SEim Effects LIghtroom PResets, Photoshop Actions, Effects

Hey gang. Here’s a small set of actions I made to help watermark photo’s. If your in SE fan club on Facebook you got these a few weeks ago. but I wanted to post them up here for the blog readers.

Nothing huge here. These just take a logo, or type and make it have that transparent bevel look of a watermark. These probably won;t be in a Seim Effects set anytime soon. I just thought some of you could use them.

You can also modify them to speed things up. For example you could record a command at the beginning of the action to place your logo at the start, and then save and close at the end so that you could automate the watermarking.

You can add commands to an action like this by simply selecting the action and pressing record. Then re-save the action when your done modding it.

~Here’s the Free download link~

I’ve been on the run with seniors this part week, and loving some of the results. Between a great subject, the umbrella, and the cool fence this was exactly what I wanted. I’m humbled at God’s amazing world that we use as a backdrop, and often take for granted. Even a simple wood fence can give just the look needed. Simplicity is KEY to a great portrait.

On a technical note, I know her hand is positioned a bit odd. I like the feel though. I try to encourage hand movement and let things go naturally. I just presetted with Power Workflow, and them smooth with action. My latest fav it the Simply Soft series from Creative Essentials. It’s just simple, and soft. The border is done automatically with a color coordinating action I made.

I getting into what I call the three keys. The eye’s, the moth and the hands. I think the key to controlling all these is learning to direct your subject in such a way that it happens naturally.

See more from this session on my site… Gavin Seim

UPDATE 10/2008: I had the wrong files in the download so people were getting one of my LR preset samples instead of the PS actions. It’s been fixed now.

Hey all. As many of you know I recently launched the new Creative Essentials actions. I’ve been using CE like crazy because it’s filled with action I use on everyday images I want to look great. It everything from skin softening effects, and fast glows to a mix of B&W’s, and workflow enhancers all in one simple clean set.

I thought I’d post up a few freebies for you all. Here’s three actions that come from the Creative Essentials set. They include Simply Soft I, Milk Chocolate, and Warm Me Up. The whole set has many more so if you like em check out the complete set.

Here’s the direct download, no strings, FREE as in totally FREE. Enjoy… Gav

~ Download Creative Essentials Sampler PS Actions ~

~ Check Out The Complete Action Set ~

Our Power Workflow lightroom presets are our most popular tool. Hundreds of photographers are using Lightroom with PW to keep their workflow going ultra fast. Our other presets, as well as the actions are also very popular, and we want your feedback.

I take Seim effects very seriously. I field test my presets and actions while under the gun, and I’m always looking for ways to make them better than before. I was just using some new Presets this weekend while at a wedding, and I’m pretty excited about what we’re working on.

So how could we improve our products. Organization, naming, categories, the way effects are applied. These are all things I try out and think about when working to make updates. What are your thoughts, and what would you like to see made to help us help you improve your editing??

Leave us a comment and let me know, or shoot me an email directly. A appreciate your feedback.

Also make sure in the S.E. club by being a a fan on Facebook. You’ll get updates, and most of all free goodies and effects to try out.

Gavin Seim

I just wanted to give everyone a shout out about the Seim Effects club. It’s nothing too formal, but it should be super fun, and it’s totally FREE!

Here’s the plan. I make a LOT of effects, some of which don’t make the final collections, and many of which do. For Seim Effects club members I’m going to be sending out free goodies for you to try out, and hopefully give feedback on so you can have your say in future releases. Also for being a part of the club you’ll get special discounts and promotions.

All you have to do is become a Seim Effects fan on Facebook. Also you can follow me on Twitter to get updates and cool stuff cool stuff, and a stream of cool photo related ideas and links. Join us on both!

It’s FREE! So join the club. Here’s the links… Gav

So lightroom 2 is out. It’s a pretty amazing looking app though I have found it a bit slower. Not sure why, some things just seem to take longer. I’m sure Adobe will have it corrected soon.

I wanted to post about it because it’s cool, and also to let you know that Seim Effects presets are still fully compatible. Everything should work fine in LR 1, or 2.

There are also new features though, and that means new potential por presets. Stay tune because some cool new presets will be coming down the pipes in thye near future.

Gavin

Gosh I sure made this cool fire photo UGLY!

I really enjoyed the book Purple Cow. It’s a book about making your business stand out in an world where paid advertising is failing. It got me thinking about what we do here at Seim Effects. Aside from saving time editing, I use the effects to help me stand out more. I made the above photo bad just to get your attention. It probably worked, but I wouldn’t suggest using that effect to get new clients.

I think people sometimes feel that automating parts of their business takes away from their creative edge. That does not need to be so. It can be applied to many areas, but lets take actions and LR presets for example. If we did all our effects manually, we would use far fewer of them, and because they would take so much longer. In the end the effects might not be as good because we would be in a hurry.

So I for one am looking for more ways to stand out. Here’s a few things on my mind for Seim Photography as well as Seim Effects

• 1. Am I being extraordinary in the products and services I sell?
• 2. How can I make it even better?
• 3. What does my target market really want?
• 4. What can I do to give them simple added bonuses? ( the prize inside)
• 5. What can I do that’s daring and amazing?

I have various answers to these questions rolling in my head like marbles. We’ll talk about those later. The bottom line is this. If I can answer the questions above, and then take action, I can be the purple cow that everyone is amazed by and telling their friends about. That’s FREE MARKETING!

Do you do anything to be the Purple Cow?

By the way. Here’s a good version of that photo.

Gavin Seim