Example 1:
Simple Background Replacement

Let’s start with a straightforward example—a bird photo. The original background is dull and shot in low light, resulting in a noisy image. Here’s the step-by-step process to enhance and replace the background:

1. Noise Reduction and Sharpening: First, the photo includes a lot of noise and is a little out of focus. So, I used NoNoise AI and Tack Sharp AI to remove the noise and restore the details.

2. Brightness Adjustment: Next, I brightened the image using the “Tone and Color” adjustments, increasing the exposure by about a stop and adjusting the blacks to enhance contrast.

3. Adding a New Background: I selected a new background from the ON1 Extras, specifically a bokeh image, and used the “Transform” tool to fit it perfectly behind the bird.

4. Masking the Old Background: Using the Quick Mask AI tool, I clicked on the bird to keep it and removed the old background. The result was a clean separation, allowing the new background to shine.

5. Final Adjustments: Finally, I adjusted the background’s tone and color to complement the bird’s colors, creating a harmonious and vibrant image.

Example 2:
Intermediate Background Replacement with Blending

I worked with a studio shot against a neutral backdrop for a more complex scenario. 

Here’s the approach:

1. Initial Adjustments: I cropped out unwanted elements, like a soft box in the corner.

2. Layering a New Background: I added a new studio backdrop, flipped it to match the lighting, and scaled it to fit.

3. Blending Backgrounds: Using Quick Mask AI, I masked out the original background but retained the shadows and the floor’s shape by reducing the mask’s opacity. This blended the new backdrop seamlessly with the original, maintaining a realistic look.

4. Color Adjustments: I tinted the new background using a photo filter to match the subject’s shorts, ensuring a cohesive color scheme.

5. Edge Refinement: I used the Chisel tool and Refine brush to clean up any remaining halos or edges, particularly around hair, for a polished finish.

Example 3:
Advanced Background Replacement with Color Corrections

The third example involves a challenging shot with a bright blue background that reflects onto the subject’s metallic necklace and skin. 

Here’s how I tackled it:

1. Exposure Adjustment: I lowered the exposure to correct the image’s brightness.

2. New Background Addition: I selected a new background and used the Transform tool to scale and position it.

3. Masking and Cleaning Up: Quick Mask AI helped remove the old background. However, blue reflections remained on the subject, requiring further refinements.

4. Local Color Adjustments: I used local adjustments to desaturate the necklace’s blue reflections and repainted the skin edges with a flesh color using the paint with color option. This corrected the color cast without altering the luminosity.

5. Final Touches: The result was a natural-looking edge with the correct colors, eliminating unnatural blue hues.

Conclusion

These examples highlight the incredible versatility and power of the Quick Mask AI tool in ON1 Photo RAW 2024.5. Whether dealing with simple or complex scenarios, this tool makes background replacements and composites much easier.

About ON1 Photo RAW

Elevate your photo editing game with a 30-day free trial of ON1 Photo RAW—no credit card required. Perfect for photographers of all skill levels, ON1 Photo RAW offers an intuitive yet powerful platform that blends speed, versatility, and quality into one AI-powered application. It’s the ultimate AI photo editor and includes everything a photographer needs in one application. Try ON1 Photo RAW for free and experience why it’s the top Lightroom Alternative, giving you the ultimate control to bring your photographic visions to life.

The post Easily Replace Backgrounds in Photos with ON1 by Dan Harlacher appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

Insights and Expertise from Masters of ON1

During the ON1 Landscape Photography Conference you’ll have the opportunity to learn from a team of knowledgeable instructors. From planning your photographic experiences, to the fine points of shooting and composition, through all steps of post-processing, they’ll guide you through every step of the journey.

These experts are not only seasoned photographers but also masters of leveraging ON1’s cutting-edge tools and software to streamline and enhance the landscape editing process. Their insights will empower you to capture breathtaking images like never before, and transform your raw captures into stunning, gallery-worthy masterpieces.

Immersive Learning and More

Dive into the beauty of nature and learn how to conquer the complexities of landscape editing with the most robust software available. Visit the conference website to view the schedule for the conference sessions and bonus events. You can also join our Pre-Conference day on June 17th for an orientation and intro sessions, and get to know the other attendees before the conference starts. Discover ways to get the most out of the conference, network with other photographers, share your work, and make new friends.

Pricing and Special Bonus

Register now at the Early Bird price of $149 and save $150. Plus, as a special bonus All Early Bird* registrants will receive a complimentary copy of ON1 Effects 2024.5, valued at $69.99! Don’t miss this chance to not only save big but also enhance your editing toolkit with this powerful software. Learn more about ON1 Effects 2024.5.

