Adobe
Great Photoshop Actions for Video
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Tools for Television – Want to automate standard video graphics production tasks? Then check out Tools for Television’s Photoshop Toolbox for video-friendly actions at http://www.toolsfortelevision.com.
Action FX – For complex text and special effects, check out the excellent site http://www.actionfx.com. There are several free actions as well as some to purchase.
Photoshop Video Actions – Upgraded to CS2 or CS3? Then be sure to check out the built in Video Actions that I authored with
Dan Brown for some timesaving automation tools.
PanosFX – A newer site that is really becoming one to watch isPanosFX (http://www.panosfx.com). This site has some incredible free actions as well as some very affordable and powerful tools for sale.
Adobe Exchange – If you’re not in a position to purchase add-ons to your system, there’s one incredible free resource worth mentioning. With the release of Photoshop 5.5, Adobe launched a Web site originally called Action Xchange where users could share their actions; see http://www.adobe.com/exchange.
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Saving Time with the Image Processor
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Image Processor script can be used to convert and process multiple images. It differs from the Batch command in that you don’t need to first create an action. The image processor can be used for any of the following tasks:
- To convert a images to JPEG, PSD, or TIFF format. You can also convert files simultaneously to all three formats.
- To process a set of camera raw files using the same camera raw options.
- To resize images to fit within a specified pixel dimension.
- To embed a color profile into images or convert files to sRGB and save them as JPEG images for the web.
- To include copyright metadata into the processed images.
- The Image Processor can be used with PSD, TIFF, JPEG, or camera raw files.
Step 1: Choose>File>Scripts>Image Processor.
Step 2: Select the images that you want to process. You can use the open images or navigate to a folder to select images.
Step 3: Select a location to save the processed images. You can choose the Exports folder you created previously on your Desktop.
Step 4: Select the file types and options you wish to convert to.
- Save As JPEG – This sets the JPEG quality between 0 and 12. You can also choose to resize the image and convert it to sRGB color profile.
- Save As PSD – This sets the PSD options. You can also resize the image and choose to Maximize Compatibility.
- Save As TIFF – This saves images in the TIFF format with LZW compression. You can also resize the image.
Step 5: You can choose from other processing options.
- Run Action – If an action is loaded into your Actions palette, you can run it on the image during the process.
- Copyright Info – You can add copyright metadata to the image.
Step 6: Click Run to process the multiple images.
Special Episode of Layers TV
Thursday, June 19, 2008
“Corey is joined by guest co-host Richard Harrington to discuss working with video in Photoshop Extended, Premiere, and After Effects.
- When working in Premiere, don't forget about the search menu that you can use to locate the effects you want
- Change Color is a useful effect that you can use to target and adjust one color region of your video clip
- There are also Shadow/Highlight adjustment options in Premiere
- You can bring your video clips into Photoshop Extended and apply Photoshop effects to them
- Make video clips into smart objects so that Photoshop will treat them as a single layer
- After you have finished editing the video clip in Photoshop, go under the Export command and render the finished video
- Get more information from Richard at Photoshop For Video.com
- Use After Effects to make speed changes to your video clips. Remember, time is just another keyframe
- If you want further video training from Richard, you can watch his classes at Kelby Training.com, or see him live at Photoshop World this September in Las Vegas”
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE
WATCH ONLINE
DVD Menu Design in Photoshop CS3 Extended
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
“Now up is the incomparable Richard Harrington. Richard has a tutorial for making a DVD menu in Photoshop CS3 Extended that will have you creating great DVD design with little fuss. Richard will also be doing stuff in Layers TV very soon, so be sure that you check that out as well. Click on the link below to get to the tutorial.”
Richard Harrington - DVD design using Photoshop CS3 Extended
Photoshop for Video Featured on Photoshop User TV
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Be sure to check out this week’s epsiode of Photoshop User TV. Scott Kelby had me on the show for an interview and a couple of quick tips.
PSV#81 Age a Photo - Photoshop for Video
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Scanning Advice
Saturday, June 14, 2008
- Before scanning an image, ensure you have the latest software needed by your scanner. You can always check their websites or use Version Tracker. Having problems with a lack of support on the OSX side for older scanners. I recommend checking out VueScan from Hamrick Software.
