magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

I don't mean the photo, I mean this new fad of mine - since getting Topaz I don't seem satisfied until I've messed with the initial result. My original reason for investing in Topaz was for grunge art composite stuff, not for my everyday photography, but now it seems to be overtaking me a bit. Are other Hoggers affected this way?

(Download)

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

You are not alone! Many Topaz lovers in photo gallery and close-up forums, maybe not so much in FYC. There are seemingly infinite ways to combine effects, vary opacity and blend modes, and do all sorts of things to create the mood you're going for.

I really like what you did here. Very appropriate look for your subject. Is this with Textures?

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Ah well, theres another problem - if you don't name your layers you forget what has created the look you like! In this case it is a simple texture with small adjustments and a bit of cloning - which texture is another question. Thanks for looking Linda, I appreciate it.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Yes, I sometimes get lazy with naming the layers. However, recipes never seem to give same result from one image to the next, because of subject, exposure, details, whatever. Each one is its own creation :)

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Yes, I found that too.

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

Topaz seems to do everything in ya face so to speak. Its as subtle as the blitz as are most of the Topaz range. Not sure what such a strong texture overlay brings to the party here.
I like texture overlays a lot but so subtly used that often you do not know they are there. A case of a lot less is more. Topaz filters seem to offer some sort of inspiration to the one or two clicks " I'm too artistic for my skin" types.
Thousands of free textures on the net make your own use blend modes with them so not sure why a plug in is needed.
So my friend if the fad does not pass just be much more gentle on the sliders to avoid the rather mundane "I have been Topazed" look.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

Postcard ready! Well done and thank you for sharing! S-

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Hmm... you could have a point there Billy, I've started using a filename suffix 'Toped', which says it all I guess. Got to get this thing out of my system somehow - still, the blitz look might be appropriate here, don't ya think? OK, OK, I know!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Thank you Steve, think I can read between the lines here - but Billy is less subtle with his critique than his processing and I'm already reprimanded. I feel that topaz effect wearing-off already!

Billyspad Loc: The Philippines

No not a reprimand or at least that's not what it was meant to be fella. I know my use of language can come across as black and white which Im working on! No offence meant ever just say what I think. You will be pleased to note Im like it in real life as well.
Have a good day my friend.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

My sentiment exactly.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

I like this a lot. The treatment fits the subject and creates a nice effect. I like the heavier texture work for some images, and this is one it works for. The grunge look isn't for everybody or everything but if it's fun and it has appeal, why not? The main mistake I see people make with Topaz is failing to use layers and masks to control it and that is not a problem you're having! Good work and don't fight it. Everybody isn't gonna like everything and thats ok too.

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

I say what I mean, mean what I say, and I think it's postcard ready! S-

conkerwood

A 'Bristol Blenheim Mark 1' Circa 1937 if I am not mistaken. When/where was the pic taken?

Will the Topaz thing pass? Well as a Topaz user for several years, I have every plug in that they make, my guess is that it will. In my experience and it may be different for others discovering Topaz, particularly Topaz Adjust is the same as when you first start out doing HDR. Its like someone gives you a whole box of brand new crayons and you just have to try them all out. But if you are anything like me the initial use of presets gives way to more selective use of the sliders till you end up using Topaz as I believe it should be used, delicately, subtly and sparingly. In fact I find that I only use two plugins now with any frequency, DeNoise 5 and Detail 3. There are probably other denoise progs that work just as well but I am used to Topaz' idiosyncrasies so I keep using it. And Detail 3, I would use on virtually every pic as a way of tweeking the details in selected regions. But if you don't get over it who cares, it is a very enjoyable addiction. As for this pic I would be interested to see the original before you did the Topaz thing, partly because it was such a lovely aircraft and I would like to see all the details.

Peter

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

So that would be a no then?