taj334 Loc: Long Island

Just wondering if there is a good workflow between these three. Today I downloaded Topaz Studio and made it a "plugin" for PSE-15. Still not sure of the best way to get my images from Mac Photos to PSE and now into Topaz. Any guidance, opinion or input would be appreciated. So far I'm happy with the way Mac Photos organizes my photos and it's basic editing tools do most of what I need done. Once in a while though, I would like to really "play" with an image and do some crazy things with it.

rgrenaderphoto Loc: Hollywood, CA

Images in Mac Photo are in a specific folder, and I believe when you do a file/open command in Elements, you can navigate to that folder and load images. Once the image is in elements, create a new, duplicate layer. Here is a very simplistic guide:

http://www.dummies.com/photography/photo-software/adobe-photoshop-elements/how-to-work-with-layers-in-photoshop-elements-11/

Once the layer loads, assuming Topaz filters are already installed, access them with the Filter menu. The Topaz filter window opens, you do your thing then select the Save command, which will get you back to elements.

Here's a Topaz quick guide:

https://support.topazlabs.com/hc/en-us/articles/216538448-Accessing-Topaz-Labs-in-Photoshop-Elements

Once back in Elements, play around with the Layer Opacity command, which lets you dial in how much of the Topaz layer is blended with the original image.

Have fun.

taj334 Loc: Long Island

Thanks for your input. I'm afraid there's something not right with my Mac Photos. I have to export the images to Pictures before I can open them in Elements. I have an appointment for a "studio class" Tuesday and will see if I can get it straightened out. Not sure how to find that "folder" you're talking about. Otherwise, I will follow up on your links. Topaz looks like a lot of fun. Thank you. Thank you.