It's true! Everyone has an artist within. Sometimes, that artist is revealed. Other times, that artist is just waiting to be released.

Plug-ins were designed for the photographer/artist – because they can remove some of the reality from an image.

In this post I'll share with you some of my favorite plug-ins . . . for all the artists out there. You can save a few bucks on these plug-ins by going to my Creative Plug-ins page.

Before moving on, however, I am teaching studio and on-location lighting with my friend Dave Cross at his workshop center in Oldsmar, Florida in February. Hope to see you there. NAPP members save $100.

Above: Nik Software's Silver Efex Pro.

Above: A straight shot I took of Catherine Hall at the Googleplex. Catherine's stick-on name tag (above her right elbow) proves she was there. So does the picture below.

See what you can do with one light!

Above: Topaz Adjust/Simplify.

Above: Nik Software's Color Efex Pro/Duplex/Image Borders.

Above: onOne Software's PhotoFrame (left) and PhotoTune (right). PhotoTune lets you open up shadows and tone down highlights easily. Dozens of exposure and color adjustments are actually available.

I happen to like the strong shadow in my original photograph. However, when it comes to working with clients, they may not like that effect. With PhotoTune, you can fine-tune your images afterward, making your clients happy. :-)

PhotoFrames lets you add a creative edge in an instant. Here, too, you have tons of options.

Above: Nik Software's Color Efex Pro/Midnight filter.

Above: Here's a behind-the-scenes look at the setting for my Little Red Riding Hood portrait. Yes! I took the shots at Photoshop World at the Westcott booth.

For more on lighting, see my apps.

Explore the light,
Rick