Readers of my blog, as well as those who come on my workshops, know that I am a big fan of plug-ins – because plug-ins can help you awaken the artist within. ​
My latest (just launched today) and favorite plug-in is Clarity from Topaz Labs. So far, I have been using Clarity to create stronger images.
This before-and-after set of images of Official Parking Man in Old Havana, Cuba is one such example.
Compare the image below (original) with the image above (enhanced).​ Notice the increased detail in the wall behind the man, as well as the increased structure in the man's face.
To add the texture and "a look" to the image, I used the Documentary filter in Clarity, which gave the photograph a stronger look and feel.
Above is a close-up of the man's face. Clarity increases details in an image without creating halos, which can creep into an image when adding this type of enhancement. That's very cool.​
Above: One viewing/working option in Clarity is to see your images side-by-side. That's the way I like to work (and play).
Above: Cool controls in Clarity include: Hue, Saturation, Luminance, Dynamics and even Masks! Plus there are tons of pre-sets to get you going and to give you some creative inspiration.
Clarity Sale, Discount and Download: ​Until May 31, use the code - claritynew - and get Clarity for only $29.99. After that date the price goes to $49.99. You can download the cool plug-in from the Topaz site. Go to Products and select Clarity.
While you are on the Topaz site, use my discount code - rsammon - and save 15% on other Topaz plug-ins . . . and save a bundle on a bundle.
​As long as I'm talking about Topaz Labs, Topaz Adjust is another favorite artistic plug-in. I usually use it to remove some of the reality from an image. When you remove some of the reality from an image, a photograph can look more artistic and more creative.
Above: I used The Lomo II filter in Topaz Adjust to remove some of the reality from the image on the left. I photographed the young woman in Old Havana Cuba, too.
Above: All Topaz plug-ins offer easy-to-navigate windows for . . . that's right . . . easy navigation.
My favorite plug-ins are listed on my Save on Plug-Ins page.​ Check 'em out and save a few bucks.
Explore the light,​
Rick
P.S. Plug-ins are, indeed, cool. But you must start with the best in-camera image, which starts with a good exposure and good composition - stuff I talk about on my on-line classes.​
Here's a fun shot of me in Old Havana, Cuba. The man makes "cameras" out of beer cans.
For street shooting, I usually travel with two Canon 5D camera bodies and two zoom lenses: Canon 24-105mm IS and Canon 70-200mm.​ All my gear is listed on My Gear page.​
