Using Nik Collection--Before and After Experiment

First, no, I don't know how to use the Nik Collection, but since it is now free via Google, I decided to download it. When one of the prompts during the installation mentioned that it would work with LR5, I threw caution to the wind, and hit the "accept" button.

Then I was like, um, what is a "plugin?" So I tried to load it in as a plugin, but no luck. Finally, I thought, well maybe it's like the option to "edit in..."with LR5, and voila! Of course, I decided to backup before starting, but I followed the process, and I ended up in one of the collections (for this one, I'm guessing Silver Efex).

It was relatively simple to figure out--but I haven't really scratched the surface. I don't know how to "save" steps as I move around, so that's next time. One photo I played withlost everything because I clicked on something else and it somehow erased all the other stuff. That's what I get for failing to read or watch all the FREE stuff out there that helps me stop fiddling for so long.

So here is a before and after shot. The before probably had some editing done on it in LR5 (the photo was a RAW file, cloudy/rainy day), and the one of the right has minimal edits in Silver Efex after I sent it over. I like how the detail pulled right out so easily--sometimes I have to take so much time in LR that I get bored quickly. This was almost like hitting a single button. I guess that is the preset! Oh, and for those new to this too, once you finish and hit "save" in Nik, the photo automatically goes back to LR5 and saves it as a new file (nice because I would hate to lose my edits before I headed over to NikLand).

Ok, so I may do a few more before/afters to show others what a total beginner is doing. Why am I always a beginner again and again? :)

[judith deacon]

Amazing amount of detail in the after version, think I shall have to download and see what it's like.

[Tracy]

I got the collection in February (they refunded my $), and I love it. Try all of the different ones, they each have a purpose. :-)

[katy]

Fabulous work here. I am trying it too but on a much more basic level than you I feel.

[Daryl O'Hare]

@grammyn Well you don't get more basic than randomly hitting buttons!!!

[katy]

@darylo LOL I know but that whole LR thing is beyond me. i am working strictly in NIK

[Gillian]

oh heavens, i'm bookmarking this to read in the cold sober light of the morning! :)

[Maggiemae]

I've just downloaded NIK and am going to have a great afternoon! I like whats been done here!

[Daryl O'Hare]

@maggiemae Good luck! I take forever to learn my tricks, and then I forget them when I don't use them. :)

[Daryl O'Hare]

@kwiksilver Make sure you have a cuppa with it :) Caffeine--good.

[Daryl O'Hare]

@tracys Thanks! If only I had more time. I can see how this will be a helpful addition to my editing tool set!

[Jane Pittenger]

Well done

[Junko Y]

Thanks for being the versuchskaninchen! (German for lab rabbit = guinea pig) I like how your experiment shows how the shadowed details come up in the Silver Effects version (which I paid for years ago and love).

[Junko Y]

@taffy and @vankrey -- such memories these images bring back!

[Daryl O'Hare]

@jyokota and I will certainly reference @vankrey when I post my Iris garden photos! I almost missed seeing the entrance to it, but circled back to walk in it in the rain. :)

[Taffy]

Great illustration of how Silver Efex can be so helpful! And as @jyokota said, great memories...wouldn't it have been fun to have been there together?

[Junko Y]

@taffy @darylo -- you never know. Fares were $340 RT on United this spring, and @vankrey and daughter are going in the summer for $600 RT !!!!!

[Junko Y]

@vankrey -- see Daryl's note about the free Niksuites download!

[Danette Thompson]

Very nice. I always feel like a beginner, too.