Tech Tuesday : Action Runner and saving time.
One of the biggest challenges I have as a work at home Mom is keeping things moving and managing time. I think that we are encouraged to multi-task and never stop working. This can be particularly difficult when you are editing large numbers of images, sometimes there is not a way to edit and do other things. However, I recently discovered something that changed how I edit and proof my images.
I found Action Runner. This is not just an auto loading program (though it can be used as that). It literally will run a set of actions on your images then save them. They will be saved as either a jpg or a layered PSD, this totally changed how I did things. I can now run my first set of actions and save the images as layered PSD’s. Then I reload the PSD’s in the action runner and can use the auto load function to bring them up in order, so I can tweak and save the images for proofing. The BEST part is that even if I step away or go do something the auto loader will remember what images I loaded, what actions I wanted to run and keep doing it’s thing. I run my basic color action and basic black and white actions while I am away from the computer doing things with my children. Then I can come back and work at my pace on the tweaks and other things I want to do to my images.
The Action runner saves your edited images to a different folder (one you select) so your originals are still there for you, should you need them. This makes my life so much easier. I have found a few extra minutes to do things like organize my office, play games with the kids and do 101 other things besides sit in front of my computer while I edit. This, I realize is not the only program that helps to speed up editing, but it’s the only one where I can run a session and go back later when I have a bit more time to tweak, I do not have to sit there as each image opens on the first run.
The interfaces is drag and drop, which makes it a breeze to set up actions, run them on images and see where you are at with the entire process. I start by opening the interface, then I open my session folder, I drop each image into the set of actions I want to run on them. I just a few clicks I have t set to run both the basic proofing for color and black and white. If letting your actions run through scars you then you can use the auto loading feature. Just like the action runner the auto loader is drag and drop. You can drag images from multiple folders and sessions into the loader and the auto loader will load each image as you edit. This saves you tons of time and the best part is if you step away or even log off your computer when you come back everything is right there. You have a visual that shows you what images you have loaded, what actions you are running on what images and where you are in your processes.
I think the best part is that the two guys behind this amazing software are both willing to give you pointers and you can use the software for 10 days for free — They are also very responsive to questions and were very patient with me each time I had a question or did not understand something.
Even though I am a low volume photographer I can see how this one tool will change my life, in particular when I need to edit 500 plus wedding images quickly.
Shannon
This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at 8:57 am and is filed under General Info, Resources. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
