I consider myself an average photographer, and a distinctly less than average photo-processor. There are those who get positively damp in their personal places at the very mention of “the digital darkroom” (and what a wanky expression that is). I just turn away.
It’s not that I don’t understand what can be achieved with Photoshop and similar software, it’s just that I never use it long enough for the techniques to stick in my admittedly feeble brain. I did work through a 5 DVD Photoshop training course (acquired locally for slightly less than the full retail price). As I worked through each lesson I was most excited by the possibilities offered by the topic under discussion. When I moved to the next lesson I started to forget what I had just learned. By the time I had worked through the whole 25 hours of training, everything was a blur and I had no idea what to do next. My fuzzy knowledge is not reinforced by the frequent updates to Photoshop (acquired locally for slightly less than the full retail price).
So I have mainly abandoned Photoshop and do any processing that is required in Lightroom. Even here, I tend to stick to the basics. My eyes and my imagination are not really up to playing with images; what comes out of the camera will have to do.
But today I had a play with Topaz Adjust. It’s a plug-in for Photoshop and it’s fun. There are endless scary sliders and a comprehensive user guide; but you can forget all of that and just click on some predefined settings.
This is a photo of a somewhat phallic rock in Phu Lan Ka national park. Interesting shape, but the shot is a little insipid. No doubt some time in Photoshop by someone who can actually remember 25 hours of training would do the trick, but one click on " crisp", or a click on “spicify” produces some interesting, if not particularly life-like results.
Next we have a muddy lake at Khao Yai. A click on “soft and smooth” and we get a painted effect with fluffy clouds. A click on “psychedelic” and we get Khao Yai on drugs.
Finally, a monk gets some added contrast:
Respect to Topaz for providing a 30 full trial with no stupid watermarks or other restrictions. I am tempted to throw $49 at them for the privilege of making endless psychedelic monstrosities. You have been warned.
Comments 🔗
2009-06-12| Moonman saysLove the shots! The psychedelic phallic rock shot is absolutely trippy! Reminds me of the 60’s or possibly something out of The Lord of Rings.
You’ve inspired me…off to tinker with Photoshop now.
2009-06-12| Spike says“If you can remember the 60s, you weren’t there”.
Nonsense of course. I can remember the sixties; my Dad wouldn’t let me join in.
2009-06-12| Moonman saysI heard the 60s was a stone cold groove man.
However, considering I was the ripe old age of 8 when the 60s ended I can’t remember much except for learning how to ride a bike and wondering why our trees and bushes disappeared every few years.
Google South Florida, Hurricanes and the 60s and you’ll understand what I’m talking about.
2009-06-17| Craig saysThat is a pretty amazing program - You still have to have an eye for what looks good and you obviously do - 2 in fact.