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05/19/2009 02:08:27 AM · #1 |
Having read a number of responses advocating Silver Efex for nice black and white tones, I downloaded the trial. I really like it, particularly adding 'structure' via control points. I am now thinking about buying the whole Nik suite, since that seems sensible given relatively modest additional outlay if I am going to shell out for Silver Efex; but I have some questions:
ΓΆ€ΒΆ I do have Photoshop CS4 - I am pretty clueless but I am learning all the time; would I be better of in sticking with realizing the capabilities of CS4 rather than become distracted by filter browsing.
ΓΆ€ΒΆ There is an Aperture and a Photoshop version of the Nik software, The Aperture version is much cheaper; as far as I can see the PS one has advantage of adding the effects as adjustment layers which you can stack, shuffle, fade and mask from - that would seem to be worth the additional cost - would others agree?
ΓΆ€ΒΆ I have had a bit of a play with Pro-sharpener and Color Efex and find that many of the effects, even subtle adjustments, introduce shed loads of noise, especially into my nice smooth background bokeh areas - am I doing something wrong; I know sharpening tools will do this but this seems to be much more pronounced than with other sharpening tools.
Given all of that, I'm looking for others' perspectives on integrating Nik products into their workflow; worth it for a simple hobbyist like me?
Thanks
Paul
[edited for a missing word 'than' which reversed meaning when talking about sharpening tools.]
Message edited by author 2009-05-19 03:05:43. |
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05/19/2009 02:44:37 AM · #2 |
I use Aperture, and the associated full set of Nik software. I usually start with Dfine noise reduction, followed by the Raw Presharpen. You are already familiar with Silver Efx. Color Efx is similar in concept, with film emulation choices, plus a LOT more general presets (each with its own subset of choices). The Paper Toner in color efx is a nice way to go for monochrome images, too. Viveza is a nice color select and adjust too. Learn to use the control points in all of the tools--they are your friends :-) I think you will be pleased with the suite, and it is not too pricey for the full set (for Aperture) compared to just buying a couple of them.
I like them. I still use Aperture for the basic adjustments (exposure, definition, vibrancy, contrast, etc., plus the dodge/burn, selective sharpening, etc.)
Since you can't "undo" the Nik edits once you save them and return to Aperture, I recommend doing all your basic prep work in Aperture: any spotting/retouching of dust or stray hairs in model's faces, etc--all the stuff you would need to do on any version of the photo. I then create a duplicate of that new "master" and start the nik stuff there. I still often find when I am doing a third iteration/test edit, I will see something I need to fix, and have to go back to all other versions and redo it. So doing as much of that right after the noise/presharpen, but before you go into color efx, viveza, or silver efx will save you some time :-)
BTW: I have had mediocre luck with the "dynamic skin softener" in Color EFX. A little too plastic. I assumed it was my own error, but a pro just told me he could never get any decent skin softening out of it either. He has tried em all, and prefers Imagenomic. He is going to teach me how to use that on Thursday, so I will see how much better it is.
I like some of the presets in Color EFX: Pro Contrast, Monday Morning, are a couple that come to mind.
Message edited by author 2009-05-19 02:47:50. |
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05/19/2009 02:51:22 AM · #3 |
I am a BIG fan of the Nik software. I have been rather extravagent for having purchased first color, then silver Efex, I got a special offer to buy the bundled package for Aperture, which I duly did.
I have to confess, I haven't used the bundled package as much as the PS filters, but I know that I can :)
Of them all, I think I like the Silver Efex the best. I'm afraid, that at this stage in my hobby, I probably don't utilise Aperture optimally, so probably can't advise you. I bought the bundled plug in for Aperture, as it was too good a deal to pass up and I hope in the future I will be disciplined enough to manage my workflow almost entirely in Aperture :) Not there yet though. |
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05/19/2009 07:12:52 AM · #4 |
You can't go wrong with this product. I had the trial version for a full 90 days( I don't know how I got to use it for that long but..). This U-point technology is so versatile that I find it much easier to use than PS tools. It is well worth the money you have spent.
As for the sharpening problem. You might have tried this already, but you can put control points on your background and lower the opacity as not to add the noise that you speak of. Or mask it off in the layer.
I have not purchased the product since my trial period has expired, and I dearly miss it! As soon as I get the funds it is on my list!
Maybe I should start a thread asking for some money:)
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05/19/2009 10:10:11 AM · #5 |
| I have the Silver Efex - but have never used control points. Is there a tutorial or a how to somewhere that explains just how you DO use control points? Thanks! (And yes, I recommend it in addition to whatever it is you already have. I really like what I get from it.) |
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05/19/2009 10:13:07 AM · #6 |
Deb, there is a good set of tutorials on the Nik website. I found them to be really useful, especially the control point one.
Nik Silver Efex Tutorials |
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05/19/2009 10:21:27 AM · #7 |
Originally posted by Melethia:
I have the Silver Efex - but have never used control points. Is there a tutorial or a how to somewhere that explains just how you DO use control points? Thanks! (And yes, I recommend it in addition to whatever it is you already have. I really like what I get from it.) |
I found this and need it too!
Upoint |
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05/19/2009 12:09:19 PM · #8 |
| Thanks, guys! I shall go look those up and try to learn something! |
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05/19/2009 01:25:01 PM · #9 |
Check the Viveza tuts too as they work primarly with control points.
Viveza |
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05/19/2009 01:31:25 PM · #10 |
Many thanks for your replies - I have to say, no one is talking me out of this purchase!
Paul |
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05/19/2009 02:07:53 PM · #11 |
I use Silver Efex and Capture NX2. I find that both of them provide the easiest and best results for B/W conversion. Tons of control and it's totally intuitive, all you need to do is mess with it a bit and it makes sense. I think that's what the whole approach of the Upoint is aimed at... simplicity. Instead of masking the hell out of everything you just pop a point there and you're done. This works well for simple adjustments, but IMO, is not as useful for more in-depth editing. Although I like Capture, I'm not sure I would have spent the money for it on its own (it came bundled with my D300). Silver Efex, if you like to do B/W work, is definitely worth your money though.
In response to  Melethia, pretty much Upoints are just a way to approach masking things differently. You place a point wherever you want the effect ad you control settings from there. Honestly it's the easiest/ fastest way to do simple edits that I've found. |
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