FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION – Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness

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ba-for-touch-of-sm FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION - Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness Photoshop Actions

Have you ever wanted to just lighten the face in your photo? Have you ever wanted to just lighten a part of a photo you did not expose properly?

Have you ever wanted to add emphasis to part of the photo by darkening the surround area but leaving the subject lighter?

If so, I have a special treat for you. It is an action called “Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness.” It will help you achieve this look! I have been getting requests to make and sell an action like this for months. But I have decided as a gift to my loyal MCP Actions Blog Readers to make this a FREE action.

In exchange for the free action, I would love for you to spread the word about my blog -tell your photographer friends to come get the action here too. This is a Blog EXCLUSIVE. This one will NOT be going on my regular website.

Click here to download this action – compatible in Photoshop CS and up and Elements 5 and up.

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Here are step by step details on using this action:

1. Start out by unzipping and installing the action – details available in my video tutorial on how to install and use actions.

2. You can use this action any time in your editing process. Just make sure no solid pixel layers are above this. Adjustment layers can be on top of this however. I usually do all of my editing before using this action, unless I need major lightening help. Then I may run it earlier on. This action works exceptionally in conjunction with my Complete Workflow Actions Set and with the Quickie Collection Actions. When you are ready to use them click PLAY button.

3. The action will run and leave you with 2 layers. One called “Touch if Light” and one called “Touch of Darkness.” Make sure to select the layer you want to work on and that the mask is selected to, as shown.

touch-of-light1 FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION - Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness Photoshop Actions

4. Now select your brush tool – make sure to click back to your default colors (black and white). White reveals the effect, black conceals the effect.

touch-of-light3 FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION - Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness Photoshop Actions

5. Make sure to vary your opacity of your BRUSH as shown below. You do NOT want to use it at 100%. You will want it way lower. You will want an airbrush soft round brush and will want to vary the hardness. Do not use this at 100%. You will want to use the brush at 0-50% hardness. In areas where you want it feathering out, you can keep it at “0.” In areas where you do NOT want a halo effect, for example if you are darkening close to a person to make them stand out, you will want it between 30-50%. I will still feather but there will be less of one, so less chance of a halo around your subject(s).

touch-of-light2 FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION - Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness Photoshop Actions

6. Last step is to actually paint on the Light or Darkness. Often you will want a little of both. This usually is my last step in editing a photo but it can be used anytime. You can see the masks and how I revealed and concealed light to emphasize my twins riding their bikes. This photo was shot in full sun in the middle of the afternoon. Yet with this set and proper exposure it does not have that noon sunlight look at all.

touch-of-light4 FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION - Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness Photoshop Actions

7. Enjoy this action. Please use the SHARE ME button below to share this blog page so your photographer friends can download the action. Also, if you find this tutorial useful and are happy with the action, please leave a comment. Thanks and enjoy the fun freebie.

touch-of-lightness-touch-of-darkness-copy FREE PHOTOSHOP ACTION - Get it here! Touch of Light | Touch of Darkness Photoshop Actions

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No Comments

  1. gina on May 14, 2008 at 2:25 am

    thank you for the free action… i will share your site!!

  2. Adrianne on May 14, 2008 at 7:20 am

    Jodi ~ Thank you so much for the action and the detailed instructions on how to use it! You da bomb, babe! 😀

  3. Christina on May 14, 2008 at 9:10 am

    Thank you, Jodi! I’m off to play with this now!

  4. Wanda on May 14, 2008 at 9:22 am

    Wow thanks Jodi! Can’t wait to play with this!

  5. Rae Pulver on May 14, 2008 at 9:24 am

    Thanks Jodi! This is awesome!

  6. Julie Cook on May 14, 2008 at 9:42 am

    wow Jodi, this is very cool! Thank you! I will download and share this after I get my dd to school.

  7. Pam on May 14, 2008 at 10:08 am

    Thanks Jodi……..I just used them and you are a lifesaver!!! As I have said before….Jodi’s actions are absolutely “the best” out there!

  8. Christina on May 14, 2008 at 10:32 am

    Thank you so much, Jodi – you are so generous. I can’t wait to try these out. I’ll definitely spread the word about your blog.

