PS CS2 plug-ins - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

08/22/2005 04:16:46 AM · #2

While I have a bunch of free plugins, I don't think I've ever actually used any of them except to toy with. The plugins I actually use (in order of frequency):

PictureCode Noise Ninja
Kodak Digital Gem Airbrush
Photokit Sharpener
Photokit
Genuine Fractals

That's an expensive collection, but it's been well worth the money.

I have used Fievel's Gothic Glow action (which is free, but not exactly a plugin), but I only have one image that I've kept from it (the result tends to be too unreal for my taste, and I can get a somewhat less extreme effect by using the Channel Mixer to punch the colors and then top off with Photokit Diffusion).

08/22/2005 05:35:39 AM · #3

Here's a few links....

//www.canonians.com/actions.htm
//www.flamingpear.com/download.html
//www.atncentral.com/download.htm
//actionfx.com/downloads.shtml
//www.digidaan.nl/indexframedigidaan.html?channelmixer/index.html

and of course you can always go to:

//share.studio.adobe.com/axBrowseProduct.asp?p=2

Enjoy. :)
I have select few that I enjoy using and toying around with. Some are a secret that I won't tell...:) I enjoy them all that I can find useful. Some are just stupid and find it easier to do manual adjustments and have better results in color correcting my images.

However, I have lost my action for Ansel Adams action for his style of black and white...somehow when I was upgrading my current PS application, I threw it out...arhhgg. It was my favorite to use to convert a photo to black and white with general tones of a great b/w image. I kind of want to reframe from copying AA's work. However, it was a wonderful action to use in my collection. I remember it floating around here in a forum when we had the Ansel Adams Challenge...can any body redirect me to the download page for this action? I already have done a search in google...all I get is thousands of website pertaining to AA's photos..

Thanks!

Message edited by author 2005-08-22 10:51:56.

Telehubbie

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

08/22/2005 07:32:48 AM · #4

This one is fun and has tons of different styles to choose from: Virtual Photographer

08/22/2005 10:34:42 AM · #5

I could list plugins for days (business expense ya know?), but I will just go with my top ten:

nik
Color Efex Pro 2.0
Sharpener Pro 2.0

Kodak Eastman
DIGITAL SHO
DIGITAL GEM
DIGITAL GEM Airbrush Professional
DIGITAL ROC

Photowiz
ColorWasher
FocalBlade

Visual Infinity
Grain Surgery ( I prefer Neat Image, but that is a stand alone).

Auto FX
AutoEye

Like I said, I have quite a few others but these are the ones I like the best out of the group.

**Dustin**

Could not find one especially listed as Ansel Adams Actions but found a few black and white conversion actions. Who knows maybe one will give you the same results.

//www.slower.net/slowerlog/files/rob_carr_bw_conversion.atn
//www.outdooreyes.com/load/Johnys_B&W_Tint_Tones.zip
//www.outdooreyes.com/load/billsbw.zip
//www.russellbrown.com/images/tips_downloads/Russell's_Action_Set.atn.zip
//www.atncentral.com/Zip_Actions/MW_BW.zip
//www.atncentral.com/Zip_Actions/BW-Color_to_Grayscale_v5.zip
//www.atncentral.com/Zip_Actions/Niemann_Tones.zip
//www.atncentral.com/Zip_Actions/TLR_B&W_Conversion.zip
//www.atncentral.com/Zip_Actions/MW_BW_Tone_Curve_set.zip
//www.digidaan.nl/channelmixer/DigiDaanB&W_2.0.atn

Here is a DP thread on the subject: //www.dpchallenge.com/forum.php?action=read&FORUM_THREAD_ID=130656

Digidan Channel Mixtures can be found here: //www.outbackphoto.com/workshop/channelmixer/mixers.zip

***I just noticed the 20D Crew in this thread, the irony.***

Message edited by author 2005-08-22 12:04:24.

Zed Pobre

Canon EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

08/22/2005 05:40:59 PM · #6

How does ColorWasher compare to the available CS2 tools such as Shadow/Highlight, Channel Mixer, and Selective color?

Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

08/22/2005 05:58:51 PM · #7

Well a lot of these plugins all are "basically" short cuts for doing the same thing that can be done hand using available Photoshop adjustments. Some times there are slight algorithm variances, but mostly they are just great short cuts for time sensitive editing.

Now if using curves or levels are adjustment layers is not your strong suit these plugins can be a tremendous advantage. Basically try the demos and see what works for you!

SteveJ

Canon EOS-7D

08/22/2005 06:01:26 PM · #8

Originally posted by Telehubbie:

This one is fun and has tons of different styles to choose from: Virtual Photographer

I use this too, plus the free plugins on their site...a good prog to play around with.

Steve

08/23/2005 12:10:08 AM · #9

Originally posted by idezine:

Hey thanks for the link to other b/w convertion plug-in and actions. As well that thread link. I have use a few of these and was really liking the digidan series. I wished that I knew the reall name of the "Ansel Adams Action" I do believe that was the name of it. With this action, I was really set on the results minus one step in this action to give me the best results for a b/w photo. I'm hoping to find it again.

Hmmm, you are right, there are many 20D users here. Funny, expecially when we can shoot in b/w with this camera. IMHO, I perfer to shoot in color and have the choice to leave a photo in color or later convert it to b/w. It depends.

08/23/2005 09:27:51 AM · #10

I have yet to use the B&W or Sephia tone seetings on my camera and I probably never will. I agree with you and I shoot color and if I want I process for B&W and the like.

08/23/2005 11:25:37 AM · #11

Originally posted by idezine:

I have yet to use the B&W or Sephia tone seetings on my camera and I probably never will. I agree with you and I shoot color and if I want I process for B&W and the like.

Yeah, I know what you mean....I just don't want to let go of that freedom to go either way with my shots. However, more than ever....I shoot RAW mostly....so how much better can you get with that, and have the creative freedom. But wait one....I do though, aim to shoot straight from the camera with little or no post-prosessing as possible. If you can achive this. One would make a great photgrapher. Yeah-Yeeah...comps and frameing too. :)

08/23/2005 11:25:39 AM · #12

Originally posted by idezine:

I have yet to use the B&W or Sephia tone seetings on my camera and I probably never will. I agree with you and I shoot color and if I want I process for B&W and the like.

08/23/2005 12:51:05 PM · #13

Thats my goal, shoot to print. But I do belive that even "the best" post process some what. Probably to "tighten it up", and not, "save it" as I do a lot of the time.

I would have to say that I am "localy famous" (family and friends) for showing a wonderful image only to have them get even more shocked when I show them the original shot and how far I took it in photoshop to the final result. I want to "Shock and Ahh" even if I printed straight from my camera as well. Baby Steps... Baby Steps.