Color Efex Pro 4

This is a great upgrade for existing users of Color Efex Pro. The user interface has been completely rebuilt and upgraded to be consistent with newer Nik plugins like HDR Efex Pro and Silver Efex Pro 2, so once you start using it, things will be very familiar. They have also improved the way presets and preset previews are handled, making it easier to see all variations on a preset.

Another nice benefit to this upgrade, is they’ve brought the U-Point workflow up to speed with newer plugins as well making it much easier to use. But probably the most compelling reason to use this plugin is the wide array of professional stylings or “looks” you can apply, ranging from Infrared Black and White (Ironically), to the ability to create HDR-like effects using combinations of presets, and even old-fashioned looks like sepia and cyanotype.

[Addition: If you'd like to learn more about this plugin, check out my latest Nik Software article / turorial  from Peachpit.com]

Perfect Portrait 1

onOne has created a very intuitive and powerful facial retouching plugin that allows you with the stroke of a brush, to accurately target corrections for: eyes, skin quality, teeth, and more. Each area of the face has its own set of controls; no one-size-fits all retouching approaches here. While portraits are not my bread and butter photographically, I was able to achieve great results  on shots that I had worked on previously, but much more rapidly than hand-brushing corrections in using traditional Photoshop techniques.

Perfect Mask 5

I just wrote up an article on this plugin for Peachpit.com and I think as a product, you’re really going to like what this plugin can do for your Photoshop workflow. In particular, the color sensing technology this product uses to both mask and protect pixels, is impressive when used correctly.

Perfect Mask 5 replaces the older Mask Pro 4, and is another part of the new Perfect Photo Suite. Frankly just two or three of these plugins make it worth the cost of admission for all six IMHO, so you will want to consider that when pricing out combinations of plugins. It may be worth it for you to purchase the suite, and if you need the more niche plugins later you’ll have them.

No related posts.