  9. Niki on May 14, 2008 at 10:48 am

    Thanks Jodi!! It’s exactly what I needed for photos of our Mothers Day hike.

  10. Jenny on May 14, 2008 at 11:53 am

    Thank you for sharing this Jodi!!

  11. Rhonda on May 14, 2008 at 12:04 pm

    Thank you so much, Jodi

  12. Laura on May 14, 2008 at 12:19 pm

    Another great tutorial Jodi!

  13. Kandis on May 14, 2008 at 4:13 pm

    Very Cool….Thanks. I’ll definately share your site!

  14. Gina on May 14, 2008 at 4:27 pm

    I am always bragging about MCP!! I will continue to do so!

  15. Brandi on May 14, 2008 at 4:34 pm

    Thank you so much!!

  16. Missy on May 14, 2008 at 4:46 pm

    Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! I can’t wait to try it out! And I’ll share your site too!

  17. Tracy YH on May 14, 2008 at 4:56 pm

    Wow, thanks so much! I can’t wait to try this one… thanks for the instructions too!Tracy

  18. Cyndi on May 14, 2008 at 5:06 pm

    Thank you so much for everything you do Jodi!!

  19. Michelle Huesgen on May 14, 2008 at 6:26 pm

    Thanks Jodi! I can’t wait to try it out!!!

  20. Tonya P on May 14, 2008 at 7:16 pm

    What a great share. Thanks so much.

  21. Mell on May 14, 2008 at 8:02 pm

    Thank for sharing Jodi. off to try this out now!

  22. Jayme Tighe on May 14, 2008 at 8:09 pm

    Thanks Jodi! You ROCK!

  23. admin on May 14, 2008 at 8:14 pm

    You guys are all so welcome – let me know how you like it!

  24. MelissaJ on May 14, 2008 at 9:34 pm

    Thanks, Jodi..what a nice treat for us..

  25. Valerie on May 15, 2008 at 12:42 am

    Thank you! Very generous!

  26. Tory on May 15, 2008 at 1:19 am

    THANKS JODI, You’re the best! 🙂

  27. Annie H. on May 15, 2008 at 2:51 am

    Thanks Jodi. Can’t wait to try it.

  28. Natalie on May 15, 2008 at 7:29 am

    Thanks so much Jodi I love your eye/teeth actions so much!

  29. Kris on May 15, 2008 at 8:25 am

    Thank you so much for sharing!

  30. Cindy Conner on May 15, 2008 at 8:32 am

    Thank you Jodi for another wonderful action. I have your skins, dentist and eyes and love them! Can’t wait to try this one! Thanks again.

  31. Phyllis on May 15, 2008 at 10:43 am

    Thank you Jodie!

  32. Kim Townsend on May 15, 2008 at 10:52 am

    Jodi you are awesome!!

  33. Rene on May 15, 2008 at 10:58 am

    Jodi, Thanks for the action. I have purchased a few of yours. I’m off to your site to check out a few more. You rock girl!!!

  34. Kristy on May 15, 2008 at 9:40 pm

    Thanks Jodie!! You are da bomb with your actions and tutorials. I’m learning so much from you. Love love love your blog.

  35. Kait on May 16, 2008 at 10:50 am

    Thanks for the great action. Off to look at the examples, etc.

  36. Beth on May 16, 2008 at 11:07 am

    Thanks Jodie. Appreciate the freebie 🙂

  37. Suzanne on May 16, 2008 at 11:50 am

    Thanks Jodi! I have to correct a recent photo and this is just what I needed. You’re awesome!

  38. Tonya Dreher on May 16, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    Jodie – you’re the best! I can’t wait to try this action. I think I’ll write a little blurb about your and your actions on my blog and show some examples of my favorite things that you offer. Is that ok?

  39. Kimberly Crum on May 16, 2008 at 5:19 pm

    I love using your actions!! Thanks for the freebie!!

  40. christy Burrows on May 16, 2008 at 5:45 pm

    thanks!!!!!!!!!

  41. Marieke on May 16, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    Thank you very much for sharing. I’m planning on editing some pics this weekend and will certainly try it out!

  42. HeatherA on May 16, 2008 at 7:51 pm

    Thanks Girl! You are AMAZING!

