Topaz Adjust
by Mark ~ July 10th, 2009. Filed under: Photoshop Tips, abstracts, art, artistry, composition, creativity, nature photography, processing, software.
Ocean drama
Topaz Adjust is a relatively new plugin for Photoshop that I have tried that has the ability to produce what some might call ‘grungy’, but highly dynamic exposure effects. I have been reading more about it lately, which means it is developing a bit of a following. I have found that it can create some impressive unique exposure effects on a landscape photograph. As with most of these things – use in moderation, and adjust to taste. Maybe less grunge, with a bit more drama.
Topaz Adjust
I first started experimenting with it with some beach scenes that I made many years ago, but kept putting them on the back burner to process. Since Topaz offers a free trial of the software, and I was intrigued by some images I saw processed with it, I gave it a try. After processing the first scene, I knew I was going to buy it. Topaz Adjust provides some presets for you to start from, with additional settings for finer control or to totally go off on a unique direction.
As with many of these types of plugins, I also wonder if I could just make the adjustments with software I already have. Why do I need another plugin? Well, similar to how I have written about Lightroom presets, Topaz Adjust basically provides you with another playground, or a basic map to a destination. Quite often I know where I want to go, but I am not entirely sure how to get there. At other times, I like the flow of ideas that come from a bit of playing in a playground.
It is worth checking out if you are familiar with the other plugins that can create similar types of effects, but at a much higher price. Topaz offers something that doesn’t break the bank to explore your creativity. You can read more about it, see more samples at their site here. You can see 4 other beach images recently processed using Topaz Adjust, among other tweaks in my Shorelines gallery.
July 10th, 2009 at
Lately, I have seen several mentions of this plugin, and I must say your work gives them a bit of an unfair boost.
It’s a little like seeing those before and after segments on beautiful models. You know, showing off a great haircut or a new line of makeup on someone who was stunning to begin with. After all, you are starting with splendid images.
I enjoyed very much your comments about this software and hope you will talk about it a bit more. I particularly appreciate when you post a before and after photograph. I can get so distracted by the basic elements of what makes your photographs terrific that I don’t always appreciate the full impact of what additional tweaks you might have made.
The Shorelines gallery is a wonderful place to spend time.
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July 10th, 2009 at
Hi Anita, thanks for your thoughtful comments. As far as the before photo, I always find it difficult deciding exactly what stage to show the image in as a comparison to the final. The raw file out of the camera these days is a bit like looking at a film negative. Compositionally of course the image is the same. I find that this type of processing is different for every image, the results also very different. There is an enormous amount of personal tweaking involved, so I would hate to represent something as a “magic button” if you know what I mean. Since it is free to try the software, I find it best just to test it out in your own workflow to see if it something you like.
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July 10th, 2009 at
I downloaded the trial version awhile ago but every time I used it it crashed the computer so deleted it. I like the effects you’ve gotten though.
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July 11th, 2009 at
I’ll have to check this plugin out. I’ve heard of it but never taken the time to experiment with it. Good to know there is a free trial period. Thanks for the heads up on this.
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July 11th, 2009 at
Thanks for your info about this plugin. I heard about it some time ago but was not convinced to try it. Now I will probably give it try. Thanks for this post.
Tomas.
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July 11th, 2009 at
Mark, I’ve used Topaz Adjust for a couple of months and have found it to be a nice addition to my post processing tools. I like it’s the ability to start with the build-in presets and then infinately adjust the effects to suit taste and individual images. I find the controls to be logical and easy to use and as you mentioned the cost is resonable.
I’ve had the same thoughts as you in that I’m sure all the effects of Topaz Adjust can be achieved directly in Photoshop–however, getting there would be more difficult, at least for me.
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July 11th, 2009 at
If you like Topaz Adjust try Topaz DeNoise. It’s great, especially when using high ISO and having dark back grounds.
I’m new to your site and it’s great. Thank you for all your expertise.
Keith
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July 11th, 2009 at
Thanks Keith. I actually have denoise as part of the bundle they are offering now. I just haven’t had the chance to use it much, but it does look impressive.
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July 12th, 2009 at
Dynamite images! I’m going to have to check out Topaz. I am starting to hear and see more and more about it. All good! Thanks for sharing.
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July 12th, 2009 at
Thanks for the heads up Mark this is the first I have seen or heard, definitely worth a try with the free trial !!
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July 12th, 2009 at
Definitely a really interesting effect. I think I will check it out as well. So much software to learn…so little time….
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July 13th, 2009 at
Looks interesting Mark. I’ll have to check it out. I just had to re-format my computer this weekend so I need to go back digging for LR2 presets again.
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July 14th, 2009 at
[...] adjust plug-in for Photoshop developed by Topaz Labs and tried and presented by Mark Graf on his photo blog. This plug-in allows you to enhance your images dramatically in a matter of exposure, contrast, [...]
July 14th, 2009 at
It is getting to the point where I read or hear about a new plug-in or filter set almost daily. Individually they may not be too pricey but it will certainly add up quickly. I’ve been practicing buyer’s restraint because who knows what the next must have plug-in will be. It is like going into a store falling in love with just about everything you see and walking out with nothing because you cannot decide what you like best. I’m suffering from overload! lol.
This does look great however…thanks for sharing the info on this plug-in.
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July 26th, 2009 at
[...] Read more here: Graf Nature Photography | Notes from the woods » Topaz Adjust [...]
July 27th, 2009 at
[...] Read the original post: Topaz Adjust [...]