
- #NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL HOW TO#
- #NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL SOFTWARE#
- #NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL ISO#
- #NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL MAC#
But instead of a blank canvas, it has a grayscale sketch of my image. Analyzing Your ImageĮvery time I import a new image into SEP I get a little giddy, simply because it feels like I’m an artist staring at a canvas.
#NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL SOFTWARE#
All of this flexibility comes at the cost of additional software and larger files but is well worth it when you’re trying to create your unique vision.

However, for those of you who use SEP in conjunction with Photoshop, you will benefit from the additional flexibility of being able to brush on certain effects (I’ll show you how in Chapter 7), adjust blending and opacity, add layers-the list goes on. Exporting from a host program like Lightroom. This is still a great approach for black-and-white conversions, and if you’re new to the plugin, I recommend this is where you start ( Figure 4.1).įigure 4.1. When I first started using SEP, I exported the images directly into SEP, made the desired adjustments, and then saved the images back into my Lightroom library. Proper image management is crucial to creating a seamless workflow, so I recommend using a program like Adobe Lightroom or Apple Aperture to manage your image library. Regardless of the approach, all of my images start out in Adobe Lightroom before they are exported either into Photoshop or directly into SEP. Or, the process can be as complicated as creating several layers in Adobe Photoshop and mixing and matching different plugins to create your desired look. Using SEP can be as straightforward as importing an image, applying a preset, and calling it good. Its U-point technology allows you to make both global and very selective adjustments, depending on your visual direction, and its easy-to-navigate interface makes doing all of this fun! As photographers, you should own software that makes your life easier and that helps your visions come to life. Why use SEP and not some other plugins or a software suite? Simply put, SEP does a better job because of its unique algorithm, which is designed to render a superior tonal range with exceptional contrast and texture control features. You can think of SEP as a digital darkroom its sole purpose is to help you create dynamic black-and-white images. Although this may bristle the hairs on the backs of a few of you holding on tightly to your last roll of Tri-X, the reality is that the digital era is here to stay. Why I Use Silver Efex Proīlack-and-white photography is experiencing a major resurgence despite film’s ill-fated future. Of course, you’ll do this by creating images and exploring all the creative possibilities SEP has to offer.

In this chapter I’ll explain my approach to using SEP while orienting you to SEP’s interface and rich set of creative tools. Frankly, I wouldn’t have been able to make many of my favorite black-and-white images without this software! SEP does a great job of blending superior technology with ease of use. Photographing a good image is difficult enough, so when it comes to processing, plugins that help you bring your vision to life effortlessly are indispensable. Very few plugins have met with as much success as Silver Efex Pro 2 (SEP) and for good reason: It’s simply the best and most essential black-and-white plugin on the market.
#NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL ISO#
Then, turn this creativity into your own by combining your favorite techniques from your favorite plugins to create all new effects that no one has ever seen before.Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes, Death Valley, 2011 Canon 5D Mark II 17mm 1/400 f/13 ISO 100 Join me on a creative tour of the most powerful plugins on the market and learn some new tricks I'll share to enhance your photos.
#NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL HOW TO#
I'll explain how to get the most out of Nik's amazing new points, and we'll even have a look at the fun new Snapseed app for the desktop. I'll show you how I create amazing skies, gorgeous skin, vintage film looks, perfect white backgrounds, custom recipes, and so much more using Color Efex Pro, Viveza, Silver Efex Pro, and even HDR Efex Pro for a non-HDR compositing technique you probably haven't seen before. I'll share with you how I use Silver Efex Pro 2 to make gorgeous black and white images, and how to use the zone system to ensure your black and whites look their best. In this course, I'm going to focus on some of my favorite creative techniques.
#NIK SILVER EFEX PRO 2 ZONE SYSTEM TUTORIAL MAC#
Whether you're working in Photoshop, Lightroom, or Aperture, or on a Mac or on a PC, the experience once you launch into the plugins is equally amazing.


I find the Nik Creative plugins to be some of the most powerful and creative editing tools on the market today. I teach photography and Aperture workshops online and in person, and I also work with schools around the globe helping them to integrate photography into their curriculum. I travel the world shooting portraits, travel, lifestyle, product, you name it. Hi, I'm Joseph Linaschke, photographic story teller and travel writer, educator, and the Aperture expert.
