Pixiq

I went to bed late yesterday. Or I went to bed early this morning. Whichever way you take it, the reason is only one: Topaz Labs new plugin for Windows and Mac operating systems and programs like Photoshop CS3,CS5.5 or PSE6-PSE9, iPhoto, Aperture and Lightroom (LR users will need to update Fusion Express for use with Topaz B&W Effects).

Topaz B&W Effects is, as the name implies, a Black & White box of tricks, from the more conventional sepia or selenium to processes that go by the name of Camel Dynamic… Developed during the last couple of years, Topaz B&W Effects takes traditional black and white photography to the next level by giving you the tools to make detailed and stylized enhancements, as well as historically-accurate black and white looks.

What you get are more than 150 presets that can be applied to your image in just a click. These time-saving presets make your black and white conversion and enhancement process quick and easy. But it does not stop there: after applying a preset, you can tweak the adjustment settings to develop your own unique look and then save these new settings as your own preset. Now you understand why I went late/early to bed yesterday.

I’ve had this box of tricks in for some days to play with, and I surely did, but when yesterday Topaz Labs announced that the release date was just round the corner I decided to play a bit more. I had already used some of the effects into my work, but I wanted to explore a bit further. I can tell you, it’s a time consuming experience.

The presets included in Topaz B&W Effects are organized into 7 collections - each offering a different style of effects from traditional Silver Gelatin to stylized results. Unique to Topaz are the Van Dyke Brown Collection, Cyanotype Collection, Opalotype Collection and the Albumen Collection, which all simulate historical printing processes. This allows you to give your images an authentic look and feel. Or go beyond anything available and amaze others. And yourself.

Topaz B&W Effects features a variety of unique tools including:

Topaz Adjust's Adaptive Exposure integration - for dynamic exposure enhancement with ultimate depth, detail and HDR-like effects.

Simplified 1-click workflow with hundreds of presets simulating traditional Silver Gelatin and alternative B&W processes such as Cyanotype, Van Dyke Brown and Albumen.

Intuitive 5-in-1 selective brush used to dodge, burn, smooth, add color and enhance detail. Plus advanced edge-aware technology!

A real grain library developed from scanned film, and the ability to customize your own grain.

Quad toning ability for specialized color and tone techniques.

Creative Effects for creating painterly looks, posterization, diffusion and more.

Even if you just thought “I hate filters”, give this box of tricks a try and see what the new B&W Effects can do for you. You can download the trial and experiment for 30 days. But if you feel you’re hooked you can buy the B&W Effects for a special introductory price of $29.99 (regularly $59.99). Just enter coupon code: "bwandbeyond" when purchasing. Offer ends 09/18/11.

Ah, and if you feel exploring remember that you can apply the $30 discount towards the bundle or any bundle upgrade as well. Check Topaz Labs catalogue.