B&W using Nik Efex pro 2: My wife bought me the Nik software for christmas. These are my first conversions using lightroom 5 followed by Nik solver efex pro 2 I'm not too happy with...

bv52gyf Loc: Kincardine, Scotland

My wife bought me the Nik software for christmas. These are my first conversions using lightroom 5 followed by Nik solver efex pro 2

I'm not too happy with the grain in the clouds but cant seem to isolate and correct. Any help please?

Andy

Forth Road bridge

Glasgow Light trail

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

Like the star effect in the second shot. Exposure is just right. Well done.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

They look OK to me but I can't see the grainy clouds in such a small pic Andy?
Ron.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

bv52gyf wrote:

My wife bought me the Nik software for christmas. These are my first conversions using lightroom 5 followed by Nik solver efex pro 2

I'm not too happy with the grain in the clouds but cant seem to isolate and correct. Any help please?

Andy

Very nice! I love the shot of Glasgow.

JoboX Loc: Liverpool UK

bv52gyf wrote:

My wife bought me the Nik software for christmas. These are my first conversions using lightroom 5 followed by Nik solver efex pro 2

I'm not too happy with the grain in the clouds but cant seem to isolate and correct. Any help please?

Andy

Hi Andy

Hope this helps
I find if you have a sharp image then it will over sharpen the clouds.... giving the grain effect
Try making a copy of your layer then put through colour efex to soften the clouds (soft focus) then using a mask paint back the softer version where you need it into the original...

Although at times the grain can give it character

Sorry Andy I use CS5 so not sure on masks in Lightroom.

Regards
Joe

Photog8 Loc: Morriston, FL

Wow...super shot of Glasgow. ;-)

CHOLLY Loc: THE FLORIDA PANHANDLE!

bv52gyf wrote:

My wife bought me the Nik software for christmas. These are my first conversions using lightroom 5 followed by Nik solver efex pro 2

I'm not too happy with the grain in the clouds but cant seem to isolate and correct. Any help please?

Andy

http://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/2014/1/2/thumb-1388697902895-dsc_0008_edit_edit.jpg

http://static.uglyhedgehog.com/upload/2014/1/2/thumb-1388697904191-dsc_0030_edit_2_edit_edit.jpg

Well let me tell you; the high contrast B&W is EXCELLENT!

It ALMOST looks like authentic B&W film. :thumbup:

rlaugh Loc: Michigan & Florida

Great shots!!

jackm1943 Loc: Omaha, Nebraska

bv52gyf wrote:

My wife bought me the Nik software for christmas. These are my first conversions using lightroom 5 followed by Nik solver efex pro 2

I'm not too happy with the grain in the clouds but cant seem to isolate and correct. Any help please?

Andy

Andy, have you tried running it thru the NIK Dfine filter? It's pretty good at removing some of the grain (noise).
Jack

Jamers Loc: Michigan

jackm1943 wrote:

Andy, have you tried running it thru the NIK Dfine filter? It's pretty good at removing some of the grain (noise).
Jack

I also received this collection as a gift after much research into noise reduction. I like the NIK collection, and I'm still learning the skill curve. Knowing when to stop post processing and over cooking you photo is strictly subjective. Good luck, I'm sure you will eventually be happy with you results.

Mercer Loc: Houston, TX, USA

ebrunner wrote:

Like the star effect in the second shot. Exposure is just right. Well done.

ditto! :thumbup:

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Very nicely done. You're really going to like the NIK Silver FX if you like B&W.

It would be a neat experiment to clone out the tallest lamp post so that the star effect of the light appears to be just hanging in air rather than supported by the lamp post on the second picture. But that's just curiosity talking.

bv52gyf Loc: Kincardine, Scotland

Thanks Guys for the tips and comments

Andy