Topaz Labs B&W Effects, Star Effects & Infrared Photography…

The Gas Works in Seattle, Washington is a quirky and cool place to spend an afternoon. The Gas Works overlooks the waterfront, and many people picnic, fly kites, read and relax with this curious structure in the background. It’s definitely a can’t miss location when traveling to Seattle!

This photo was taken with an infrared converted camera and converted to B&W using Topaz Labs B&W Effects. My work flow is simple, just like a color image, optimize/correct in Adobe Camera Raw or Nikon Capture NX2.  I look to see what works, what doesn’t, and what can be improved in the image. Next in Photoshop, spotting, noise reduction and other basics are addressed. Lastly, the fun stuff, B&W conversion with Topaz Labs B&W Effects. This conversion tool gives you a lot of options for creativity, which makes it less work and more fun!

Tomorrow, March 13 at 5:00 EST, I’ll be doing a webinar for Topaz Labs on infrared photography and B&W conversion. If you don’t shoot in infrared, this is a great way to learn more about this wonderful way to create beautiful story telling imagery! I’ll be touching on the absolutely amazing Star Effects too! I’ll show you how you can work with Star Effects to create realistic stars, and fantasy fun effects too!  Register by clicking here, I hope to see you tomorrow!

4 Comments

  1. Gary on March 12, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Awesome shot Deb!

    I realize it’s a Topaz Labs webinar (which I can’t make unfortunately), but when would you use Topaz B&W Effects versus Nik Silver Efex Pro? So many plug-ins, so little time….

  2. Eric Luden on March 13, 2012 at 11:59 pm

    Sorry to have missed this, Deb. can we set up another one with you soon? Best. Eric

  3. Deborah Sandidge on March 14, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Hi Gary, Sorry you missed the webinar! Both are very useful to the photographer. B&W Effects offers much in the way of creative effects like Simplify, Diffusion, Softness, colorful toning options, and the use of the adjustment brush to dodge/burn/ and add color. Silver gives you beautiful options for B&W conversion esp with the use of control points, and a lot of control with B&W conversion. Hope that helps!

    Hi Eric, yes absolutely! The webinar might be archived this week, but I’d love to do something else soon. Thank you and great to hear from you!

  4. Nelson on April 22, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    Deborah, enjoyed your Topaz Lab webinar , and also really enjoyed your Infrared book.
    Here’s a link to some of my Infrared picture done with my converted Nikon D70s
    http://www.ordermyfotos.com/Landscapes/Infrared/22488578_6bBfh7#!i=1798501382&k=K6fzc3p

    Thanks,

    Nelson

Leave a Comment