Hey everyone. First off, if you’ve noticed me a bit absent lately, it’s because I’ve totally been taking it easy over the holiday. I finished my last Lightroom seminar on Dec. 13th, and really pulled back on as much as I could, so I could enjoy some holiday time with my kids to watch as many holiday movies as we could, and cram in as much xBox time as possible 😉 I’ll resume a more regular schedule in the beginning of January though.
Anyway, I recently downloaded Topaz Labs new Star Effects plug-in. As a landscape photographer, I love shooting in to the sun. I usually close my aperture to around f/16 and try to get that nice star effect of the sun just as it’s on the tip of hitting the horizon or some other element in the photo (and yes, my photos are still plenty sharp at f/16 for all of you lens geek/techies).
So I gave it a try on a photo I took at Clearwater beach, which is about 30 minutes from where I live. The sun had just went behind a cloud and I couldn’t get the sun-star I was looking for as it happened. But Star Effects definitely helped out.
Here’s the before/after photos. It’s pretty subtle but I like it. I don’t want the star to be overpowering, so I found using a light setting worked out really well.
(If you click to see them larger you can scroll from one photo to the next to get a better idea. )
Photo Details:
• Camera: Canon 5D Mark III
• Lens: Canon 16-35mm
• Post-processing: Lightroom 5 and onOne Perfect Effects with Star Effects
Looks like Topaz has a special until next week (12/31) where you can get it for about $15. Not to bad eh? Definitely worth a try.
Have a good one!
I love teaching and photography... In that order. I feel that enjoying photography, and photo editing can get WAY too complicated. So my personal mission (and favorite thing to do), is to create education that simplifies the process of taking great photos, and how to edit them to get the results you’ve always wanted.
Yeah, first Scott, now you too? When are you guys going to give the details of the switch to Canon?
Hey Van – Scott talked about how/why he switched on our talk show, The Grid, a few weeks back.
Can you tell or point me to which show, I can’t find it? Thanks
Hi Matt,
I thought you were a confirmed Nikon man ? Have you changed religion ! Ha ha. Anyway, thanks for all the tips and have a great Christmas.
Best wishes from rainy & cold UK.
Phil
lol! I’ve been using the 5d3 lately and diggin it 🙂
Stay warm!
Matt
Good for you to take some time off since you travel so much. I enjoy your comments on new things to try since I do more outside photos. Saw the Grid gift guide last night. Great ideas and funny. BTW great Christmas sweater. All the best for the holidays and new year.
Karen
Thanks Karen!!
Hey Matt,
Glad you’re still alive and well … I’ve missed you!! Wonderful that you took time off to be with family, which is more important! Regarding Topaz Star Effects. I’ve had it since it first came out and it has been fun to use. Like your photo, I’ve had shots that really could use the sun burst effect … and Star Effect has saved the day! Great little program and worth the $15.00!
Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year to you and your Family! Thanks for all your help and encouragement this year! Thanks to you, Scott, Pete, Corey, and RC my photography, LR and PS skills continue to improve!!
Dennis
Thanks so much Dennis!! Have a great holiday!