  43. charleigh on May 17, 2008 at 4:15 am

    thanks jodi! i purchased your workflow actions – but your crackle examples look so good i might have to get the quickies too! 🙂

  44. admin on May 17, 2008 at 9:06 am

    Glad everyone is loving this.I would love for you all to post examples on my flickr group (link at the top of each post).And a few of you mentioned “Crackle” – yep – “snap, crackle and pop” but especially “crackle” have become my favorite go to actions for photos that are really good SOOC but need a boost. It is amazing. Sometimes it, plus this free one, complete an already well exposed, well focused photo.

  45. Marjorie Amon on May 17, 2008 at 12:52 pm

    Such an effective action! Thank you for the chance to use it. As with all your products, top notch.

  46. Robyn on May 17, 2008 at 7:01 pm

    Thanks so much that is great!

  47. Teresa Pomerantz on May 17, 2008 at 10:10 pm

    THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! You are my hero!

  48. Katie Lubbers on May 19, 2008 at 10:09 am

    Thank you for the touch of light/touch of darkness action, I will try it out today!

  49. Sheryl on May 21, 2008 at 1:53 am

    Thank you! Can’t wait to play! 🙂

  50. kellie on May 26, 2008 at 1:50 pm

    Thanks !!!!!!! I’ve purchased a few other action sets only to go unused(for the most part) I wish I hadfound your site before wasting all that money!!!! Your stuff is really great !!!!

  51. Christine on May 30, 2008 at 12:53 pm

    Looks so cool. I cant wait to try it out. Thanks a ton for sharing!!!

  52. Gillian Foley on June 6, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    Thanks so much for all your help, Jodi! Can’t wait to use these actions! 😀

  53. Lydia on June 12, 2008 at 6:33 pm

    Thank so you much I cant wait to purchase all your actions!

  54. Paige n on July 14, 2008 at 12:42 pm

    Jodi thank you so much for this action and the detailed instructions! I just love your actions! TFS

  55. French mom on August 1, 2008 at 2:58 pm

    MERCI BEAUCOUP!!!It’s really nice from you to share it for free!

  56. Julieta on September 29, 2008 at 9:44 am

    Jodi,Thank you so much for this wonderful treat!!! I can’t wait to play with them.Have an awesome week.

  57. Allyson on October 28, 2008 at 3:28 pm

    I’m so new in this whole thing….I have to say, I just love your actions! You make my life SOOOO much easier. My kids thank you!

  58. Kevin on October 31, 2008 at 7:56 pm

    free action why not! Trick or Treat?Thanks for the action!

  59. gail on November 5, 2008 at 8:17 am

    Cool! Thank you!!

  60. Chi-Girl on November 6, 2008 at 12:20 am

    You have amazing before and after photos, Jodi! And your detailed explanation is great for beginners. Thank you.THe only problem……Does this action work in PSE? (I have 6.0) With most of the actions I’ve tried in PSE, a box comes up once the action is clicked and says there is no “xxxx” command (“Make” or something to that effect). So although the action is loaded and shows up in a layer, it can’t be adjusted. Would LOVE to know. Thank you. Colleen

  61. DianseH on November 8, 2008 at 4:45 am

    COol, thanks a lot 🙂 I’ts working for me

  62. JerryG on November 10, 2008 at 11:42 am

    Thank you for this action. It looks like a great process

  63. Tatang Soeganda on November 18, 2008 at 1:42 am

    Thank you for this information and this action, it’s special working for me

  64. Victor on November 18, 2008 at 9:32 pm

    you’re the best! I can’t wait to try this action.

  65. Lisa Groeneweg on November 24, 2008 at 5:27 pm

    Thank you for the action and the info. I can’t wait to get going!

  66. Kristin on November 30, 2008 at 6:50 pm

    Thanks! Looking forward to finding out more about your actions

  67. Miranda on December 4, 2008 at 6:01 pm

    Thanks so much for sharing this with us Jodi!

  68. A. Michelle on December 17, 2008 at 4:07 pm

    Thanks for the free action. I look forward to using it. I found your blog on the Adobe exchange website. I would like to know if I can link your site to my myspace page? Feel free to contact me thru my email address. This blog is just what I have been looking for. I’m a newbie photographer. Thank you for all your time and effort in advance.