Read More...
PSV#80 Distressing Text Edges - Photoshop for Video
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Photoshop Disasters: Laugh & Learn
Saturday, June 07, 2008
One of my favorite sites that I like to check out on a regular basis is Photoshop Disasters. The site is a freakshow gallery of Photoshop gone wrong. The site is driven by user submission and acts as both entertainment and education. There mission:
“Have you seen a truly awful piece of Photoshop work? Clumsy manipulation, senseless comping, lazy cloning and thoughtless retouching are our bread and butter. And yes, deep down, we love Photoshop.”
Be sure to check the site out, it’ll make you look at things a little differently.
What is Photoshop World?
Saturday, June 07, 2008
In case
you’ve neverr had a chance to go, here’s
a quick look at all things Photoshop
World. The event is a
ton of fun and a chcne to get some of the best
instruction available.
Soundbooth Beta Open to Public from Adobe
Friday, May 30, 2008

Adobe Soundbooth is a great tool to fix everyday audio problems and production workflows. It works well for video or Flash workflows and is built around a fairly intuitive set of task-based tools. Adobe is giving its customers a chance to play with Soundbooth CS4. If you are already a CS3 owner, the beta works until after CS4 is released. If you don't own CS3.... then it only works for 48 hours.
Here are some of the core features worth checking out:
- Arranging audio files on multiple tracks
- Making quick edits and applying fades
- Matching volume levels with a single command
- Removing unwanted noises and background sounds
- Adjusting tempo and pitch
- Recording and polishing voice-overs
- Adding effects and filters
- Previewing MP3 compression quality
- Easily creating customized music — without musical expertise
- With the new Adobe Sound Document file format you can take “snapshots” of your work-in-progress and undo changes made to your audio assets.
New Online Class – Photoshop and After Effects for Event Photographers
Monday, May 19, 2008
You can watch the first three parts of the lesson for free and find out more on their site. The tutorial touches upon most of the Production Premium suite. You'll learn a bit about Photoshop, After Effects, Encore, Premiere Pro, Soundbooth, and the Adobe Media Encoder
I hope you enjoy it.
Photoshop World Schedule Announced
Saturday, May 17, 2008
The schedule for the new Photoshop World has been announced and I am very excited.. I'll be teaching four brand new classes that I hop you all will enjoy.
Building an Electronic Portfolio (Using DVD, Presentation Software, and Web Galleries)
Looking to expand your photography or design portfolio? This in-depth class will teach you how to create dynamic electronic portfolios to showcase your work. Learn how to prepare your images for the screen, then take them to new places such as the Internet, DVD, and Presentation software. This session will help you show your portfolio to more people with less expense. If your looking for easy and innovative ways to showcase your work, don't miss this important pre-conference session.
Creative Animation with the Puppet Tool
Looking to create animation from photos? Learn how to combine layered Photoshop files with After Effects Puppet Tool to quickly add natural motion. You can bend, warp, and animate both raster images and vector graphics, including still images, shapes, and text characters. In this session, you'll learn creative possibilities for creating animated elements for use in video and multimedia projects.
Advanced Motion Control 3D
Clients, Producers, and After Effects Artists alike have fallen in love with bringing pictures to life. Want to learn how to create movement "within" a photo? This popular class has been fully updated to show you even more techniques for using Photoshop files for creative story telling. Learn how to use 3D cameras, lights, particles, and the Vanishing Point feature to create exciting animations that capture the imagine and engage your audience.
Creative Chromakeying
The use of green-screen and blue-screen is a popular technique for both video and film special effects. In this informative session you'll learn how to create virtual environments from photos, then key your video using Photoshop or After Effects. A special emphasis will be placed upon using After Effects' powerful keying technology like Keylight as well as strategies to help with the production of the chromakey shoot.
The conference is September 3-6 in Las Vegas... be sure to check it out!
Great Tutorial on Vanishing Point Exchange
Thursday, May 15, 2008
“Without a doubt, the best new feature in After Effects CS3 is the Vanishing Point Exchange with Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended. Creating very believable 3D movements from quite simple 2D digital photographs has to be seen to be believed, and the best thing is it’s a pretty easy process. However, there are a few caveats to keep an eye out for, so let’s take a trip into the world of two-dee three-dee!”
