Advertisement
  1. Photo
  2. Add Ons
  3. Photoshop Actions

15 Lighting Effects to Create Lusciously Luminous Photographs

Scroll to top
Read Time: 4 min

Here at Envato, we love Photoshop tools that make our lives that little bit easier (and more fun), so we thought we’d share a mix of 15 actions, panels and brushes to add some cool visual effects to your work.

Soft Focus and De-Focus Effects

Soft Focus

Create stunning soft-focus effects with ease. Simply brush over the area you want to remain in focus, and play the action. Layers can be duplicated to increase their brightness.

Soft Focus Photoshop ActionSoft Focus Photoshop ActionSoft Focus Photoshop Action
Soft Focus Photoshop Action

Soft Focus 2

In a similar way to Soft Focus 1, just brush over your subject to keep them in focus and then left the action work its magic. This action creates an ethereal, dust-speckled glow.

Soft Focus 2Soft Focus 2Soft Focus 2
Soft Focus 2

Soft Focus 3 

Soft Focus 3, as you’d expect, follows directly on from 1 and 2. So what’s different, I hear you cry. Well, you can expected a softer, warmer glow to this one. It includes eight colour options and you can then combine those to get even more choice.

Soft Focus 3 Soft Focus 3 Soft Focus 3
Soft Focus 3 

BokehBee: Bokeh Rain Lens-Flare Generator

This extension panel doesn’t require any in-depth Photoshop knowledge. Switch bokeh layers off and on and combine with rain effects and lens flares. If the extension package isn’t your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that all of these effects come as actions, included with the download.

BokehBee - Bokeh Rain Lens-Flare GeneratorBokehBee - Bokeh Rain Lens-Flare GeneratorBokehBee - Bokeh Rain Lens-Flare Generator
BokehBee - Bokeh Rain Lens-Flare Generator

Focus Control

Focus control uses four levels of depth when blurring, so no odd lines around your subject! This action can be used for images of any size and it automatically adjusted to suit picture resolution.

Focus ControlFocus ControlFocus Control
Focus Control

Particle Effects

Vanquish

Vanquish is a really unique effect. The action can be applied from five different directions and comes with an instructional video tutorial to be sure you really get the most out of it.

Vanquish Vanquish Vanquish
Vanquish

Legendary

Create amazing light effects on your photographs, with Legendary. Create and colour your light source, with the flexibility of ten different options.

LegendaryLegendaryLegendary
Legendary

Fearless

Generate rain, lightning and other atmospheric effects for your photographs with this action. Simply paint over your subject and let the action take care of the rest.

FearlessFearlessFearless
Fearless

Rising Sun

Set your photography aflame with the Rising Sun action. Once run, the action is broken down into manageable layers so you can customise until you have a look that’s right for you.

Rising SunRising SunRising Sun
Rising Sun

Winter

Summer may be coming for many of us, but you can still achieve that freezing feel with the Winter Photoshop set. As well as snow, rain and a day to night action, the pack also includes 44 cloud, fog and mist brushes.

WinterWinterWinter
Winter

Flare Effects

Glam

Add an instant glow to your images with a choice from over 40 actions in the Glam pack. Maintain full control over position, colour, scale and blend of every layer for a customised look to suit your needs.

GlamGlamGlam
Glam

Light Runner

Add a funky glowing effect with one click. The process is broken down into layers for you to tweak and there’s a helpful video to guide you through the process if you get stuck.

Light RunnerLight RunnerLight Runner
Light Runner

Shimmer

There are ten colour options with Shimmer and each one gives a stunning light effect, filling your image with sparkle. Duplicate layers to build until you get your desired effect.

ShimmerShimmerShimmer
Shimmer

Rays of Light

Add a touch of sunhine or light rays to your photographs with the Rays of Light set. Choose the direction of the light as well as the colour gradient.

Rays of LightRays of LightRays of Light
Rays of Light

30 Optical Flare Brushes

These optical flare, high resolution brushes will let you add a touch of drama to any image. With 30 to choose from, you can mix and match these to get a different look every time.

30 Optical Flare Brushes30 Optical Flare Brushes30 Optical Flare Brushes
30 Optical Flare Brushes

Let There be Light...

Hope you enjoyed our list and found some great new downloads for your collection. Here are some more articles that might float your boat.

Advertisement
Did you find this post useful?
Want a weekly email summary?
Subscribe below and we’ll send you a weekly email summary of all new Photo tutorials. Never miss out on learning about the next big thing.
Advertisement
Looking for something to help kick start your next project?
Envato Market has a range of items for sale to help get you started.