Nik Silver Efex Pro

Streetshooter · #1 July 12th, 2010, 09:06 AM

I've been using this program for about a year. It's great and very intuitive.
I Just bought the Ebook on CD and it includes very nice vids. I learned more about this converter with the book in a few hours then the entire years using it.

This is not a plug but a recommendation to those using the program.

THANKS BB FOR CATCHING MY SPELLING MISTAKE...

Otto · #2 July 12th, 2010, 09:39 AM

Thanks for mentioning that ebook as I had been thinking about it, but wasn't sure if it was worth the money. I've bought some in the past only to find they were just a rehash of the manual. I may have to pop for this one if it's that good.

Good shooting,
Otto...

LisaO · #3 July 12th, 2010, 09:43 AM

Which Ebook? Got a link?

Nik does free online webinars on weekdays.

http://www.niksoftware.com/learnmore...?view=webinars

Otto · #4 July 12th, 2010, 09:52 AM

Here is the link:

Nik Software, Inc. | Products

There appears to be some other titles available at their "store" page.

Nik Software, Inc. | Purchase

They are also coming out with a new HDR program soon, if that is of any interest to you. I saw the sneak peek last week, and it looks pretty good.

Good shooting,
Otto...

Streetshooter · #5 July 12th, 2010, 10:18 AM

There are things the the book explains like,
The control points. It explains how to copy a CP and use it in different areas. Then adjust all the same or separate.
New to me, also using CP to protect areas under the original CP.
The Zone Map is explained about using it with the Tone Curve.
Anyway, I learned a lot and have used the program for a year.....
Worth the money!

There is a $5.00 USD discount code on the Nik Site home page.

LisaO · #6 July 12th, 2010, 10:29 AM

Cool but I ordered it from a 3rd party on Amazon and saved $7 as Nik wanted $12 for shipping.

john1027 · #7 July 12th, 2010, 10:54 AM

Thanks Don & Lisa. I will order today. I've been using it and stumbling along for a few months, and this should help with the learning curve. Now if they would just finish the updates to 64 bit.

Question, are you using Aperture 3 in 32bit mode and just switching to 64bit when needed or are you using A3 in 32bit from the start?

Streetshooter · #8 July 12th, 2010, 11:30 AM

John,
I use SEP sometimes in LR3 and sometimes go into PS4.
I like to try to use it on LR3 because I can continue to work on the image there. If I go into PS, then save the image, I can't work on that original in LR.
He explained the workflow.

What I found interesting was about sharpening.
I always used some sharpening in LR or PS before going into SEP. He explained why that's wrong. Even with Nik Raw Sharpener, it's better to sharpen after SEP.

Cool book ....
Lisa, my shipping was a few bucks and got it in 3 days from ordering.

Streetshooter · #9 July 12th, 2010, 11:41 AM

And another thing.....
If I sound like an unlearnt kid, well Reckon I am.....

The Zone System with the Tone scale. It's the coolest thing. I didn't know that if you click on Zone 0 for example, then slide the tone scale to move the tone of the darkest part of the image you want dead black, then click on Zone 10 and do the lightest part that it would lock in the Zone scales.
Then hit the middle of the tone chart and move it up/down to set your Zone 5.

Of course Ansel is rolling over in his grave but I'm in heaven.

BBW · #10 July 12th, 2010, 01:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john1027

Question, are you using Aperture 3 in 32bit mode and just switching to 64bit when needed or are you using A3 in 32bit from the start?

I am pretty sure most people switch to the 32 bit mode when they chose to use Silver Effex. I believe it's discussed somewhere in the Aperture threads. I know Tom AKA thearne3 uses it, or I think he does. Maybe later on I'll see what I can find.

I've been on the cusp of ordering this for a while. I may just do it, too.