Topaz B&W Effects On Sale

Today’s post of Black and White images from the Ohio River Bridges Project were all processed using Topaz B&W Effects. I have tried several other B&W conversion apps and I really like Topaz B&W Effects better than any of the others. Topaz B&W Effects is a software plug-in that helps you convert color photos into beautiful monochrome images. It uses a unique B&W conversion engine that emphasizes tone and texture in order to help you get B&W images that pop.

Topaz B&W Effects is on sale for $39.99 with the code marbw until March 31, 2015.

I first processed all of these images in Adobe Camera Raw and Photoshop CS5 as color photos before adding another layer with Topaz B&W Effects. In each case I applied the various color filters to see which one gave me the results I liked. I was surprised by how responsive the filters were and how easy it was to increase or decrease the amount and see in real time what worked. I then adjusted the silver and paper tones and added some different borders all while in the Topaz B&W Effects plug-in.

Carpenters placing a support beam for the "dance floor" which will support the concrete forms for another bridge support beam.#3 - Topaz B&W Version
Carpenters placing a support beam for the “dance floor” which will support the concrete forms for another bridge support beam.#3 – Topaz B&W Version

 Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.

The next three images in this post show how I was able to affect the toning of the silver and paper to give them a warmer feeling. I really like this feature as a way to subtly change the paper and silver colors to give each image a more personal feel.

Carpenters placing a support beam for the "dance floor" which will support the concrete forms for another bridge support beam.#2 - Topaz B&W Version
Carpenters placing a support beam for the “dance floor” which will support the concrete forms for another bridge support beam.#2 – Topaz B&W Version

 Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.

Another nice feature of Topaz B&W Effects is that it remembers the last settings you used when you reopen it with another image. For these three images all I had to do was open them and apply the “Last Settings Used” option. Topaz B&W Effects makes it easy to maintain continuity between images when you are editing several photos from the same shoot.

William Moylan at work surveying the towers for the Downtown Span- Topaz B&W Version
William Moylan at work surveying the towers for the Downtown Span- Topaz B&W Version

  Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.

A recurring theme in Topaz B&W Effects is that it helps you replicate traditional workflows with a modern twist. For example, traditionally you control tone with color filters, but in B&W Effects you can tweak the specific color and intensity of that filter.

 

Carpenters placing a support beam for the "dance floor" which will support the concrete forms for another bridge support beam. - Topaz B&W Version
Carpenters placing a support beam for the “dance floor” which will support the concrete forms for another bridge support beam. – Topaz B&W Version

  Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.

The final image here is cooler toned and incorporates a thin border that is part of the finishing tab of adjustments. All I had to do was hit the reset button in the Topaz B&W menu and then start over adjusting paper and silver tone. There are 15 border styles to use from soft or sharp to black or white borders.

Crane on barge - Topaz B&W Version
Crane on barge – Topaz B&W Version

 Click on any image to open a light box and slide show.

Have you ever converted a B&W image and been surprised at how flat it looks? You’ll never have that problem again. Topaz B&W Effects is an end-to-end workflow for B&W photography that will help you consistently create stunning images.

Another example: traditionally you’d have to manually dodge and burn your photos for good contrast. While Topaz B&W Effects still lets you to do this, it also offers a faster way: the Adaptive Exposure feature takes inspiration from modern HDR processing techniques to quickly create incredible tonal contrast and texture detail.

Disclaimer: I include links to the products I use when writing about them. These links allow me to earn a small commission on any purchases made through them. It is a small part of how I earn money from my photography.

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