JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

I'm showing a sample of my first use of the topaz "Detail" software and pleased with the results. I did a bit of erasing on the petals to soften by revealing the original image beneath but think I could have even softened the petals more so the bee and center stood out more.
I know I could have masked the petals as well but have generally been more comfortable using the soft eraser tool.
I did use the slider adjustments for sm, med.& lrg details instead of just picking a preset.
FWIW - Topaz will be offering their software in a sale near the end of November.
I've also added the Mansfield Dam which I used Topaz "Adjust" with the preset "Autumn" which added greatly to the color - not too much I hope? I've only had these programs 2 days and it makes me eager to go back over numerous pictures to rework them. I'm a believer!
Now all I have to do is get rid of those bloody power lines!

Bee on ppl flower original


Bee on ppl flower with Detail filter adjustments

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

This seems to be the equivalent of the "Structure" slider in NIK Collections Viveza 2.

JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

Not familiar with that program, but this is my first experience using any Photoshop plug-ins.

XKaliber

I am impressed with the difference in the bee pictures!! Thanks for sharing :)

I had no idea the topaz plug-ins could make that much difference.

I would have liked to see a before and after of the fall/water shot just to get a full visual comparison.

How long have you been using photoshop?

JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

I've been using Photoshop & or Elements for about 8 years. After years of previous film print disappointment, being able to manipulate and print my own pictures gave me the confidence that I might become a decent photographer.

JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

Ok - this is the original of the Mansfield Dam, complete with power lines. I've got to say - the sky in the Adjust version was quite greenish cast so I used a soft eraser to remove most of the sky area to expose the bluer of the original.
I was hoping to get better Fall colors in this year's version - but the skies wouldn't cooperate - either heavy overcast, or rain or clear blue sky.

XKaliber

Thanks for that before/after comparison John.

Truly remarkable and noteworthy software plug in to add this kind of enhancement ....

Appreciate your willingness to share!

warrior Loc: Paso Robles CA

I also use adjust and detail :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

John, there is an advantage of having all Topaz because they can be in concert by using Topaz PhotoFX . You can also use your older PSE program. I use Paint Shop Pro X6 (64 bit). I went with X6 because of the 64 bit, I probably will same 58 seconds this year because 64 bit is faster than 32!! No not really... wish some one would justify my going to 64 bit... anyone?

Topaz B&W is on sale at this time info taken from a margin ad on Yahoo:
"Topaz B&W Effects is on sale for 50% off until November 21st with the coupon code:" NOVBW http://www.topazlabs.com/store

The "Mansfield Dam" photos have a lifeless sky... with the Topaz ReMask you can remove the sky from sky of course, but also sky removal from between tree limbs!!! Quite amazing how fast and through it can be done. Check out the "intermediate" webinar the Nicole gave on ReMask... "do this point in the process quickly and with out care for detail ... let the program do the work...."

Remember to be patient and get the program when it is the feature program and is 50% off and if not patient, then sign up for a webinar and get 30%.

JohninRockville Loc: Rockville, Indiana

Darcy at Topaz told me in late November the entire Topaz package would be discounted - so should I wait or go for the BW now?
I had a computer built to order several years ago - can't recall if it was 32 or 64 bit. After a week or two I couldn't find any programs I could run with it and ended up taking it back and having it reprogramed or what ever they do. It was an ISUS desktop - big case and had 2 additional HDs installed to back up my pictures on the main HD. An advantage was that it was so much faster to save files than using external HDs.

dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida

I thought they were now not selling the "bundle" like they use to (special discount), rather are selling individual units. Unless they are giving a special bundle price the it is better to buy the individuals at 50% off. Seems like less money that way. Also, you already have Adjust and so you would not be buying it again. Recently Re-Mask was at 50% off, you missed that by 5 days, well it wil be around again at 50% off..

B&W is not just B&W, it includes various "classic forms" of photography. You may be able to get DxO 3 free, it changes our wonderful digital to the not true color or grain of old films. Of course you know, ol film-wet guy, films/paper/ all had their character and visual feel. Says Oct 31 free ended, but it may still work (says sony but any camera will work):
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/09/19/free-sony-and-dxo-offering-film-pack-3-essential-for-free/

Another advantage is the you are not overwhelmed with all the programs at once!!

Regarding 32/64 bit. Yes, at first 32 was preferred because the vast number of 32 and few 64. Now the tables are turned. Many 32s will run on 64 machine with 32 bit emulation... machine runs in "compatibility mode".
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Make-older-programs-run-in-this-version-of-Windows