Silver Efex Pro 2

[e.gad]

My husband got me Silver Efex Pro 2 for Christmas (ok, so I not so subtlety told him that I wanted it!). For any one that uses this program, what is the easiest way to go about learning all about it? I am using PSE and have the plug-in all set up. I am just wondering if there are any recommended tutorials or references out there. Thanks!

[Aaron]

I don't have any recommended tutorials, but I do love the program. I've only used it a few times, and what I like most are the little control nodes you can add to change individual parts of your image. @jsorensenart may be a better one to ask. At any rate, congratulations; it's a very awesome tool!

[Cassandra Hoffmann]

I'm not sure either but I know that @northy uses it.

[Jenn]

@northy uses it all the time. I'd say google and read read read and probably a youtube vid or two
I had the free trial once, but forgot about it and it ran out! Bugger!

[e.gad]

@grizzlysghost I stumbled upon those, and I agree, that is a wonderful feature. Thanks.

[Paul Jones]

Nik have some great (free) webinars.
http://www.niksoftware.com/learnmore/usa/index.php

ALL my b&w stuff is done with Silver Efex.

[☠northy]

I started w the vid from their website... It's longish, but really helpful,.. I also downloaded the PDF guide and used that as a cheat sheet until I got the hang of it... Just got a book for Christmas on bw photography in the snapshots to great shots series that has info on nik and I'm learning more stuff from that... The software is awesome - you're gonna love it!!!!

[Peter de Graaff]

I use it as a plug in for Aperture, but same for lightroom or PS. There are web resources and how to videos that come with package if you purchase online. Alternatively try the Nik website.

[Amy Spada]

Have you tried going to the source?

Silver Efex Pro 2 - Product webinar
http://www.niksoftware.com/site/

[Amy Spada]

There are archived webinars here:
http://education.niksoftware.com/category/latest-archived-webinars/?u&utm_source=Education+Newsletter+december+2012&utm_medium=Latest+Archived+Webinars&utm_campaign=Education+Newsletter+december+2012

[e.gad]

@jonesp @aspada @peterdegraaff @northy awesome!! Thank you.

[Jake Sorensen]

This has probably already been answered but go to Nik Software website and under the learning tab there is some awesome video tutorials

[Paul Jones]

@aspada Great minds think alike eh Amy? :-)

[Amy Spada]

@jonesp You type faster though ;-)

[Amy Spada]

@jonesp Oh! And what are we doing up so damned late? Did you see what time it is? I'm signing out... good night!

[e.gad]

@jsorensenart thank you. I will check them out.

[Trina P Holub]

I thought that that was the name of some 35mm film. Doesn't it sound like one? :-)

[Caryn]

I love the WHOLE Nik suite. I picked up the book "Nik Software Captured" off Amazon a couple weeks ago. I haven't read it yet, but it does look like a good resource.

[☠northy]

@cmc1200 oooh! let me know what you think of that book once you get into it...

[Gark]

1+ on the Nik webinars and GREAT software!!!

[vorka]

Plus 2. Great software, I brought the whole kit, and love it. Brilliant software, great tutorials and great webinars.

[Cat Whiskers - Nan]

I use it all the time. I mostly pick one of the presets that most matches what I'm looking for and then go to the custom side and play around. Their website also has some good tutorials and they are free. Have fun and do a lot of experimenting too

[James Hislop]

nik software hdr efex pro is great too

[Gabriel Siqueira]

Color Efex Pro is awesome as well.
And Silver Efex is their most famous product.

You want an easy start? Pick a preset in the left and tweak contrast, details and lightness in the right. And see what you get.

[Wendy]

I have the full suite of Nik Software and love the Silver Efex! As said above, the Nik site offers great free online tutorials on their site that are very helpful! Have fun...it's a very powerful tool!