"Acid" in basic editing - DPChallenge Forums

10/18/2007 06:33:49 AM · #1

The "acid" action (available from atncentral) is quite popular in the side challenges. It's a nifty tool that gives a particular almost cross-processed effect. But like many of the downloadable actions available, it uses steps that are not legal in basic editing. (In fact, I'd suggest that you very carefully look at all the steps used in a downloaded action before you consider it for basic editing!)

The shot I wanted for flora was lacking in a) contrast, and b) color. The downloaded acid action brought out contrast and added a bit of color, but it used blending modes. So I set about trying to do it within basic editing rules....

Hereâ��s the original for this example:

[thumb]601869[/thumb]

First step - adjustment layer for Levels (which is the first step in all my shots, usually - especially here where the histogram is very narrow due to lack of contrast).

[thumb]601870[/thumb]

Second step is a bit of a cheat - adjustment layer for Curves, and selected the "acid" curve from the Curves menu in CS3. Note - I did indeed create the acid curve and save it to use again - I'm betting I used the "curves" portion of the downloadable action from atncentral.
[thumb]601871[/thumb]

If you don't have the downloaded action to "borrow" the curve set from or are not using Photoshop, you can set each curve yourself. I'd suggest after you do this, you save it so you can use it again. They look as follows (and note that the RGB curve, the black line, is an "S" curve to increase contrast):

[thumb]601872[/thumb] [thumb]601873[/thumb] [thumb]601874[/thumb] [thumb]601875[/thumb]

It was too strong for my taste, so I reduced the opacity of the Curves layer to about 65%. Note that ALL adjustment layers remain in Normal blending mode!

Third step - an adjustment layer for Selective Color. I was trying to reproduce the effect from the downloaded action so I had that version up and played with the different colors to try to get close. You'll find that you get the most adjustment from the yellow, green, and neutral colors. Try adjusting the cyan, yellow, black and maybe magenta in those to see what works. This step is pretty dependent on your own tastes, and to some extent the photo you're working with.

Fourth step - optional - it's something I like to try on a number of different shots and liked it on this one - an adjustment layer for B&W. I use the CS3 B&W adjustment layer, but you can use a hue/sat layer and desaturate, or any other basic method of converting to B&W. Then reduce the opacity of that layer a lot - to like 10-20%. It's very subtle and a matter of taste.

Fifth step - optional - one more adjustment layer for Levels. I find as I do different things to the photograph, I often need to go back and readjust levels to keep a pleasing level of balance in lights and darks.

Finally, if you want to tweak the colors a bit more (and it depends on taste and the photo), you can create one more adjustment layer for Color Balance and try "adding" a bit of color to taste. I think for the flora shot I entered, I added some red, green and blue. But again, try different things and see what you like.

Finish by flattening everything, sharpening (or blurring!) to taste. Voila!

[thumb]601876[/thumb]

Message edited by author 2007-10-18 13:59:03.

ErinM

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM

10/18/2007 07:04:11 AM · #2

Thanks so much Deb for taking the time to explain your acidizing process! I'm definitely going to try this out! :)

UrfaK

Canon EOS-650/T4i Rebel

10/18/2007 07:19:14 AM · #3

Thanks!! learnt something today..

david_c

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4.0L USM

10/18/2007 07:34:05 AM · #4

Nice! Get this to the tutorial page.

zxaar

10/18/2007 07:35:39 AM · #5

thanks it was very helpful

timfythetoo

Apple iPhone 13 Pro

10/18/2007 07:55:18 AM · #6

Man - I wish I had those curves options in PSE2. But alas, not. Very nice work Deb.

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

10/18/2007 01:11:58 PM · #7

Originally posted by david_c:

Nice! Get this to the tutorial page.

Thanks, I did submit it as a possible tutorial. Is there anything more anyone would like to see included?

slickchik

OM System OM-1

10/18/2007 01:21:21 PM · #8

You are awesome! Thank you for this!

slickchik

OM System OM-1

Olympus 12-40mm f/2.8 Pro

10/18/2007 01:23:30 PM · #9

That acid curve option in CS3...where did that come from? I am using CS3 but I don't have that option. Is that something you created and saved?

SandyP

Canon EOS-5D Mark IV

Canon EF 200mm f/2.8 USM

10/18/2007 01:26:03 PM · #10

That is awesome. I have Photshop CS2. . I wonder if they have that acid curve thing. I'm goig to go check.

THANK YOU!!!!!

10/18/2007 01:34:01 PM · #11

Originally posted by slickchik:

That acid curve option in CS3...where did that come from? I am using CS3 but I don't have that option. Is that something you created and saved?

Look at the screen shot for the "second step is a bit of a cheat". Do you show the same options? The acid curves are down near the bottom. There is, however, the odd chance that I did create them... And in fact, given that one is called "Slightly acidic", I'm betting I did create them. (Getting old is annoying... )

A way to get those curves is to use the downloadable action from atncentral, then save just the curves portion. I think that can be done. The other way is to simply create them using the same basic curve shapes, then save them.

Message edited by author 2007-10-18 13:35:49.

danielv

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

10/18/2007 01:38:45 PM · #12

great tip!

Mr_Pants

SiPix Blink

10/18/2007 01:53:15 PM · #13

Originally posted by Melethia:

A way to get those curves is to use the downloadable action from atncentral, then save just the curves portion. I think that can be done.

Exactly. The curves adjustment layer is applied in normal mode. It is the 'Muted Colors' layer that is applied in a different mode and is, hence, illegal under basic rules. This portion could easily be done with a hue/saturation adjustment layer, anyway.