Click here to download the photoshop action file.

I’ve recently helped PP in a wedding photography project. Shown below is one of the photo from the event and I’m going to apply a cross-processing effect on it. Applying the effect in this particular photo helps in bringing out the vibrant colors.

Actually, cross-processing means developing color print or slide film in the wrong chemicals. This causes wild color and contrast shifts and requires lots of trial and error. Image contrast is usually high with blown-out highlights, while the shadows tend toward dense shades of blue. Reds tend to be magenta, lips almost purple, and highlights normally have a yellow-green color cast.

Here’s how I create the cross-processing effect. First, convert your image to cmyk mode by clicking Image > Mode > CMYK color.

Next, bring up the Curves dialogue box by clicking Ctrl + M, or Image > Adjustments > Curves. Click on the slider and make sure the black is on the left and graduates to white on the right. I’m going to place 6 points in this chart. Its very easy, just click on the line to make an additional point. Click OK to confirm your changes.

Next, I’m going to make some levels adjustment. Bring up the Levels dialogue by pressing Ctrl + L, or Image > Adjustments > Levels. You’ll need to enter the figures for the below channel. Click OK to confirm your changes.

You’ve now completed the CMYK cross-processing effect. Convert your photo back to RGB mode by clicking Image > Mode > RGB color. Shown below is the before and after applying the CMYK cross-processing effect.

Click here to download the photoshop action file. You can load this action to your Photoshop. Click play and this effect will be automatically applied on your selected photo.