy right? It really is!
EXAMPLE:
In our panel it might say this:
{aio} 1978
you add this:
{aio} 1978 V2
{aio} 1978 V3
so it now looks like this:
{aio} 1978
{aio} 1978 V2
{aio} 1978 V3
Like that.
Ohhhh and real quick tip to keep LR Preset panel super tidy. BEFORE importing ANYone’s new presets. Right click in your Preset panel (PC). Select “New Folder” and name it the actual name of the set and make sure you put the makers initials first. Then right click over that new folder and select “import” and locate the presets that need to go in that folder. A little pic to illustrate:
See how tidy my workspace is? Makes me happy.
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Now here is a SOOC (straight out of the camera) image and then an after using the 1978 LR Preset. You might need to pull back on the blacks and contrast- depending on your image. Note how well ‘lighted’ her face is? No shadows, nice catchlights, nice exposure and no funky color casts going on. Make sure that when you apply ANYone’s preset you are prepared to tweak the Tone Curve, Blacks, Fill Light..Contrast…all that fun stuff.
In purchased sets you get the main actions. I label them {aio} so they are up at the top of the set. Easy to grab. And below these are helper presets for color pops, tone curve settings, blacks, brights- all sorts of little goodies. This freebie is a sample of one of the {aio} aka main presets in the set I am working on.
Ok ready for the goods?
AMP 1978 Lightroom Preset $0.00 FREE
Try this preset alone or even under some of your favorite Photoshop or Elements Actions. Don’t forget to check out my other free goodies!
And if you’re feeling frisky- head on over to my Facebook page and share a pic of what you’ve done with my presets or actions. Any time! I love it! <3
http://www.facebook.com/AmyMcMasterPhotography?ref=ts
AND want a chance to win $75 to spend in my store? The perfect opportunity to get your hands on my Presets or Actions set you’ve been eyeballin’. Go here:
And PLAY to WIN!!
http://4theloveoffocus.com/win-a-75-gift-certificate-from-amp-actions/
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8 Comments so far
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July 26, 2010 at 5:29 am -
Love it! Thanks chickie
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July 26, 2010 at 7:11 am -
Love all your presets and actions Amy! I’m going to check this one out!! Thank you!
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July 26, 2010 at 6:49 pm -
Anyone that purchases your presets should be SO pleased!! What fabulous sets and how kind to giveaway such a cool freebie! Thank you Amy!
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Sneak Peek | Mister N | Little Bits
Posted on July 25, 2010
Here’s a quick peek at Mister N. Almost 2, and ALL boy. A little bashful at first but he soon warmed up. I’m irresistible that way. I think just about every time he smiled or giggled my camera was pointing at the ground- the way of the toddler. To not be ready the same time you are. 
It was fun to have a boy session and fun to use a new lens. So…lots of images to follow.
What a fun & cute session!
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7 Comments so far
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July 26, 2010 at 12:16 am -
he’s a cutie and you took some amazing shots!
I’m so behind on looking at your pictures on facebook
my computer likes to pick and choose times for me to be able to actually see them now, it’s frustrating and only happens with FB -
July 26, 2010 at 4:18 am -
Insert *big puffy heart*
Love these– he is adorable! He seems to be so full of personality, and the images are gorgeous! -
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August 4, 2010 at 3:14 am -
What a DOLL! Great photos Amy!
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New Presets added to the store! ::: Jewels | LR Raw Presets :::
Posted on July 19, 2010
Six lovely jewel inspired {aio} presets. Use the helper presets to fine tune your results. For Raw images only. These presets work a little funny- tweak exposure AFTER you apply it. Sounds backwards right? Apply an {aio} then adjust exposure, bump the blacks, adjust fill light- you might even need to add a recovery preset. Adjust all the sliders you desire to tweak in the right panel to taste. When you’re all done- adjust the tint slider and warm it up or cool it down. Done. Mere minutes to a masterpiece.
Here is a before and an after with the recipe- just so you can get the most out of these and see how I use them.
