Click here to download the photoshop action file.

I’ve learn this extreme contrast effect from a photoshop tutorial website. I’ll use another photo from our previous wedding photo shootout. You’ll be able to download the action file for Photoshop, at the end of the article.

First, duplicate a copy of the “Background” layer (original image). To duplicate, press Ctrl + J.

Desaturate this layer by clicking Ctrl + Shift + U. Duplicate another layer by clicking on “Layer 1″, and click Ctrl + J again.

With “Layer 1 copy” selected, change the blending mode to Screen, and Opacity 50%.

Duplicate the original “Background” layer. Click on the “Background” layer, and press Ctrl + J. Move the duplicated background layer to the top of the pallete. With the “Background copy” layer still selected, change the blending to Overlay.

With the “Background copy” layer still selected, press Shift + Ctrl + Alt + E to merge all the layers onto a brand new layer at the top of the Layers palette. This gives you “Layer 2″.

With “Layer 2″ selected, click Filter > Noise > Add Noise, and enter the value for each field. Ammount - 3%, Distribution - Gaussian, Monochromatic - checked. Click OK.

Then apply the sharpen effect by clicking Filter > Sharpen > Smart Sharpen. Enter the following value. Basic - Checked, Settings - Default, Amount - 60%, Radius - 1.0, Remove - Lens Blur, More Accurate - checked. Click OK.

With “Layer 2″ selected, change the blending to Soft Light, Opacity 60%.

To end this, you’ll need to create a Curves Adjustment Layer. Click on the New Adjustment Layer icon at the bottom of the Layers palette, and select Curves. Click OK. I’ve enhanced my picture with a vignetting effect. Shown below is the image of before and after applying the effect. Enjoy.

Click here to download the photoshop action file.