I’m pleased to announce the immediate availability of my latest video workshop, Cooking with Color Efex Pro.
If you missed the live class, here’s your chance to sit down and learn the fundamentals of one of the best photo filter packages out there. I’ll walk you through how to run the plug-in from both Lightroom and Photoshop, and give insights on the best workflows for using this tool from Googles Nik Collection.
I’ve been taking lots of infrared images with my converted Nikon 1 V1 camera. It’s not just because I think infrared is cool, but there is a method to the madness. Any time you get a new piece of gear, whether it’s a lens, camera, or accessory, you need to learn it. That means spending some serious time to learn the strengths and weaknesses of your gear. With an infrared camera, I not only need to understand how the camera itself operates, but also how to best process images to get the creative results I desire. Continue reading My Descent into Infrared Photography, Part 3: One Camera, Multiple Looks
Here’s an image that exploits much of the Nik Collection of plug-ins. I started with a 5-shot bracketed exposure sequence that I processed in HDR Efex Pro 2. Then, I brought the image into Photoshop CS6 and applied local color & contrast tweaks using Viveza 2. Next, I ran the image through Color Efex Pro 4 to adjust global contrast and slightly modify the textures. I really like using the Nik plug-ins together as the effects really complement each other!
Save on the Nik Collection and other software. Check out the Luminescence of Nature Discount Page!
I originally captured this image of the Cadet Chapel in 2011, using a Nikon D3s and 24-70mm f/2.8 AFS G zoom Nikkor lens. I intended for it to be HDR, but I just recently got the result I wanted using Nik Software’s HDR Efex Pro 2. The combination of local tone-mapping via Control Points and new adjustment algorithms really made this image work this time around.
I combined the “Soft” detail option with the “Dingy” Drama setting in HDR Efex Pro 2. I used Control Points inside HEP2 to keep the sky from looking too extreme, and to only add Structure where I wanted it. I then used Pro Contrast, Skylight Filter, and Glamour Glow in Color Efex Pro 4 to finish the image.
Master Nik Software plug-ins with complete guides by Jason P. Odell
I created this image using multiple filters in Nik Software’s Color Efex Pro 4. The following article is an excerpt from The Photographer’s Guide to Color Efex Pro 4, where you can find many more recipes for creating unique image styles and 29 custom preset files. I’ve provided a download link at the end of this article if you want to try the “moonlight” recipe described in the text. Continue reading Turning Day Into Night with Color Efex Pro 4