Creativity in Topaz [Ended]

[Eric Yang]

As a forum introductory contest, just answer this simple question:

What is the most creative way you use any Topaz software?

Your answer can be anything from a one-liner to a dissertation :haha:. Or... perhaps a photo?

The winner's entry will be selected based on creativity, and will receive their choice of Topaz products from this page (excluding the Bundle or Topaz Enhance) and be mentioned in the next Topaz Monthly. If you already have all our software, you receive a free credit for whatever software we release next.

This contest finishes 10/31/09.

[RobertMillerPhotography]

I think a picture is worth a thousand words. I intend to buy topaz, but will not be able to afford it til next month. I was a little disappointed my trial ended after two weeks and did not last the full month. But I am looking forward to getting this wonderful program.

[ileencuccaro]

:idea:I think all the topaz products add a dramatic wow factor. At this point almost all of the my photos have some kind of adjustment done with the plugins. I have attached my first attempt at the software when I first joined the user groups months ago. I was very proud of the job I did. Since them I have a ton that all have been optimized in some form. I figure my first started me on the road to Topaz addiction. My first sunset with Topaz I also loved..
I use them for Real Estate photos that I use for work as well

[wisabe]

I use Topaz adjust and simplify to get a little something extra in my photos. I often take high school senior photos and engagement or family photos and I love tweaking ever-so-slightly to make the photos stand out. I look forward to the time that I can add Denoise to my Topaz family...or enhance to make my wedding videos, er, enhanced!

Eau Claire, WI, USA

[basswork]

This might not win a prize for creativity, but after I run a filter, I copy the adjusted layer to clipboard, undue the edit, then paste it back into a separate layer. This allows me to mask in/out the parts I do/don't like, to adjust its opacity, etc. It's a flexible way to work.

[Bud Sypeck]

Some of the best plugins on the market !!!!! Hand painted in Photoshop and then topaz effect applied... Picture looks a bit blurry here i guess do to the resampling during upload but you can get the idea......More to come!

[habed]

I use it mostly in weddings photos. It ads a look that, when my customers look at, they are always blown away and think that it took me hours of post production. It's also great for landscapes. I had so many old photos from my trips and converting them to HDR has given them a great look giving them life, including boring photos!!

It's a great find!! I'm looking to buy more from Topaz

[mikeoliver]

I like using the Simplify tool to create wallpaper for my computer. My preference is buildings or locations. The one posted here is from Christmas in Williamsburg last year - it was very warm. A carriage went buy and I was just able to get the shot before the shadow overcame it. I used photoshop layers to rub out some pedestrians and a lady in the carriage, then I make a merge layer copy on top (in Mac I think that is CTRL-ALT-CMD-E). I apply Simplify to the merged top layer - it is a little tricky because I like some detail left. In this shot the leaves became too "painty" so I had to mess with the small details slider to bring back the detail. Also, I did not want the siding to lose texture . . . so I had to play with another slider. You have to experiment alot. I always then save the PSD w/maximize compatability and jump back to Lightroom to export for jpg (in my view LR export is much better than save for web in PS).

That same day I shot all of the wreaths. In Williamsburg at Christmas time each vendor makes a custom wreath for their door - they are amazing. Simplify can make them into nice paintings for computer wallpaper. In fact, I think Simplify is a great wallpaper maker.

best regards, mike

[JerryA]

Great products, I use Topaz Sharpen in Topaz Vivacity as part of my work flow to add a painterly effect to my bird photography, as well as Topaz Adjust 3 for exposure and effects, just bought Simplify not long ago + the Masking one, so guess ya can say I'm a Topaz Junky
Now if creative ability was as easy to get, I'd be all set :haha: Here's a sample I thought turned out well, the effect was lightly use, but made a wonderful difference.

Great posts folks, some people are so artistic!!

[wisabe]

Here is a sample of what Topaz has meant to me. Revitalizing nice but boring photos. Thanks for all the work you've put in to these plug ins...