Check the whole thing out here.
PSV#76 Making Selections: Calculations - Photoshop for Video
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Review of Premiere Elements 4 (4.5 out of 5)
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
AMAZINGLY CAPABLE VIDEO SOFTWARE FOR
WINDOWS
“You might be thinking, “What’s consumer software doing in a pro magazine?” The short answer is that if you aren’t using the Adobe Master Collection or the Production Premium suite, you probably need Adobe Premiere Elements 4. Whether you work as an advertiser, designer, developer, or photographer, you most likely have an interest in making videos or DVDs.
Sure, Adobe
offers the very capable video applications found in
the Creative Suite product line but for many users,
it’s hard to spring for the “whole
enchilada.” When I sat down with Premiere
Elements, I was immediately impressed. The product
offers an easy-to-use toolset that addresses the
needs of many users.
Here’s the lowdown: Premiere Elements only runs on Windows machines. If you’re a Mac user, you should be looking to iMovie and iDVD ’08 to fill the same needs. On the PC side, the market has been woefully underserved by offerings from Adaptec and Microsoft. With version 4 of Premiere Elements, Adobe clearly steps up to offer a dramatic redesign, combining power with ease of use (an Adobe trademark).”
You can read the rest of the review here...
“You might be thinking, “What’s consumer software doing in a pro magazine?” The short answer is that if you aren’t using the Adobe Master Collection or the Production Premium suite, you probably need Adobe Premiere Elements 4. Whether you work as an advertiser, designer, developer, or photographer, you most likely have an interest in making videos or DVDs.
Here’s the lowdown: Premiere Elements only runs on Windows machines. If you’re a Mac user, you should be looking to iMovie and iDVD ’08 to fill the same needs. On the PC side, the market has been woefully underserved by offerings from Adaptec and Microsoft. With version 4 of Premiere Elements, Adobe clearly steps up to offer a dramatic redesign, combining power with ease of use (an Adobe trademark).”
You can read the rest of the review here...
Adobe TV at NAB 2008 – Photoshop CS3 Extended for Video
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Want 30
minutes of free training on Adobe Photoshop CS3?
Adobe had me in their theater at NAB giving lessons.
Here's a recording from one of the days so you can
see what was taught.
If you want more free classes... visit the Adobe TV site.
If you want more free classes... visit the Adobe TV site.
Adobe Demos Future Technology at NAB
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Following up on my
"Really Cool Adobe Announcements" post...
Adobe has actually posted their "secret" presentation from NAB. Hart Shafer talks about four cool things Adobe has up their sleeve.
You SO need to watch this... trust me. BTW (for those of you waiting... they did show OnLocation for Mac in this demo).
Adobe has actually posted their "secret" presentation from NAB. Hart Shafer talks about four cool things Adobe has up their sleeve.
You SO need to watch this... trust me. BTW (for those of you waiting... they did show OnLocation for Mac in this demo).
Does the World Need Another Media Player?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Adobe released the
Adobe Media Player software on April 9, which allows
a customizable, cross-platform media player
experience. Built using the Adobe AIR runtime, the
media player harnessed the power of Flash to create a
rich media experience. To complete the experience,
Adobe adds support for both RSS feeds and H.264
video, two of the open standards used by the
podcasting movement.
What does this all mean? I had a chance to sit down with Deeje Cooley, who serves as an evangelist for Adobe’s Dynamic Media Organization (and formerly as the product manager for the Adobe Media Player). Cooley was tasked with bringing the product to market and he shared insight into Adobe’s motivation for the product and goals for its role in the market. Unlike competing products, the Adobe Media Player has chosen to focus on being a video-only player.
“The growth of video online, the dramatic growth of flash as the video delivery mechanism of choice… there was a ripe opportunity to take advantage of all these events around the industry,” said Cooley. “We started to build an RSS aggregator and quickly recognized that video was going to be a significant media online and so it became a video RSS aggregator. And so that’s really the birth of the Adobe Media Player.”
MUCH MORE AFTER THE JUMP
Read More...
