what is the difference between an action and a RAW preset?

an action is a series of processing steps that have been saved so that same set of steps can be ran again and again on multiple photos. an action is run on a jpg file in photoshop. the actions do not work in programs such as lightroom.

a RAW preset is a setting that has been saved for either acr or lightroom (both file types are included in every preset purchase). RAW presets can only be used on RAW files.

 

could you tell me a little about your workflow?

i have always edited using a variety of methods and actions. before i developed lilyblue presets and actions i used many different actions for a single photograph. i edit like building an ice-cream sundae--start with a good foundation (yummy ice-cream) and finish with just the right topping (whip cream and nuts). i believe my raw presets provide a good foundation to start with...and i finish up in photoshop to fine tune the photograph with softness or grain, or tone. i challenge you to build your own sundae...don't buy my actions because you want them to look like lilyblue...but to find a look that's all you.

 

what is a post-set and where do you use it in your workflow?

a post-set is something i developed while working in lightroom.  a post-set should always be applied after a pre-set...but can be used before or after editing the photo in photoshop.  for example--i may use a bw preset, apply a post-set tone, edit in photoshop and save, crop the psd file in lightroom and apply a post-set border before exporting as a jpg.

 

what version of photoshop do i need for lilyblue actions? for lilyblue RAW presets?

most lilyblue actions have been developed for CS and above. lilyblue RAW presets have been developed for ACR (adobe camera raw) and adobe lightroom. both versions are included in your purchase. they work on both pc and mac.  to verify which cs version will work for a particular actions set, see the action set's purchase page.

 

will lilyblue actions work with photoshop elements?

unfortunately no. they only work on full versions of photoshop.

 

what is a RAW preset? will my my cs2 or cs3 software accommodate these presets?

a RAW preset is a saved setting of specific edits to color, exposure,shadows, contrast, etc. made to a photograph taken in RAW format. theseedits are done in programs like adobe camera raw (ACR) and lightroom. touse lilyblue presets you MUST shoot in RAW format. your adobe photoshopprogram comes with "adobe camera raw or ACR". to learn more about thisprogram i recommend reading real world camera raw by bruce fraser andjeff schewe. as i work in ACR i develop presets or settings that i use mostoften. i save them, and the saved settings are what i am selling you. irecently started using lightroom, so all my RAW presets have beenconverted to lightroom templates for use in lightroom.

 

why must i purchase both the b&w actions and RAW presets? i don't shoot RAW.

my b&w presets are designed so that they need an action like "standardfudge" over the top. because i don't want to sell the RAW presets withoutthe actions, i decided to sell them together. but if you don't shoot RAW, ihave included a standard b&w conversion action called "icecream maker"--so this set will work for everyone.

 

how do your lightroom presets compare with your ACR presets?

the settings work exactly the same in ACR as they do in lightroom.

 

can you use a lilyblue lightroom presets on a jpg file?

it is possible to apply the presets to a jpg file but the results would be fardifferent for a jpg file than a RAW file. lilyblue presets are designed for RAWprocessing.

 

are the presets customizable?

yes, after selecting a lilyblue RAW preset you may continue to changeyour photograph--you may adjust exposure, contrast, shadows, colortemperature and more. lilyblue presets were developed for well exposedphotographs so even after using a lilyblue preset you may need to adjust forexposure, shadow and brightness according to each photograph's need. sometimes that makes all the difference.

 

i don't shoot RAW but am interested in your color actions. will they work without the using the RAW presets for color?

most certainly. especially the actions in the new WATERPLAY collection. but because the actions in set one were developed to be used on aphotograph previously edited in RAW format, you may have to bump the"brightness" or "pop" sliders on a straight jpg file. the new WATERPLAYcollection of actions have small short actions that will boost brightness,saturation or contrast.

 

i have never used actions or RAW presets, how will i know what to do when i receive them?

please refer to the loading instructions on this website for moreinformation.

 

do you offer refunds if i am unhappy with the product?

due to the nature of these products, refunds are not provided.

 

if i only want one--is it better to buy your color actions or your color presets?

the answer to this really depends on your editing style and workflow. if you work in lightroom or ACR most of the time i recommend getting the RAW presets. or if you have always wanted to shoot RAW but have been scared to try--my RAW presets will give you a good starting point. and if you do most of your editing in photoshop--then i recommend the actions.