The only thing I did here was to add vignette using the raw file in Photoshop
I decided to try out Silver Efex for this black& white photo. Normally I use Photoshop for my editing, but Jeff mentioned Silver Efex and then I suddenly remembered that I have a version installed. I’m not so familiar with the S.Efex software, so I can only do basic stuff, but it’s quite easy to maneuver and the GUI is user-friendly.
In my opinion both the results are pleasing and Silver Efex was easy to use (even for a Photoshopper like myself).
I chose a photo that I shot in the botanical garden here in Oslo. The color version has been edited in Photoshop and the only thing I did was to add some vignette using the raw file.
For the B/W version I changed the structure and contrast in Silver Efex Pro, then I Used Photoshop to add a brightness/contrast layer and a small touch of vignette with the Lens correction filter.
– Changed the structure and contrast in Silver Efex Pro. – Added brightness/contrast layer, plus a vignette with the Lens correction filter in Photoshop.
Now I’ll try to catch up on some commenting and blog reading 🙂
Cardinal Guzman 
The best thing about Silver Efex, the presets are so good I usually just click on the one that “works” and I’m done. High Structure is a personal favorite.
If you like Silver Efex Pro, you’ll LOVE Silver Efex Pro 2!
Reading a lot about efex – will have to download a trial to play with! Your photo reminds me of some of the effects we used to get in the darkroom…
Definitely do, you’ll be happy you did. I would appreciate it if you used this link, http://www.niksoftware.com/index/usa/entry.php?disc_id=JSINON when you do. And if you decide to make a purchase, use the code JSINON to save 15%. Assuming you’re in the U.S. that is.
Nope, not in the US…
Please Jeff: no advertising here.
I’m an ad-block guy – I have adblock installed on all the browsers that I normally use. This means that I never see any ads online on any of the sites I visit. I also want to keep my blog ad-free, but I’ll let this one pass (just because you have an awesome blog) 😀
Sorry and no problem, won’t happen again.
And thanks! I do don’t I 😛
Nice effect, and makes two good pictures from one. I like the ideas..;)
Two from one: very efficient & versatile photo.
Normally I favor B&W but there’s not much texture here. I like the color because of the low light–it creates a mood.
Yes the color version is best, but I felt like playing around with the software.
Wow, you really know how to “capture” the realness of nature.”
Thanks Jackie 🙂
I like what you’ve done with the B&W, but prefer the colour version for its warmth and balance – am I just being stupidly loyal to PS?
Photoshop is the gold and diamonds of image editing: nothing compares!
I forgot to say: Adobe Photoshop is the only reason why I don’t run Linux on my main stationary computer. That’s how good Photoshop is.
Nice, but I have to agree with Richard that I like the colo(u)r version better. I am currently using Photomatix for some HDR stuff and I really like their black and white settings as well.
I haven’t tried photomatix. I’ve tested the HDR features of Photoshop and Lightroom, but I don’t make HDR so often: it’s too time-consuming.
I putter around with HDR a bit, because I like the effect on certain images. I got photomatix because I got a student discount and because I don’t use Photoshop, just Aperture. Photomatix does have some fairly simple features though, so it is easy to just dabble.
I would have checked it out, but my hard-disk is quickly filling up! Perhaps if I’ll clean up the hard disk I’ll have enough space to check out other programs 🙂
I’ve experimented with some HDR in Photoshop, but I’m not very good at it and there’s just too many things to be done, so I guess I’ll have to quit my job to have enough time to do it all..
(and quitting my job is really not an option).
I get what you are saying. There is always more you could explore with photography, new gadgets, new software…but there is also other realities as well.
Glad to see you expanding your photo editing horizons! With more practice you will start to see potential shots that word better than a other for using Silver Efex.
Perhaps I will (but more likely I’ll stick to Photoshop).
cool textures 🙂
Dhanyavad Joshi-ji.
Great idea… still like the color version better though. 😉
Same here 🙂
So, I guess responding to posts on my iphone while in the car (not driving!) without my reading glasses leads to comments winding up under someone else’s reply… Your b/w photo reminds me very much of a childhood memory of picking up african violet leaves that had fallen of the plant – that sensation of crisp and fuzzy all at the same time…
I like the fact that people are responding to my posts and I also like it when people start their own debates under my posts. This last week I’ve been too busy to reply to anything, so it’s nice to see that the blog ‘lives it’s own life’ (even if it was by accident).
Seems to have been a horrific busy week for alot of us – so true that the blog is always “on” even if we aren’t!
Yes I also prefer the colour image. I’ve never heard of this software though, so always good to know about what’s out there.
It’s an easy program, but I’ll have to try it out on some more B&W work.
I, too, prefer the colored one. If anything, there’s not much of a difference from the feel of both images.
Lots of votes for the colored version. It’s more dynamic.
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B/W by a slim margin. If you boost the colour saturation and then brighten the colour version, I think it will top the B/W version.
Great idea. I might do that 🙂