Ring-necked Duck - Topaz PhotoFXLab

[Kerry Perkins]

Hi guys, I have been playing with the new Topaz PhotoFXLab and I have to say I love it! I was on the verge of posting a feature request on their forum asking for a central "control center" with access to all the plugins, when along came this gem. They had a few problems with the initial launch but worked out most of the bugs and it is now a wonderful tool. Not only can you access all of the plugins (that you already own or will purchase), but there are creative presets that often use more than one plugin as well as new tools like brushes and layers, layer masks, and much more. I highly recommend it for anyone who owns or plans to own Topaz filters.

I captured this duck in shadow and the interesting thing is that I did not alter the color other than a little boost in saturation. These colors exist in this bird but you typically don't see them because of light angles and intensity. I ended up applying some DeNoise and Detail as well as Simplify and boosting saturation and the blacks a bit.

Oh yeah, I am a sucker for preening poses!

[Dave Woeller]

Absolutely gorgeous. The bird is wonderful but the effect on the water is mezmerizing. I'll have to check out the nw offering from topaz. just as an alternative view and something to play with, I might like to see the original sharp eye masked back in.

[John Storjohann]

Very strong image...don't know that I'd change a thing. And you may have just talked me into spending some money...lol...not sure whether to thank you or let my wife have the keyboard for a crack at you!

[Cheryl Slechta]

Hi, Kerry, I love the treatment and the colors in the duck - it's really beautiful. I think I'd crop just a little from the bottom to eliminate the bottom white spot. (The eye reflection is neat)

[Maureen Allen]

Beautiful, Kerry.

[denise ippolito]

Kerry, I remember this one. Wonderful capture, I love the effect of the filter. Great suggestions above!

[Judy Howle]

I love the colors you captured in the duck and the water!

I have an issue with the trial of PhotoFXLab. Now one on my plugins won't work normally, Detail I think. Today when I opened CS6 the first time none of the Topaz plugins opened. I closed it and opened it again and they were there. I need to send a bug report. The Detail plugin will work if I open it from that interface though. I plan to buy it but it may still have bugs. Win 7 OS. I advise to try the demo before you buy, just in case...

[Kerry Perkins]

Judy, thanks for that report. I am a Mac guy so I didn't see that issue.

Denise, I just captured this image recently so it is new. Must look like something I did before! Good to be consistent I guess.