Nik Silver Efex Pro 2

[monty]

Hi folks, I am just curious, has anyone used this software? How do you like it? I am also interested in HDR processing, and Nik has some software for that too. I have also heard a lot about Photomatix??? Any thoughts about all of these?

[Seven_Wishes]

Silver Efex Pro 2 is possibly the best B&W software plugin out there and can be used as a stand alone program  … i.e. it does not have to be used in conjunction with an editing suite (most of the B&Ws and even some of the colour ones in my gallery have been created in part by using Silver Efex Pro) … with regards Photomatix it depends on which version you get and who you ask … I’ve used both and prefer HDR Efex Pro … you have more control of how and where the edit is applied to the image with U point technology … the Nik website has several videos showing it being used http://www.niksoftware.com/learnmore/usa/index.php/webinars/archives

[RockArea]

I'm still using the old version of Silver Efex and agree with Ed about it's value although I use it as a plugin for Photoshop.

I haven't used the Nik HDR software as I like to use Photomatix Pro which I find does an excellent job as long as you choose wisely from the presets. However, the results should only be used as a starting point for further processing. I think this is probably true for any HDR software.

David

[Willpower]

If you need an example,the POTD today, my image entitled Weary Eyes was treated in Nik Software :  HDR Efex Pro and Color Efex Pro. Both excellent programmes.

They are part of a complete suite of software which includes Silver Efex , Dfine,a noise reduction tool,  2 sharpening tools one a RAW pre sharpener the other an Output sharpener  and Viveza2 a multi purpose program with similar functions to Photoshop CS. All as a complete package.

I have only recently started using the suite and have found it to be fairly robust and functional. I have not used all of it's options as of yet and am still learning everything.
But in answer to your question the Silver Efex & HDR Efex are in my opinion very good. Personally I think they rival Photomatix in being very user friendly with a multitude of presets that can all be individually tweaked to your discretion.
Well worth investing.

[monty]

Thanks folks! My motivation for getting back into photography is and has always been to do fine art grade B&W work. That is why I am coming to digital photography so late. I hope to be able to now produce work on the level of fine art Black and White work like I did in the darkroom. I realize that it may not be exactly like film, but I am interested in working with what we have today, and to see what I can create with the tools I have to work with. :-)

[busybee]

That sounds interesting Monty!  I look forward to seeing what you do.

Do you know the work of Cole Thompson? He works in digital and always B&W. He has a blog where he explains some things and here is a selection of his recent work

[monty]

That's some nice work! Thanks for sharing it with me...

[Harry7mc]

Hi Monty I was introduced to the Mono side of SFX pro some years ago.
I tried the trial version on & off & finally this year  I got a copy.
 It is now My pride & Joy.
Although I do not post as frequently as i used to I attache this recent shot for your approval or otherwise.