What does this all mean? I had a chance to sit down with Deeje Cooley, who serves as an evangelist for Adobe’s Dynamic Media Organization (and formerly as the product manager for the Adobe Media Player). Cooley was tasked with bringing the product to market and he shared insight into Adobe’s motivation for the product and goals for its role in the market. Unlike competing products, the Adobe Media Player has chosen to focus on being a video-only player.
“The growth of video online, the dramatic growth of flash as the video delivery mechanism of choice… there was a ripe opportunity to take advantage of all these events around the industry,” said Cooley. “We started to build an RSS aggregator and quickly recognized that video was going to be a significant media online and so it became a video RSS aggregator. And so that’s really the birth of the Adobe Media Player.”
MUCH MORE AFTER THE JUMP
Read More...
More on the Puppet Tool – Hands on Files and Bonus Video
Monday, April 21, 2008
To get the hands on files click here.
To get a bonus video tutorial - click here.
(Thanks to the fine folks at the New York Post Conference for letting me post this).
’Toon Your Video in Adobe CS3 Production Premium
Monday, April 21, 2008
“Sure, clients want it…that “cartoon look.” But let’s face it; good animation is hard to come by. Unless you have a gaggle of animators locked in your closet, you’ll need to get creative. Sure, you could break out the pencil and paper (or maybe even try shadow puppets), but we’re here to offer you a different solution. By harnessing the power of Adobe CS3 Production Premium, you can convert video frames into vector art into film-resolution movie files. Curious? It’s all possible with the power of the Production Premium. Read on.”
3D[in] Photoshop CS3 Plug-ins
Monday, April 21, 2008
“With Photoshop CS3 Extended, Adobe significantly expanded the power to work with 3D models. Many users were excited by the ability to add 3D objects and modify their textures, but modeling and advanced rendering functions were missing.
Strata offers a suite of plug-ins called 3D[in] Photoshop CS3 Plug-ins. It’s important to note that these plug-ins only work with Photoshop CS3 Extended, but that shouldn’t be viewed as a limitation. With these plug-ins, you can essentially run the core set of Strata tools as linked applications that launch from within Photoshop, then return the results to Photoshop. Now you can match a 3D object to the perspective and lighting of a photo, create new 3D layers, and generate Live 3D Web and PDF pages from Photoshop designs.”
For the rest of the review, click here.
Photoshop for Video featured on Planet Photoshop
Monday, April 21, 2008
“This week I recommend Photoshop for Video by Richard Harrington. This book covers the information you need to implement Photoshop into your video workflow. It covers using channels effectively, setting up automation, creating interesting effects, and much more. If you want to get a better handle on working with Photoshop in your video workflow then this is the book for you. Richard is an Adobe Certified Expert in Photoshop and After Effects and is an instructor at major events like Photoshop World and NAB. His visual communications consultancy, RHED Pixel, creates motion graphics and produces video and multimedia projects. Richard also has a blog at RasterVector.com and another at PhotoshopForVideo.com.”
Be sure to check out the rest of the site for a ton of great tutorials and video tips.
Get the Adobe Media Player Now!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
This is an
excerpt from an article to be released in full later
this week:
Adobe released
the Adobe Media Player
software on April 9,
which allows a customizable, cross-platform media
player experience. Built using as an Adobe Air
application, the media player harnessed the power
of Flash to create a rich media experience. To
complete the experience, Adobe adds support for
both RSS feeds and H.264 video, two of the open
standards used by the podcasting movement.
What does this all mean? I had a chance to sit down with Deeje Cooley, who serves as the evangelist for Adobe’s Dynamic Media Organization (and formerly as the product manager for the Adobe Media Player). Cooley was tasked with bringing the product to market and he shared insight into Adobe’s motivation for the product and goals for its role in the market. Unlike competing products, the Adobe Media Player has chosen to focus on being a video-only player.
“The growth
of video online, the dramatic growth of flash as the
video delivery mechanism of choice… there was a
ripe opportunity to take advantage of all these
events around the industry,” said Cooley.
“We started to build an RSS aggregator and
quickly recognized that video was going to be a
significant media online and so it became a video RSS
aggregator. And so that’s really the birth of
the Adobe Media Player.”
The Adobe Media Player is immediately available as a free download for Windows and Macintosh platforms from http://www.adobe.com/go/mp.
