Nik vs Photoshop or SOOC

I just purchased Nik Software plugins for Aperture.  Why?

Witness…

A pretty spectacular photo SOOC of Frenchman Bay from the apex of Cadillac Mountain  this past spring…

Now, this was the Photoshop processing I did last spring utilizing the Kelby method.

I love the way this looks…but it is super saturated and takes quite a bit of ka-noodle-ing (technical term there) to get this.

Now…in Aperture ONLY, I applied the Nik Software plug ins…and WOW!

This is what I have been dying to achieve.  When I see, Joe McNally’s work there is a quality of color and light that I never could quite capture; not heavily processed just spectacularly real and awe inspiring.  Now, I don’t claim to even come close to McNally’s work…but man, it is closer than I have been able to get.  I haven’t opened Photoshop since downloading the free trials from Nik Software. I am sure I will still need Photoshop for cloning and dust spot removal…but for everyday processing it will be NIK software!

Better results in less time.  WIN WIN!

What a sunset!

Sometimes you drive along and you just have to stop and take a picture. Tonight there was an amazing sunset by a little lake I pass.  The colors, the texture and the amazing light.

All take with the camera I had with me…my iPhone.

Mark Erelli – one of you knows why

Another from the sea

Parting weekend shots

Nik Software rocks!

SOOiPhone

Nik Software version

SOOC

And Nik Software came to town and took names!

SOOC Blah

Seriously?  THat’s the same photo…Nik is Sick!

Water Challenge

ETA SOOC of this image

Nik Software…wow, look Mom just like Joe!

Okay…you have to see this to believe it.  I went to Joe McNally’s blog today and his assistant, Drew wrote an awesome post about work flow. Buried within all the goodies was the mention of Nik Software plugins.  They are pretty pricey for photoshop, but there is an Aperture/Lightroom option that seems economic (in comparison).  So I downloaded the 15 day free trial.

HOLY CRAP these are awesome.

Witness below…Darden Smith shot available light at ISO 800.

And look at this post process

SEE….HOLY CRAP!  Natural yet punched up.  This weekend I am shooting with these plugins in mind and really test drive them hard.  So far very impressive.

Hey, Joe and Drew know plugins!  Thanks guys.

Vintage Lights

It Snowed here today

And mentally I am still wanting sun, saltwater, and boats.

I went back and looked through my images and found this one from Bar Harbor this past spring.  Who’d have thought Maine in May 09 warmer than Joisey in October 09?