{"id":6496,"date":"2013-04-09T05:24:36","date_gmt":"2013-04-09T11:24:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/?p=6496"},"modified":"2013-04-09T05:34:02","modified_gmt":"2013-04-09T11:34:02","slug":"topaz-bw-effects-2-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/2013\/04\/09\/topaz-bw-effects-2-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Topaz B&amp;W Effects 2.1"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Are you looking for an all-in-one solution for professional looking black and white photos. If so, then you must take a look at <a href=\"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/topazlabs-black-and-white\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Topaz B&amp;W Effects<\/a>. Topaz B&amp;W Effects is a powerful plug-in, that makes it easy for you to create rich dynamic black and white images.<\/p>\n<h2>What is Topaz B&amp;W Effects<\/h2>\n<p>This plugin is more than just a black and white conversion tool, Topaz B&amp;W Effects comes with 5-in-1 selective brush, adaptive exposure, quad toning, historical processing collections, creative effects and much more. <a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Adaptive_Dynamic_Conversion.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-top: 0px; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"Pier and Lamp\" alt=\"Pier and Lamp\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Adaptive_Dynamic_Conversion_thumb.jpg?resize=250%2C333\" width=\"250\" height=\"333\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a>You can use Topaz B&amp;W Effects to\u2026<\/p>\n<p><em>1. Dynamically convert images to black and white with maximum contrast control.<br \/>\n2. Balance and enhance tonal range of grays while individually controlling the range of blacks and whites.<br \/>\n3. Create an authentic feel of film by applying real grain.<br \/>\n4. Enhance images with maximum detail and depth.<br \/>\n5. Selectively enhance images with color, dodge, burn, smooth or detail.<br \/>\n6. Add creative styles &#8211; like HDR, diffusion, painterly effects and more.<br \/>\n7. Add finishing effects like vignettes, boarders, quad toning and more. <\/em><\/p>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/topazlabs-black-and-white\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">TopazLabs.com \u2013 B&amp;W Effects<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Topaz B&amp;W Effects Features<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Smart Brush. Intuitive selective adjustment brush for burning, dodging, smoothing, selective color and selective detail &#8211; plus edge-aware options. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Advanced Grain Engine. For the most authentic film grain look. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Preset Collections. Presets are organized into 7 unique collections. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Effect enable\/disable. Clickable preview options that allow you to hide or view a set of adjustments for easy comparison. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Stage-based layout. For a simple and streamlined workflow. All of the tools are broken down into steps to help ease you through the editing process. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Split Screen. Use the 2-screen split view for easy before and after comparison. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Preset Enable \/ Disable option. Option to enable or disable the preset preview processing at program startup.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Localized reset all buttons. Reset only the parameters in a specific tab. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Undo \/ Redo buttons. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Collapsible side panels. Expand and collapse the &gt;preset panel and the tool panel for an adjustable workspace. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Snap \/ Recall collection. Save up to 99 snapshot settings for comparison. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Auto Updater. Get software updates instantly. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Preset Navigation. Use the up \/ down arrow keys to navigate the preset list and display the selected preset thumbnail (in preset preview window). Use the return (Enter) key to apply the currently selected preset. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Enable \/ Disable Tool Tips. Option to enable or disable the pop up tool tips. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Quick Slider Reset. Double click<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/topazlabs-black-and-white\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">TopazLabs.com \u2013 B&amp;W Effects<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>New Features of Topaz B&amp;W Effects<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Dynamic_Cyanotype_Conversion.jpg\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 10px 0px 0px 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; float: right; padding-top: 0px; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"Vintage Vehicle in Front of Vintage Building.\" alt=\"Vintage Vehicle in Front of Vintage Building.\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Dynamic_Cyanotype_Conversion_thumb.jpg?resize=300%2C398\" width=\"300\" height=\"398\" align=\"right\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><em>User Interface Design. With B&amp;W Effects v2, we are introducing a much cleaner, more efficient interface to improve usability and workflow.<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Preset Preview. A larger, floating preview is displayed when hovering over presets. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Preset QuickLook View. A full-screen, pop-up grid view that shows all the presets in a certain collection at the same time. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Grain Enhancements. The grain algorithm has been enhanced, allowing for even more realistic grain creation from the true grain library. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Color Filter and Sensitivity Enhancements. The strength and quality of both the Color Filter and Color Sensitivity have been improved. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Quick Tools. Adjust contrast, brightness, adaptive exposure and more without having to access the full adjustment panel. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Loupe. Quickly view a small portion of an image at 100% zoom. <\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Viewing Enhancements. Easily change the main preview background<\/em> <em>color and hide side panels for less distraction.