Smooth Loc: Louisville, KY

I have several questions for fellow Nikon Aficionados out there. I like to shoot in NEF, grade and delete in Photo Mechanic, then do the rest of my workflow in Capture NX2. However, there are certain things that can't be done in NX2, for example, added text to the image or cloning. (By cloning, I don't mean adding a monster's head to a friend's body :-), but removing unwanted posts sticking out of someone's head, or cloning out telephone wires.)

Now, I know that after completing the workflow in NX2, the image can be saved and picked up in Photoshop, and I think, vice versa. But here are my questions:
1. How is this done?
2. Do I save the manipulated NX2 file in NEF to, say, a pre-named subject folder, then open PS and pick up that file in either Camera RAW or Jpeg, manipulate, then save as a jpeg in that folder?
3. If I find that I forgot to do something in NX2, do I save the changes I made in PS in NEF format, then open NX2 and bring up the NEF file just manipulated in PS?

All this sounds logical to me, but I am doing something wrong, because I can never find the NEF file I saved while in NX2.

I have found only three "How to" books on NX2, but none is very clear on this subject - at least to my feeble mind. Also, I have found no NX2 online tutorials that even mention my dilemma.

I would certainly appreciate any guidelines or suggestions.

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

Welcome to UHH. Did you try UTube? They have a lot of tutorials.

Smooth Loc: Louisville, KY

Yes, there are several very nice NX2 turorials, but I have yet to find one on subject. However, I will try again. Those things are added and changed daily.

Many thanks.

LinksUp

I just need to address the inaccurate information in your question. Please refer to the 2 photos that are attached. The first is the original straight out of the camera and the second had PP all in NX2! I like NX2 alot. But as you mentioned, it can't put a monster's head on a friends body. You need Photoshop for that. For information about NX2, search on Mike Hagen. He has a books, web sites, tutorials, etc... all using NX2. NX2 is not a Photoshop replacement by a long shot, but it does what it does very well. Take the time to learn it and you will find it does close to 80% of what you probably need. Keep reading and practicing!

Original Sunrise


PP in NX2 Sunrise

Smooth Loc: Louisville, KY

Thanks much, Jsinger. After I typed "removing telephone wires," it occured to me that I had done that before using the brush in NX2. So, that actually elimintes a step having to go to PS. (I really like your tinting the sky with the color control points.)

I had completely forgot about Hagan. He's the Nikon guru. I'll check him out.

Thanks again.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Great mionds DO run in the same channel!

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

Smooth, any time you want to move a photo from NX2 to another program use open with. To do this click on file at the top left of the screen in NX2. In the drop down menu click open with. The first time you do this it will ask you to assign a program. Choose PS or what ever program you want. You don't need to save your file before moving it. I recommend getting a copy of Mike Hagan's book "After the shoot" to get the most out of NX2. I hope this helps.