And here is the {aio} Jasper preset. {aio}s are a starting point, remember that. For best results- begin with a well lit and not too deeply shadowed image (especially on the faces) and then… tweak using the helper presets and your sliders in the right panel. If your image has a lot of shadows on the face- you will need to spend some time in the Tone Curve for some more heavy duty tweaking.
In this image I applied {aio} Jasper, {exp} -.69, {recovery} 15, {blacks} 18, {fill} 8 and then adjusted the tint/white balance sliders to taste.
All six presets: Jasper, Malachite, Peridot, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz change up the calibration and hues a bit. Adding a slight Split Tone and really making use of the blacks, contrast and tone curve. Change it up, tweak it, apply your favorite actions over it when you are…most of all- have fun!
AMP :::Jewels::: LR Raw Presets
$24
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August 28, 2010 at 3:29 am -
Heey, didn’t know ya had these presets. Man… I LOVE ALL YOUR STUFF!!
| Chalk | life. right now. | 365 Day 2…yes, I am really really behind.
Posted on July 17, 2010
So I totally dropped the ball on my 365. I think I’ll cheat…since I rarely can ever post just one photo- posting multiples is about as good right? I take soooo many images. Usually several times a week. My hard drive is starting to groan and it’s a 1T HD…so….yeah. I do take them. Posting them is proving harder. I will keep on as I am though. When I get to it.
Today’s subject matter is chalk. The only writing tool your kids can freely use outside on your driveway and doodle. It doesn’t get any better than that. True dat. Just ask my two year old… (don’t stone me for no eye contact but the girl rarely looks at my camera. i think she seriously believes that the camera IS my eye and does that selective paying attention thing. gas noises, clapping, bribes, fun dangling toys…only makes her grab at you or….ignore you)
So…chalk. She likes it very much.
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Announcing: Two New Actions Sets |Photoshop| CS2-CS5
Posted on July 16, 2010
AMP has two more fresh and fun action sets to add to the AMP family.
Just Beachy Actions for Photoshop CS2-CS5
AMP Summer Haze action set for CS2-CS5.
Save money by buying both together
AMP Just Beachy and Summer Haze Action Sets
CS2-CS5
$52
If you’re a fan on my Facebook page- don’t forget to use your Gift Coupon at checkout!
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AMP Lightroom Presets | How To Get The Most
Posted on July 10, 2010
How To Get The Most from AMP Lightroom Presets:
Let me start off by saying I love Lightroom. I had Lightroom long before I entered Photoshop land. Although not a whiz in the Library, I worked the Develop mode hard. Anything to save me time in PS. Do I like Photoshop? Sure do! Do I want to work in Photoshop? I really don’t. I want to PLAY in Photoshop…or call it a day right out of Lightroom if I can. Especially when I am processing an entire session of 200 images. Sort, flag- pick or reject, delete all my rejects- do it again until I am down to a good 35 images. Now here is where I want to go from okee to wowee in seconds. I want to get that gallery up for that anxious client who wants to see their little ones precious smiles and moments.
I nail everything I can in camera. Exposure, focus and comp with a little bit of a pull back to allow me some crop room. Now I have my amazing 35 images. How can I make these images pop with Amy flavor in seconds and look good and get outtie?
In ALL my Lightroom Preset sets workflow is big- it’s actually the main idea. Not to fiddle with sliders and scroll down to another slider and keep doing that over and over. If you like doing that- that’s cool. I just don’t. Git. R. Dun. Oh yeah, I said it. hehe
I make my presets stackable and layerable. They are clearly labeled and orderly. There are <resets> sprinkled throughout to reset just one item instead of all if. There is a reset for resetting everything without touching your crop and gradients and brush touch ups. It’s just all there.
You can start out with an {aio} – which is an all-in-one. {aio}s do not change exposure. So you can tweak exposure before or after you apply an {aio}. Some add a little warmth (without messing with the temp sliders) and some just toss a little something on the image- depends on the set. {aio}s were never intended to be an end all- so if it needs a little white balance tweaking- do that. Or apply a {tone pop} which are simply various Tone Curve presets- and it applies it without changing anything else. Exposure presets that let you click up or down on exposure in no time without moving away from the left preset panel or affecting other presets. Presets for tints, warmth, calibrations, color pops, tone curve, clarity, blacks, brightness, contrast…it’s really all there. In ALL my sets.
