al range, and relative color sensativity, when selecting a pre-set button. Contrast control filter effects can be applied to the entire image or selected areas using Nik’s U Point technology. Nik stressed ease of use for both experienced Photoshop users and film traditionalists who are not comfortable with Photoshop’s complexity. Additional tools include vignetting, toning controls that emulate the effect of different toners and alternative processes, and a “structure” tool that helps more clearly define details in an image and can be used to further refine the grain structure of your favorite film.
\n
\nFilm emulsion characteristics were determined by Nik by having film processed. “One photographer gave us his entire freezer full of Panatomic-X so we could get that look,” noted Tony Corbell of Nik. The film was processed by a lab using its default developer–HC110, Xtol, or D-76 depending on the film. Is it possible, we wondered, if users could refine the grain structure further to reflect the effect of their preferred off-the-beaten-path developer, the look of condenser or diffusor enlarger heads, and push- and pull-processing? According to Josh Haftel, Nik Product Manager, users can use the Structure tool to emulate the film\/developer\/enlarger head look of choice.
\n
\nA zone system selector tool highlights specific zone areas of the photo. Click on “Zone 3” for example, and all of the areas that fall in zone 3 are highlighted. We think Ansel would have liked this. Nik Silver Efex Pro will list for $199, and will be available in August through retailers.
\n
\nFor details, read the Nik press release:<\/p>\n
\nNik Software Announces Silver Efex ProTM
\n for Creating Powerful Black and White Images <\/b>
\n
\nNew plug-in for Photoshop\u00ae and ApertureTM incorporates proprietary
\nU Point\u00ae Technology for precise selective tonal and contrast control <\/i>
\n
\nSan Diego, CA \u2013 July 10th, 2008 \u2013 Nik Software today announced the new Silver Efex Pro
\nphotographic plug-in for use with Adobe\u00ae Photoshop\u00ae and Apple\u00ae ApertureTM, the most
\nadvanced, complete, and straightforward black and white solution. Silver Efex Pro uses a range
\nof advanced imaging algorithms that protect against unwanted artifacts, a comprehensive
\ncollection of 18 emulated black and white film types, and a state-of-the-art grain engine that
\ntruly mimics the silver halide process and creates the highest quality black and white images
\npossible from scanned or digital color photographs.
\n
\nWith Nik Software’s patented U Point technology, Silver Efex Pro provides easy-to-use tools for
\ndirect on-image control of tonality, contrast, and structure. Precisely controlling specific areas
\nof a photo can be achieved easily using just a few mouse clicks without the need to create
\ncomplicated selections and layer masks. Silver Efex Pro combined with U Point technology offers
\nusers unprecedented control over selective tonal and contrast adjustment in black and white
\nimages.
\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many photographers, black and white is their preferred outlet for creative expression.
\nPreviously available tools often required acceptance of a one-size-fits-all solution or complex
\nconversion techniques and endless fine tuning,\u201d said Michael J. Slater president and CEO of Nik
\nSoftware. \u201cSilver Efex Pro is truly a comprehensive and easy to use software product that is
\nspecifically designed to address the challenges that photographers face when converting images
\nto black and white.\u201d
\n
\nWorking seamlessly within Photoshop and Aperture, Silver Efex Pro begins by presenting
\nphotographers with a basic \u201cneutral\u201d conversion of their color image to black and white. One-
\nclick adjustments can be made from a choice of over 20 preset styles from nostalgic processes
\nlike the ambrotype and tin type to classic artistic renderings, trendy high contrast, soft focus or
\ngrainy images that emulate the most popular film types and shooting styles.
\n
\nThis initial set of creative options can be used as is or as a starting point for photographers who
\nwish to create and even share their own customized black and white styles. In addition, color
\nfilters, variable toning controls (includes sepia, selenium, split-toning and user-defined colors for
\nmaximum flexibility), vignettes, and more only add to the number of advanced stylistic effects
\nphotographers will enjoy with Silver Efex Pro.
\nAdditional sliders for global brightness, contrast, and structure, as well as Smart Filter
\ncompatibility within Photoshop and multi-image support in Aperture provide the ultimate level of control. With U Point powered Control Points photographers have the flexibility to specifically
\nfine tune tonality, contrast, and structure and create stunning black and white images.
\n
\nPricing, Availability, & Promotion with Gekko-brand Fine Art Papers
\n
\nSilver Efex Pro is available now for electronic delivery directly from Nik Software
\n(www.niksoftware.com). Boxed versions will be available from Nik Software and through
\nspecialty camera retailers in August 2008. A complete list of resellers may be found at
\nwww.niksoftware.com\/resellers.
\n
\nThrough September 15th, 2008, every copy of Silver Efex Pro sold in North America will include a
\nfree sample pack of the Gekko Fine Art Collection of papers from Pictorico. Designed especially
\nfor black and white prints and for use with inkjet printers, the sample pack has a retail value of
\n$15.99 and includes two sheets each of 4 paper types: Gekko Green (Glossy) winner of the 2008
\nDIMA Award for best black and white print from a color inkjet printer%3B Gekko Blue (Luster)%3B
\nGekko Red (Cotton)%3B and Gekko Black (Matte).
\n
\nThe suggested retail price of Silver Efex Pro is $199.95. Silver Efex Pro installs as a plug-in for
\neither Adobe Photoshop or Apple Aperture 2.1 and is available for Windows and Macintosh
\noperating systems, including Vista and Leopard. For more information about Silver Efex Pro,
\nincluding video tutorials showing the software running within Photoshop and Aperture and a free
\n15-day fully functional trial version, please visit www.niksoftware.com\/silverefexpro.
\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
al range, and relative color sensativity, when selecting a pre-set button. Contrast control filter effects can be applied to the entire image or selected areas using Nik’s U Point technology. Nik stressed ease of use for both experienced Photoshop users and film traditionalists who are not comfortable with Photoshop’s complexity. Additional tools include vignetting, toning […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4948","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-trending"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n