*EARLYBIRD PRICE EXPIRES JUNE 18, 2024, 11:00 AM EDT

The post Presenting the ON1 Landscape Photography Conference June 18-19 appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

I want to introduce myself. I’m Dan Harlacher, the VP of Products at ON1. You may recognize me from some ON1 announcement videos if you have been with us for a few years. My role at ON1 is guiding the design and development of ON1 Photo RAW and the rest of the photo editing software product line. I’ve been with ON1 since the beginning, eighteen years now. Only a few people in technology get to work most of their careers for the same company these days. For me, ON1 is more than my employer or company; it’s my team and family. Many of the original team members are still with us, and we have grown up and raised our kids together. It’s a fantastic place to work because of our passion for photography.  

I started photography in middle school, shooting film on a Canon FTb. I was the photo editor for my high school newspaper and yearbook. I went to college, quickly changed my major to photography, and started assisting a well-known commercial photographer to build my skills. In college, I was an early adopter of digital photography and was the first student to use ink prints for assignments. Remember, this was in 1996. After college, I started my portrait and wedding studio with a friend. However, the call for digital photography pulled me to the big city, where I integrated systems and trained professional photographers transitioning from film to digital in the early 2000s. Then, on a chance meeting on an airline flight, I made the move into software product management, and well, here I am. 

When it comes to photography, I have shot just about everything: Portraits, weddings, boudoir, pets, babies, special events, racing, airshows, sports, commercials, and even a live nuclear reactor core while standing on top of it. However, when it comes to what I love, it has always been landscapes and fine art. Photography is a great excuse for a hike, and I will take it whenever possible. 

What I love the most about my job is that I can combine my love and deep knowledge of all things photography with my problem-solving skills. I know first-hand where photographers struggle in post-processing. I know and use every tool out there, and it’s part of my job to understand the competition. Even though I have access to every app under the sun, I use Photo RAW daily for my photography. That’s as it should be; I designed it for photographers like me, so I know it can do everything I need well. If you have ever heard the old expression “eat your own dog food,” I firmly believe in using what you make. Sure, it isn’t perfect; no app is, but there are dedicated people like me listening to users like you to make it faster and better all the time. 

If you haven’t heard of ON1 or Photo RAW 2024, please give it a try. You can use it for a full 30 days without limitation, and it won’t watermark your photos in trial mode. We have made it a ton faster, and I know even more dramatic improvements are coming soon. The new user interface is much cleaner and easier to use. The new Brilliance AI is my new starting point whenever I open a photo to edit it. It gets me 90% done just by turning it on. I spend that last 10% using Super Select AI to fine-tune and mask the subject matter and apply the new on-trend presets with today’s styles.  

As the guy who designs it, we have some fantastic stuff up our sleeves that we are already working on. We will continue on our usability, performance, and stability mission and bring you new and improved features in the coming months and years. I hope to see you in the ON1 community soon! We have a ton of free training on using our apps, just like our friends here at KelbyOne. We appreciate your support and trust. 

The post Meet Dan Harlacher: VP of Products at ON1 & Passionate Photographer | Discover ON1 Photo RAW 2024 appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

Organizing Your Photos

Organization is critical to a smooth and efficient photo editing workflow. With ON1 Photo RAW 2024, it’s incredibly easy to browse folders, use the filmstrip view, and even leverage star ratings to keep your photo library organized—no more hunting for that perfect shot. The new and powerful search capability will also quickly get you to the photos you need.

Editing Basics

The true power of Photo RAW lies in its editing capabilities. In the video, I guide you through the fundamental tabs in the Edit module, starting with Develop and moving on to Local Adjustments, Effects, Sky, and Portrait. You will get a great idea of what the app can do as I cover the basics first and then dive into advanced techniques to take your editing skills to the next level.

Advanced Editing Techniques

Some of the more advanced editing techniques are also included in Photo RAW. I suggest looking at the magic of the all-new Brilliance AI for automatic adjustments. From cropping to healing brush usage and targeted adjustments with Super Select AI, you’ll see how Photo RAW makes it ultra simple to enhance specific elements in your photos like never before.

Presets and Filters

Photo RAW 2024 comes packed with presets and filters to add that extra flair to your images so you can style them to your specific tastes. You can quickly apply presets, create your own, and use filters to achieve stunning effects. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, these tools will become your creative sidekicks.