    • admin on December 17, 2008 at 4:26 pm

      yes – you may link to my site and blog. Thanks for asking.

  69. Amie on January 2, 2009 at 3:26 pm

    Your site/store is just what I’ve been looking for! So excited to work towards making purchases on your site here. And if you don’t mind, I’d like to link to you from my blog as well. Thanks!!!!

  70. carrie on January 11, 2009 at 8:46 pm

    Thank you so much! I just bought some actions, and was so delighted to learn that there are also some free ones! This will keep me buying more from you and telling everyone I know about your actions! I feel really good about spending my hard earned money with such a generous person!

  71. lia on January 31, 2009 at 11:35 am

    thank you for sharing,Jodi. Your free action are really good. Looking forward to buy!

  72. latricia kelly on March 23, 2009 at 9:02 am

    love it! Thanks for sharing.

  73. carolbrowne on April 1, 2009 at 2:07 am

    Oh Darn! I fell for it! April Fools indeed! But I did download the burnt edges action. I’m going to give it a whirl. Thank you!

  74. Jan on May 8, 2009 at 2:18 am

    Thank you so very much. I look forward to using this very much.

  75. Mandi on June 25, 2009 at 12:38 am

    Great action. Love it. Thanks for sharing. Love all your actions.

  76. tajicat on July 6, 2009 at 2:23 am

    Thanks so much! 🙂

  77. Katie on July 8, 2009 at 6:54 pm

    thank you so much Jodi!!

  78. sarah javaheri on July 8, 2009 at 8:51 pm

    Thank you for sharing. You are such a fun tutor, and I am thankful for your sharing heart :).

  79. megan on August 4, 2009 at 6:42 am

    Thank you for sharing JODI!!!!

  80. Drea on August 14, 2009 at 3:01 pm

    I love your work, and thanks for the great free actions! You are great! :DI will also buy som actions from you, but I must decide which one first! 🙂

  81. Traci on August 17, 2009 at 7:49 pm

    Actions and tutorials are masterfully done…hv bought some and also gotten the freebies. Well done!

  82. Linda Jackman on September 17, 2009 at 6:13 pm

    Thanks for sharing;)

  83. Heather Odom on November 13, 2009 at 11:18 am

    Thank You so much!!! Your kindness is so appreciated!!!

  84. bbrunophotography on December 13, 2009 at 3:39 pm

    Jodi, this is a remarkable action. I’ve been playing with my new purchase – your amazing Frosted Memories collection, and noticed that you’d sent this one free with the purchase. Thank you!

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  87. Jacqui on October 20, 2011 at 12:04 am

    Hey,How do i add the free action? i’m using adobe photoshop CS5 and have tried everything 🙁

  88. Ashley on September 3, 2012 at 10:26 am

    I have downloaded touch of light touch of darkness, but in my actions palette, that square is black, however when I hover my mouse over it, it doesn’t tell me that it is indeed that action. So, I drag is to my photo and a box pops up saying to “Have fun playing with your photos” etc, but it doesn’t work. I am not left with the two layers I am supposed to be…please help!

  89. Ashley on September 3, 2012 at 10:53 am

    oops, that’s supposed to say, “…it ‘does’ tell me that it is indeed that action.”

  90. Ashley on September 3, 2012 at 4:34 pm

    I apologize, I should have mentioned that I downloaded that action at the same time as all of the other freebies, but Burnt Edges, Gallery Frame, Watermark, and Touch of Light/Touch of Darkness are the only ones that show up as black icons.

  91. Ashley on September 8, 2012 at 2:58 pm

    Should I delete them and install again? What would you say is my best option?

    • erin on September 9, 2012 at 2:15 pm

      Hi Ashley, Touch of Light does not install like the other actions. Please delete it, return to the instructions that came in your download, and reinstall it following the instructions. Thanks, Erin

  92. Kristi on November 11, 2014 at 12:04 pm

    I am trying to install the touch of light action, I have read the install directions, but when I go to do the touch of light action there is no atn file in that folder. Am I missing a direction?Thanks for the help and your great actions.

  93. Groa ValgerdurIngimundardottir on April 23, 2015 at 4:38 am

    Hello, when I download the free action package there is no atn file for the touch of light / touch of darkness action… Love your site btw!Best wishes,Groa

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