Google bought up Nik Software, and offers the full collection of 6 plugins for $149. You can even get a discount on that, apparently, using coupons posted over at the Online Photographer. I downloaded the 15 day free trial, and so far it's kind of fun to play with, but I haven't been able to produce anything that is any better than what I can do in lightroom and photoshop.
I made two versions of the alarm clock, the one posted here is edited in Nik's Viveza. I then edited the same image in Lightroom. Some subtle differences, but I can't say one is particularly better than another. I realize that this is not a particularly challenging subject, and I am just playing around with it, but I did the same experiment with some landscapes (nothing I want to post) and again found not much to argue for the price, even at the current bargain rate - I have not played much with the Silver Efex Pro for B&W. I'll post something later on that.
Great design of the clock radio set. Could play a role in mad men. I had a few years ago bought the nik collection and the only thing I use sometimes is silver efex pro and sharpener pro. For the rest aperture and cs6.
ReplyDeleteI admire your determination working toward creating optimal images by trying the new tools being made available to us. I'm afraid I'm too lazy by nature, tweaking a bit in Lightroom and calling it a day in most cases. You're doing a great job of setting the bar higher for the rest of us, Michael.
ReplyDeleteI spend a lot of time tweaking. I agree with you on the Nik software; most of the plug-ins are okay but I can get by without them. Except for Silver Efex... it is a high quality piece of code, which is nearly always part of my work flow. I do quite like Viveza, the 'structure' slider is quite effective.
ReplyDeleteI used to use Lightroom, but haven't used it since working with Photoshop. I need that extra degree of control, , especially as I tend to work down to pixel level at times!
Thanks guys, and I was thinking of you, Bill, with the Silver Efex - I still haven't shot any B&W that I cam happy with, maybe tomorrow depending on the weather. My workflow starts with Lightroom to bring as much as I can from the raw file, then I finish it off in photoshop. But you are certainly getting good results with what you do!
ReplyDeleteNice to know...
ReplyDeleteAlmost never reframe... and use only the levels from Photoshop though I keep my raw files handy in case of having to print for someone...
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