Topaz Labs

Row of trees

I’ve written previously about NIK editing software and tried a trial for two weeks. I was generally impressed but moved on to other things and didn’t buy it – well not yet anyhow. I’m now looking at Topaz software. Both suits are broadly similar and and anyone looking at one would certainly consider the other. Either would probably suit me fine. Cost wise NIK is ahead at £95 for the complete suite while with Topaz the complete suite is priced at $469.99 at time of writing, but you only need buy the programs you require. I bought Topaz Black & White Effects a few years ago and use it frequently. Topaz frequently issue offers, reducing the cost, while with the NIK  software there seems to be no discount available or if there is it’s not obvious.

It must also be said that similar effects to those obtainable in the NIK or Topaz suites can be obtained using Lightroom, Photoshop or other imaging software, given you have the knowledge and time.

The images below were prepared using Topaz ReStyle while I giving it a very quick run through. There are over a thousand effects and these can be tweaked individually, so lots of options and I’ve barely scratched the surface as yet.

 

Click on an image to enlarge.

Blue door
Blue door

 

Row of trees
Trees

 

Brushes
Brushes

Nik

I’ve recently downloaded Nik software from Google. I had heard of Nik Silver Efex Pro for black and white conversion but I wasn’t aware there is now a suite of software producing different effects to images. From memory Google bought the company producing the software some time ago but I stand to be corrected.

Anyway the software is offered on a fifteen day trial and I’m enjoying experimenting with it. As, I suppose, with most software you can go absolutely crazy and produce images that appear to have little connection to the original photograph or use it to produce subtle changes to enhance the original. I don’t see it playing a particularly relevant part in producing images for stock but I can certainly see advantages in using it to process images for prints. Continue reading “Nik”