The {aio}s are at the top of all the sets- like an appetizer. But you don’t have to order from that menu- if you know what calibration, color pop, tone curve you want- go make it happen and pop that image without using an {aio}. So move the slider down a little and hide the {aio}s to reveal all the workflow presets there for you to use. I also choose to close the Navigator panel to allow me more room.
You probably won’t need the navigator panel anyway- when you apply another preset- unless it’s an {aio} you won’t need a preview and if you don’t like what it did use the little reset preset that most of my presets have and zero it out.
My Presets are user friendly, neat and tidy…they will help you get in an out and sometimes never needing to go into Photoshop. And if you are a soft proofer like me or one who uses LR almost exclusively- that time saved is more snuggle time with your little ones, leisurely reading the latest Twilight novel or shoot…sleep?
I will be releasing 3 full Lightroom Presets sets soon.
Squeaky Clean Set + On The Edge Set | Perfect for soft proofing and speeding up your workflow. Very little stylized presets here. Just good clean fun. This set also comes with an edge preset set that has fun, funky edge presets and some basic vignettes and edge burns. The rounded corner presets are FABulous for getting out of LR and posting right to Flickr or Facebook or even your clients Gallery.
Just Beachy Set | Gorgeously awesome and pretty on images with lots of bright midtones and lights. Ocean, beachy, lake, poolside pics really work with these. But I use them everywhere but indoor photos. The lighting just isn’t right.
Beyond Shades of Gray | Black and White presets. These also include {aio}s which have tints, {bw} that have no tints and all the fun layerable presets to build on those are included plus a couple vignettes. Or use the {bw} reset preset and then use the other layerable presets to make your own kickin’ black and white.
And if you have Lightroom 3, because there is so much more vignette control- my vignettes and edges work differently but in an oh so cool and subtle way. No need to do anything different and yes they all work in Lightroom 2, but LR3 reads them a little differently.
I am so excited about my presets. They are my babies. I have labored over them for a really long time. Making them work for me and now sharing them with you. Thank you for reading my little mini Lightroom novel. I just felt it would be a good thing to give a little intro to my Presets so new users or potential customers could get a little feel for how they work. Use them. Layer them. Tweak them like crazy mad. Make them yours.
Thank you for trying AMP Actions and Lightroom Presets!
~amybeth
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3 Comments so far
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July 16, 2010 at 4:52 pm -
I am teetering on the edge of buying Lightroom, and I think you have convinced me!
AMP Action Freebie {day dream} for Elements and Photoshop
Posted on July 9, 2010
So here’s the next installment in my free Summer Vacation set. I love this little action. It’s soft. It’s sweet. Just adds a little…bit of vintage and sweetness. My daughter is my pretty little model dolled up in her tutu and pretty little flower wand. Both are custom made creations from QT Patootie Boutique here in Redding. I love that place! My daughters and I get lost oohing and ahhing.
And can I just say that I am so madly in love with my 50mm f/1.4? I am adding a dreamy 85mm f/1.8 to my bag very very soon. I love shooting wide! Total bokeholic here!
AMP Day Dream action freebie for PS&PSE
$0.00 = FREE!
Enjoy a 15% discount to my store today. One day only. Come’n get it!
Thank you for using AMP Actions- without you there’d be no AMP Actions. <3 <3
~amybeth
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6 Comments so far
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July 9, 2010 at 11:24 pm -
Thanks for the freebie, I can’t wait to try it out!
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July 11, 2010 at 6:25 pm -
beautiful…thank you!
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I LOVE this one, thank you SO MUCH!!!
Just downloaded mud pies and can’t wait to try it out. Thank you so mucy, from an elements 7 user!
These actions look terrific.
Thank you for sharing with PSE users – ’cause we can’t create our own
And, I learn SO much by playing with others’ actions.
You’ve got talent. No doubt.