Portrait Retouching

I also demonstrate how Photo RAW makes portrait retouching a breeze with AI-powered features, from smoothing skin to enhancing facial features and even replacing backgrounds. It’s one of the easiest tools for all your retouching needs.

Advanced Features: Layers and Resize AI

ON1 Photo RAW also has a layered workflow. Think of it as having Lightroom and Photoshop combined but for photographers. This empowers you to tackle tasks typically associated with advanced editing software like Photoshop. Plus, we’ll explore the Resize AI module, ensuring your photos maintain top-notch quality even when upscaled.

The Complete Ecosystem

But wait, there’s more! Photo RAW isn’t just a desktop application – it’s part of a complete ecosystem. The mobile app for iOS and Android and our cloud syncing service allow you to seamlessly work across all your devices and access your edited photos.

Learning Resources and Support

ON1 Photo RAW 2024 comes with a healthy amount of resources so you get the most out of your purchase. There is a detailed user guide, free video tutorials, or our exclusive education community–ON1 Plus, and you’ll find everything you need to master Photo RAW.

Conclusion

As you embark on your photography adventures, I am grateful for you considering ON1. I can’t wait to see the incredible creations you’ll achieve with this powerful photo editing tool. Whether a hobbyist or a pro, ON1 Photo RAW has the tools and support to take your photography to new heights. Let’s capture those moments and create something extraordinary together!

Get your free 30-day trial of ON1 Photo RAW 2024!

The post Discover ON1 Photo RAW 2024–Amazing Photo Editing Software appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

In the age of digital photography, editing your photos is an integral part of the creative process. However, it’s important to exercise caution and avoid common mistakes that can detract from the natural beauty of your photos. In this blog post, we explore eight prevalent photo editing mistakes and offer some practical tips on how to avoid them. In the following video we use ON1 Photo RAW, powerful photo editing software that’s like having Lightroom and Photoshop in one application.

Overdoing Filters and Effects

Using filters and effects can be tempting, but exercise moderation. Instead of muddying up your photo, opt for a balanced approach. Consider using milder filters or adjusting the opacity slider. To maintain the photo’s integrity, selectively apply the entire Effects tab rather than just one filter.

Ignoring White Balance – Too Cool or Too Warm

White balance significantly impacts the overall look and feel of your photos. Avoid the mistake of leaving your images too cool or too warm. Correct white balance using tools like the white balance dropper or temperature slider. Experiment by pushing the slider to the extreme and then easing it back into a natural temperature.

Oversaturating Colors and Vibrance

Vibrant colors can be visually appealing, but it’s important to maintain a natural and clean look. Avoid the common mistake of oversaturating colors, as it can lead to distracting and unrealistic results. Desaturate the image completely and gradually reintroduce color. Using a reference image and matching color saturation can also help achieve realistic colors.

Excessive Detail and Sharpening

Excessive detail and sharpening can give your photo a “crunched” or overprocessed appearance. Understand the best practices for adding detail and texture to your photos. Remember that the structure slider modifies the entire photo when applying adjustments globally. Consider using selective techniques like masks or local adjustments to maintain a natural appearance.

Disregarding Noise – Use NoNoise AI

Noise can diminish the quality of your images and remove essential details. Address noise-related issues using tools like NoNoise AI, which effectively reduces noise while preserving image details. By eliminating noise, you can create visually appealing and professional-looking photographs.

Bad Exposure Adjustments

Overdoing exposure adjustments during editing can negatively impact your photos. Use clipping warnings to ensure you retain details in the highlights and shadows. Utilize local adjustments to selectively apply exposure changes where needed. Techniques like dodging and burning in Local Adjustments can help you control exposure more precisely without making global adjustments.

Not Cropping and Leveling

Cropping your photos can eliminate distractions and create a stronger composition. Ensure your images appear natural by leveling them to straighten the horizon. Use overlays and the level tool to align the grid with the horizon effectively. Mastering the art of cropping and leveling can enhance the overall impact of your images.

Not Feathering Masks

Feathering is essential for blending adjustments and filters naturally into your images. Avoid leaving harsh edges in your masks, as they can make your edits look unnatural. Adjust the brush’s softness or feather your luminosity or color range masks to create a smooth transition between masked and unmasked areas. Remember to feather masks appropriately and decide when a hard edge is necessary.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common photo editing mistakes, you will quickly see the quality and impact it will have on your images. Remember to exercise moderation with filters and effects, correct white balance, maintain natural colors, apply detail and sharpening judiciously, address noise, adjust exposure carefully, crop and level strategically, and feather masks for seamless blending. With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to creating stunning and visually pleasing photographs. Happy editing!

