Tinkering with Topaz

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.