Topaz Studio 2: Just tried my free copy of Studio 2. Opened a jpg, added a one click filter and this is the resulting image. Almost no effort. I have used Studio 1 a little but this is...

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Just tried my free copy of Studio 2. Opened a jpg, added a one click filter and this is the resulting image. Almost no effort.

I have used Studio 1 a little but this is totally new. I'll have to explore it further.

I believe the program is free to anyone that has purchased a qualifying number of their programs.

Check out Topaz Labs if interested.

(Download)

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

I'm doing an evaluation too. I would really like to see the photo before you Topazed (newly coined verb) it.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Curmudgeon wrote:

I'm doing an evaluation too. I would really like to see the photo before you Topazed (newly coined verb) it.

Too late.

Cwilson341 Loc: Central Florida

It did a nice job on this shot, Joe. I have been experimenting with it also. So far I like it. It is significantly different from the original Studio.

One thing everyone needs to understsnd is that with the original Studio (free) you had to pay for the Pro Adjustments to make full use of all it offers. Studio 2 has a cost up front but you do not make an additional purchase to maximize it. Everything you need is already there.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Cwilson341 wrote:

It did a nice job on this shot, Joe. I have been experimenting with it also. So far I like it. It is significantly different from the original Studio.

One thing everyone needs to understsnd is that with the original Studio (free) you had to pay for the Pro Adjustments to make full use of all it offers. Studio 2 has a cost up front but you do not make an additional purchase to maximize it. Everything you need is already there.

You said that Studio 2 has a cost up front, but we were given a free link for Studio 2 last week. I am confused.

Do anyone know what is going on?

I listened to the Webinar on Tuesday night and there was a mention of cost, for which I am puzzled. I am sceptical!

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Heather Iles wrote:

You said that Studio 2 has a cost up front, but we were given a free link for Studio 2 last week. I am confused.

Do anyone know what is going on?

I listened to the Webinar on Tuesday night and there was a mention of cost, for which I am puzzled. I am sceptical!

Read my original post.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

joer wrote:

Read my original post.

OK, I have read your original post and yes I already have the original Topaz and was sent Topaz 2 last week for free. Oh well, I will just have to wait and see what else Topaz does. Only time will tell whether or not it was really free.

I got a link today directing us to the tutorial to use Topaz 2 which I will have a look at.

By the way, I had a look at your lovely birds and my mouth is still opened. What a delight as I too like birds but none so beautiful as your grace my bird feeders and I only have to move and they are gone. How do you get them so tame that you can photograph them? Do you have a Hide in your garden?

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Heather Iles wrote:

What a delight as I too like birds but none so beautiful as your grace my bird feeders and I only have to move and they are gone. How do you get them so tame that you can photograph them? Do you have a Hide in your garden?

Thanks for asking.

I only use a hide in the cold months but its as much for me as for the birds...there is a heater in it.

Put out plenty of food and position yourself near the edge of their comfort zone. Sudden moves will spoke them but some bird are more tolerant than others.

My zoom lens is nearly always at 400mm regardless if I'm using FF or APS-C cameras...so I'm usually about 20' away. The blind allows me to be a little closer or maybe they are more hungry in cold weather for lack of their natural food.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

joer wrote:

Thanks for asking. br br I only use a hide in the... (show quote)

Wow! Thanks Joer for responding. A little effort does go into capturing those lovely photos.

I have just recently bought a 400mm for my Sony A7RII, but haven't used it yet. I am trying to get my head around the Sony camera and its large files and the conversion process.

Do you use a tripod?

Do you also use extensions for a longer reach? I have read here some are for and against them.

Can you please send a photo of your Hide? Who knows that I might be tempted to copy your idea. I hanging food feeders are always topped up.

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Heather Iles wrote:

I have just recently bought a 400mm for my Sony A7RII, but haven't used it yet. I am trying to get my head around the Sony camera and its large files and the conversion process.

Do you use a tripod?

Do you also use extensions for a longer reach? I have read here some are for and against them.

Can you please send a photo of your Hide? Who knows that I might be tempted to copy your idea. I hanging food feeders are always topped up.

Try jpg until you get the hang of it...they are very good, although raw is more tolerant and flexible for processing.

Use the small spot meter for focus expose for high lights if your camera has that setting ( I believe it does).

I nearly always use a tripod or monopod but mostly for weight bearing. I prefer a fluid head over all the other types. Manfrotto has good ones for not much money...the handles are useless to me. A monopod needs no head but if you prefer one use a tilt head.

I don't use tele extenders...all degrade camera functions and image quality...don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I want every bit of functionality and image quality.

This is my hide from Ameristep...modified with the tarp and window webbing. UV takes a heavy toll on horizontal surfaces and I just can't help adjusting things to my liking.

Shoot a lot and only keep the good ones. Have fun...life is short.

(Download)

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

joer wrote:

Just tried my free copy of Studio 2. Opened a jpg, added a one click filter and this is the resulting image. Almost no effort.

I have used Studio 1 a little but this is totally new. I'll have to explore it further.

I believe the program is free to anyone that has purchased a qualifying number of their programs.

Check out Topaz Labs if interested.

Joe, great photo.

Greg

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

joer wrote:

Try jpg until you get the hang of it...they are ve... (show quote)

Thanks Joer for taking the time to respond further and for showing me your Hide. It just shows that it helps to have the right props and gear.

Your comment about tele converters convinces me not to use them.

Thanks for the photographic tips too. I will try and bear them in mind and may PM you should I need any more tips.