What does this all mean? I had a chance to sit down with Deeje Cooley, who serves as the evangelist for Adobe’s Dynamic Media Organization (and formerly as the product manager for the Adobe Media Player). Cooley was tasked with bringing the product to market and he shared insight into Adobe’s motivation for the product and goals for its role in the market. Unlike competing products, the Adobe Media Player has chosen to focus on being a video-only player.
The Adobe Media Player is immediately available as a free download for Windows and Macintosh platforms from http://www.adobe.com/go/mp.
Working with After Effects CS3? Check out the Puppet Tool
Thursday, April 17, 2008
If you are using After
Effects CS3... you have the Puppet Tool. This awesome
technology lets you create animation from photos...
be sure to check this out.
PART ONE
PART TWO
To get the hands on files click here.
PART ONE
PART TWO
To get the hands on files click here.
Photoshop Express is the Future of Digital Imaging (For Many People)
Monday, April 14, 2008
I finally gave in and
checked out Photoshop Express
from Adobe... and I
must say I am impressed. No, it doesn't replace
Elements (and certainly not Photoshop), but it is
very, very cool.

Here are the core features
My thoughts? It's awesome! Here's why this matters to pros and even hobbyists.
Be sure to check it out... good stuff!

Here are the core features
- Upload up to 2GB of photos (for free!)
- Sort images to keep them organized
- Easy to use editing tools let you do all sorts of tasks like Crop, Rotate, TOuch-up, remove red-eye, change focus, sharpen, white balance, and add fill light (plus more).
- Share your photos with a Gallery (customized photo displays are supported)
- Upload them to your Facebook page, blog, or anywhere else online.
My thoughts? It's awesome! Here's why this matters to pros and even hobbyists.
- First, it brings Photoshop to more people, ensuring a healthier life for Adobe.
- Second, it's free! 2GB of storage is useful.... I am loading up images that I often use to teach with as well as a few portfolios I'd like to share.
- Third, New Media.... it's catching on and apps like this are truly exciting to all ages.
Be sure to check it out... good stuff!
Don't Use Auto White Balance
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Here's what I like:
- Lightweight and single-card format.
- Light Gray, certified to recommended Luminance
- Includes Black and White Spots
- Focus and Sharpness targets
- Sturdy and Easy to Pack (it even floats)
- Affordable
91 UAP - Blend Modes & Filters - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Understanding Adobe Photoshop – Now in HD!
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
90 UAP – Blend Modes - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Adobe Photoshop CS3 ACE Exam Available
Saturday, February 16, 2008
89 UAP – 3rd Party Actions - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Educators Scholarships to Photoshop World
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Photoshop World Conference & Expo – April 2-4, 2008 – Orlando, Fl
The National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP), today announced a call for nominations for its third annual Dean Collins Educational Scholarship for 2008. The Dean Collins Educational Scholarship is awarded annually to one high school or college educator nominated by his/her student(s) to provide the recipient an opportunity to attend NAPP’s annual convention – Photoshop World Conference & Expo. The scholarship also includes round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, a one-year NAPP membership, and subscription to Photoshop User magazine.
The deadline to submit nominations for the Dean Collins Educational Scholarship is Friday, February 29, 2008.
Own Photoshop Elements? Wanna Upgrade?
Monday, February 11, 2008
You can upgrade from Photoshop Elements to Photoshop CS3 for only $299. For those of you math geniuses... yes its cheaper to buy Elements, then upgrade, then buying Photoshop outright.
Click here for the offer.
"An offer this good doesn’t last forever. Move up online at the Adobe Store by 2/29/08.
To order by phone, call 1-800-585-0774 and mention offer code 27105. Have your Adobe Photoshop Elements serial code ready for verification."
GridIron Flow Demo Movie
Sunday, February 10, 2008
"Flow is a revolutionary approach to digital content management that dramatically simplifies the design process for creative professionals working on graphic design, web and video projects. Flow automatically tracks your work from idea to end result and manages your assets and applications for your most complex projects- all without changing the way you work."
Flow isn't shipping for a while, but GridIron is accepting sign-ups for beta testing.
88 UAP – Fixing a Historical Image part 2 - Understanding Adobe Photoshop
Thursday, February 07, 2008