Testing out Topaz

Today's blog post is about Topaz software (http://www.topazlabs.com).

Three days ago I downloaded the 30 day free trial of the full suite of Topaz plug-ins for Photoshop.  I have had the opportunity to test out several of the products and so far I like what I am seeing.

The full suite of plug-ins retails for $379.99 and the individual components retail from $29.99 to $79.99 each.  So far I have tested ReStyle, ReMask, Simplify, Lens Effects and Star Effects.  

My feeling is that these plug-ins are a real workflow timesaver.  From what I have seen, there is nothing here a designer couldn't figure out or complete on their own, but the Topaz software takes care of the grunt work.

A few good things to mention…
1.  Some of the software works with Photoshop Elements and iPhoto
2.  The plug-ins are both Windows and MAC compatible
3.  Topaz Simplify is on sale for $19.99 until 2.28.14 using code FEBSIMPLIFY
4.  Use this link to obtain a $10 credit http://topazlabs.com?referral=173462

I'm looking forward to testing out all the products and I do see a suite purchase in my future!

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Topaz Adjust

Magical contrast, detail, and color adjustments.

Buy for $49.99

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Topaz ReStyle

Over 1000 unique photographic effects.

Buy for $59.99

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Topaz Clarity

Flawless image definition through intelligent contrast.

Buy for $49.99

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Topaz ReMask

The quickest and easiest way to mask your photo.

Buy for $69.99

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Topaz B&W Effects

Develop stunning black and white photography.

Buy for $59.99

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Topaz Detail

Creative detail enhancement with no halos or artifacts.

Buy for $39.99

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Topaz Simplify

Turn your photos into watercolors, paintings, and other fine art.

Buy for $39.99

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Topaz Lens Effects

Creative effects derived from real-world lens and filters.

Buy for $79.99

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Topaz Star Effects

Add realistic star and lighting effects to your photos.

Buy for $29.99

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Topaz Clean

Creative smoothing effects with edge and texture control.

Buy for $29.99

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Topaz DeNoise

Excels at removing noise while preserving image detail.

Buy for $79.99

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Topaz InFocus

Sharpen your image by removing shake and motion blur.

Buy for $69.99

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Topaz DeJPEG

Increase the image quality of your JPEG photos.

Buy for $29.99

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Topaz photoFXlab

Standalone image editor specializing in image effects.

Buy for $79.99

Feature Pics

Silly me!  I've got so much going on that I completely forgot about my gallery of stock photos through featurepics.com

Too bad.  I had a whopping $2.50 in image royalties waiting to be collected.  Guess I'll add them to my never-ending list of stock sites.

My top-grossing contributor site is Shutterstock, followed by Dreamstime.  I am also on BigStockPhoto, CanStockPhoto and Fotolia.  And, apparently, Featurepics :)

R.I.P. Pixel Bender

Adobe Axed Pixel Bender

Yep, in Photoshop CS6 Adobe took the Oil Paint Filter from Pixel Bender, built it into Photoshop and promptly dumped everything else. I found that disappointing – I kind of like Pixel Bender – in particular some of the fractal effects that you can create with it. I also have a Droste filter for it that is awesome and that I use from time to time.

Since I plan to keep Photoshop CS5 I’ll still have access to Pixel Bender – thank you very much Adobe!

Just in case you’re interested – the Pixel Bender extension won’t work with versions of Photoshop later than Photoshop CS5. Again, I wrote a DPS blog post on Pixel Bender, how to install it and what you’ll find when you get it here.

If you'd like to read more from this article please click the link below:
http://digital-photography-school.com/3-reasons-to-keep-your-old-photoshop-version

Kudos to nic022 !!!

Take a look at this fractal manipulation….

This is an artist with boatloads of talent!!!

Here is a link to some more images and a few tutorials:

http://nic022.deviantart.com

The artist is using Incendia freeware...

http://www.incendia.net

Unfortunately for me, this is a Windows-based program.  So my search continues...

Fractal Explorer Plugin for Photoshop & After Effects

I came across this plugin that claims to work with two of my favorite Adobe programs, Photoshop and After Effects.  It also says it works with either a PC or a MAC.  Those of you who have been keeping up know I often find it difficult to find fractal programs for my MAC.  Here goes nothing…….

Of course I need to say that it is a free download and here is the link:

http://www.creativeapplications.net/mac/fractal-explorer-plugin-for-ps-and-ae-mac-windows/

Examples:

http://vimeo.com/5580723  (AE video clip)

Flower Unwound

I call this latest fractal "Flower Unwound".  If you look closely at the center of the fractal you can see a flower with five petals.

This fractal was made using the Fractal Serendipity app.