Topaz Labs has released the B&W Effects 2 plug-in as part of its library of Photoshop plug-ins. B&W Effects 2 promises several new features and improvements over the first version (and it’s a free upgrade for version 1 owners). Some of the new features include: [Read more…]
Alien Skin Eye Candy 7 Review
Eye Candy 7 is a very interesting software package. It renders realistic effects that are not easy to create in Photoshop. Have you ever wanted to add lightning or fire to your images?
This software is meant for graphic designers, but as a photographer, I’ve been known to dable in the design of my own promotional materials.
Using Eye Candy 7 to add effect to graphics is easy. Just select the layer in Photoshop you want to add an effect to, launch Eye Candy, select the effect and tweak. Most of the effects need a shape layer to be applied. [Read more…]
Topaz Detail 3 Unveiled
Topaz Detail 3 is the latest version of the popular Photoshop plug-in. Detail 3 offers a wider range of flexibility and control over detail manipulation and enhancement.
It includes over 50 new presets that are organized into collections, separate adjustment controls for shadow and highlight details and improved toning contro. Additionally, the built-in masking with edge aware technology improves selective detail choices.
Topaz Detail 3 is available now and is 30% off as an introductory price through December 16. Use the coupon code “MoreDetail” at checkout on Topaz’s website.
Happy Halloween Video Shooters: Digital Anarchy’s Free ‘Ugly Box’ Plug-in Make Subjects Look Like Zombies & Witches
Digital Anarchy has released a free plug-in for After Effects, Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro that turns subjects skin into ultra-damaged zombies or witches. [Read more…]
Perfect Photo Suite 7 Now Available
onOne Software’s Perfect Photo Suite 7 is now available and features five new products—Perfect B&W, Perfect Portrait 2, Perfect Layers 3, Perfect Effects 4 and Perfect Resize 7.5 Pro, integrated with existing products Perfect Mask 5.2 and FocalPoint 2.
Perfect Photo Suite 7 is available at www.ononesoftware.com. New users can purchase Perfect Photo Suite 7 for $299.95. Owners of Perfect Photo Suite 6, Perfect Photo Suite 5.5, and Plug-In Suite 5 or earlier can upgrade to Perfect Photo Suite 7 for $149.95. New purchases and upgrades made by November 15, 2012 will also receive the Premium Preset Pak1 for free, which includes 20 presets designed especially for Perfect B&W, Perfect Portrait 2 and Perfect Effects 4.
Topaz Simplify 4 Released, Plus 30% Off Simplify 4 or Topaz Bundle
Topaz Labs has just released Simplify 4, which offers a number of improvements, including:
- New Adjustment Sliders. Instantly add depth and tonality to create realistic artistic effects using Dynamics, structure and structure boost sliders.
- Instant Transformations with over 100 new presets to help stimulate your creative juices.
- Preset Organization via convenient effect categories – so you can easily find and apply the perfect look in seconds.
- Intuitive 4-in-1 selective brush to dodge, burn, smooth, and brush out adjustments.
Plus advanced edge-aware technology for precise selections every time! - Integration of the Apply button – so you can stack multiple presets during the same workflow and build your own style.
- Finishing Touches tab with options for vignette, toning and transparency.
Along with the launch of Simplify 4, Topaz is offering a 30% discount that applies to Simplify 4 and the Topaz Bundle or Bundle Upgrade. Just use the coupon code GETSIMPLIFIED when checking out here on Topaz Labs’ website.
XEffects Tech Transitions for Final Cut Pro X Review
Industrial Revolution’s XEffects Tech Transitions is a plug-in for Final Cut Pro X that features 30 stylized transitions that work from within the FCP X transitions panel. Check out the following demo video for a taste of several of the available transitions: [Read more…]
Beauty Box Video 2.0 – Easy Skin Retouching in Video Editing Apps
Digital Anarchy has announced Beauty Box Video 2.0, which is a video plug-in for smoothing and retouching skin in the major NLEs. In addition to compatibility with After Effects 7.0–CS6, Final Cut Pro X, Final Cut Pro 7, and Premiere Pro CS4–CS6, version 2.0 adds support for Assimilate Scratch, Scratch Lab, Sony Vegas Por and Movie Studio.
Beauty Box Video 2.0 retails for $199, but is available for $149 through July 15, 2012.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Unified Color Updates 32 Float v2 HDR Plug-in for Photoshop CS6
Unified Color Technologies has released an update for its Photoshop plug-in HDR software, 32 Float v2, which adds compatibility with Adobe Photoshop CS6.
Users on 32 Float will need to install the latest update from Unified Color’s website or through the in-program update process. In addition, Unified Color will also be running a summer promotion offering 10% off all their software through June 29.
More details in the press release below. [Read more…]
Tiffen Dfx 3 Video and Photo Plug-in Review

Tiffen Dfx 3 Premiere Pro Film Stocks Panel Comparison
Tiffen Dfx v3 is a suite of filters and effects that is available for popular video and photo applications as a plug-in or a standalone application. Over the past few months, I have been using the software suite primarily in Premiere Pro CS5.5. However, I have also touched on the standalone app and as well as the After Effects and Lightroom plug-in integration.
As with any software or plug-in, understanding the capabilities of it is paramount to fully utilizing the application to meet the needs of your workflow. I don’t pretend to have an exhaustive understanding of all that’s within Tiffen Dfx 3 at this point; however, I have used it enough to realize where it meets many of my needs and makes life easier in post-production. [Read more…]