<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Source: <a href=\"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/topazlabs-black-and-white\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">TopazLabs.com \u2013 B&amp;W Effects<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>How to Open Topaz B&amp;W Effects<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/UI_Borders.png\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 5px 0px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"Topaz B&amp;W Effects Interface\" alt=\"Topaz B&amp;W Effects Interface\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/UI_Borders_thumb.png?resize=600%2C342\" width=\"600\" height=\"342\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>This plugin is compatible with <a href=\"http:\/\/rcm.amazon.com\/e\/cm?lt1=_blank&amp;bc1=000000&amp;IS2=1&amp;bg1=FFFFFF&amp;fc1=000000&amp;lc1=0000FF&amp;t=evolutdesign-20&amp;o=1&amp;p=8&amp;l=as4&amp;m=amazon&amp;f=ifr&amp;ref=ss_til&amp;asins=B007R0RKV8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Adobe Photoshop<\/a> CS3-CS6 (32-bit and 64-bit), <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s\/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=photoshop%20elements&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Aphotoshop%20elements&amp;tag=evolutdesign-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Photoshop Elements<\/a> 6-11, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s\/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=Paintshop%20pro&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3APaintshop%20pro&amp;tag=evolutdesign-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">PaintShop Pro<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.serif.com\/photoplus\/\" target=\"_blank\">Photo Impact Serif Photo Plus<\/a>, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s\/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=Aperture%20&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;tag=evolutdesign-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Dsoftware\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Aperture<\/a> 2 and 3, <a href=\"http:\/\/www.apple.com\/ilife\/iphoto\/\" target=\"_blank\">iPhoto<\/a> <a href=\"http:\/\/www.amazon.com\/s\/?_encoding=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;field-keywords=lightroom&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;tag=evolutdesign-20&amp;url=search-alias%3Daps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Lightroom 2-4<\/a> via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.topazlabs.com\/fusion\/650.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">Topaz Fusion Express<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.topazlabs.com\/photofxlab\/650.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow\">photoFXlab<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>In order to use Topaz B&amp;W, you must have one of the compatible software programs mentioned above. I use Topaz B&amp;W with Lightroom 3 and Photoshop CS4. To access Topaz B&amp;W with Lightroom, you will have to select the image you want to convert to black and white and right click and choose edit in ( use the top menu and select Photo &gt;&gt;&gt; Edit in &gt;&gt;&gt; Fusion Express 2 (64bit) or (32bit)) and choose Fusion Express 64.<\/p>\n<p>Next choose how you want to edit your image. I normally choose to edit a copy with Lightroom edits. If you choose the original, you will modify your original and won\u2019t be able access the original image once you save the changes.<\/p>\n<p>After choosing how you want to edit the image you should see a selection of different plugins to use from (if you purchased the Topaz Labs Plugin Bundle). Choose B&amp;W Effects 2.<\/p>\n<p>Now you should see the above interface image with your selected image.<\/p>\n<h3>Topaz B&amp;W Effects Interface<\/h3>\n<p>The interface has four major areas that you will use when converting your images to black and white. The Presets\/Effects Panel, Preview Window, preview navigator, and Settings &amp; Parameters.<a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Topaz-Labs-BW.png\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" style=\"background-image: none; margin: 5px 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; padding-top: 0px; border-width: 0px;\" title=\"Topaz B&amp;W Effects Interface\" alt=\"Topaz B&amp;W Effects Interface\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Topaz-Labs-BW_thumb.png?resize=600%2C325\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" border=\"0\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The above interface screenshot is from an image I was processing during this review. The rest of the images used were from Topaz Labs.<\/p>\n<h3>Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n<p>Last week I received access to a preview version of <a href=\"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/topazlabs-black-and-white\" target=\"_blank\">Topaz B&amp;W Effects 2.1<\/a> that should be releasing on April 11th and I have to say that I am impressed. I have only had a few hours to work with the new version and found that the new changes make it easier to use than the previous version.<\/p>\n<p>I have been using Topaz B&amp;W since January and worked several different versions. When I had to upgrade to Topaz B&amp;W 2 I had some issues with the changes that were made and it took some time getting use to it. But with this new version, I haven\u2019t found issues that I do not like.\u00a0 Over the next few days\/weeks I will be processing some more images into black and white.<\/p>\n<p>At that time, I will share\u00a0 some of my images that converted and do a quick a walk through on using Topaz Black &amp; White Effects. For now here is an article that links to some of the images I created using an older version of <a href=\"http:\/\/jamesjohnston.info\/examples-of-images-created-with-topaz-labs-black-white\/\" target=\"_blank\">Topaz Black &amp; White Effects<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you looking for an all-in-one solution for professional looking black and white photos. If so, then you must take a look at Topaz B&amp;W Effects. Topaz B&amp;W Effects is a powerful plug-in, that makes it easy for you to create rich dynamic black and white images. What is Topaz B&amp;W Effects This plugin is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":6495,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,841,3],"tags":[1277,372,1279,1278],"class_list":["post-6496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-adobe-photoshop","category-design-resources-2","category-photography","tag-adobe-lightroom","tag-image-processing","tag-topaz-black-white-effects","tag-topaz-labs","entry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Topaz-Labs-BW_thumb.png?fit=600%2C325","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pJPdG-1GM","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6496","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6496"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6496\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6495"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6496"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6496"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.evolutionarydesigns.net\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6496"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}