The post Discover Common Photo Editing Mistakes and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

ON1 has introduced an exciting new AI photo organizer, ON1 Photo Keyword AI 2023. This application harnesses the power of machine learning to make your photos easily discoverable and organized. As a leading provider of innovative photo editing software apps, ON1 focuses on photographers, and they understand the challenges we all face when organizing our extensive photo collections. With ON1 Photo Keyword AI, it’s a highly simple-to-use solution that leverages AI technology to streamline these time-consuming tasks, like searching and tagging photos, allowing photographers to focus on their favorite images.

Key Features in Photo Keyword AI

• Automatic Keyword Generation and AI-Powered Organization
• Lightning-Fast Browser and Comprehensive Metadata Support
• Versatile File Format Support and Advanced Search Functionality
• Effortless Duplicate Detection and Batch Processing
• Unique Features and Other Integrations

Automatic Keyword Generation and AI-Powered Organization

The key feature of ON1 Photo Keyword AI is its automatic keyword generation capability, eliminating the need for manually tagging photos. This app employs advanced machine learning algorithms to achieve results. The application scans each image and will recognize over 800 objects and photo elements. It will also add related keywords automatically, ensuring accurate search results. Most importantly, ON1 Photo Keyword AI works locally on your computer, so security and privacy are not of concern since none of your photos need to go up to the cloud.

Beyond tagging photos with keywords, ON1 Photo Keyword AI offers a range of additional features. It can detect faces, estimate age and gender, determine location using GPS metadata, and classify photos based on various photographic traits such as key, contrast, vividness, focal length, and predominant color. This will enable anyone to quickly locate specific images within their extensive collections, saving them valuable time and effort.

Lightning-Fast Browser and Comprehensive Metadata Support

ON1 Photo Keyword AI is built around a lightning-fast photo browser that allows users to view, organize, and cull their photos quickly. The software provides complete metadata support, including nested keywords, descriptions, EXIF, IPTC, and XMP, which ensures all relevant information is captured and easily accessible within the application. Importing photos from memory cards, cameras, or phones is a breeze with the built-in import dialog, which allows users to select images, specify destinations, rename files, and add metadata simultaneously. 

Versatile File Format Support and Advanced Search Functionality

ON1 Photo Keyword AI supports many file formats, including support for raw photos from over 800 cameras and PSD, TIF, JPG, PNG, HEVC, and most video files. Its versatile search functionality allows users to search any metadata field by typing a word or phrase. Additionally, users can search by star and color ratings, number of faces, age and gender, file type, camera settings, size, and more. These advanced search capabilities enable simultaneous searches across multiple fields, with the ability to save searches for future use as well.

Effortless Duplicate Detection and Batch Processing

Finding duplicates and similar photos is also simple to do with ON1 Photo Keyword AI. The software’s batch-processing feature allows users to export copies of their photos in different formats, customize file naming, control metadata, and even add watermarks. For photographers looking to showcase their best work, ON1 Photo Keyword AI includes a fully color-managed workflow for printing photos, with soft proofing previews, print packages, and contact sheets.

Unique Features and Integration

ON1 Photo Keyword AI sets itself apart from the competition using a browse-first approach that allows photographers to organize their photos according to their preferences without extensive cataloging or cloud uploading. The built-in import dialog simplifies downloading photos from various devices, while the automatic XMP embedding ensures that all automatic keywords and metadata remain viewable and searchable in other applications like Adobe Lightroom Classic or Capture One.

Start Editing Like a Pro with ON1

ON1 strives to provide holistic solutions to photo editing. ON1 photo editing software apps for helping both professionals and beginner photographers achieve the best-finished images. This software offers photographers a simple approach to editing photos and saves time to get you back in the field, behind your camera. Start editing your photos like a professional with ON1 today!

Learn More About ON1 Photo Editing Software

The post Effortlessly Discover All Your Photos with ON1 Photo Keyword AI appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

Whether you’re a beginner, have never heard of ON1 Photo RAW, or want to enhance your editing skills, this ultimate guide is perfect for you. Learn how to navigate and utilize the powerful features of ON1 Photo RAW 2023, the leading raw photo editor, to create stunning images.

Introduction

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your photos using ON1 Photo RAW 2023? Check out this video from the ON1 VP of Product, Dan Harlacher. Whether you’re a beginner in photo editing or an experienced photographer seeking to elevate your photo editing software skills, this video guide will meet your needs. This video will give you an excellent resource to explore the features and editing techniques in ON1 Photo RAW 2023, a powerful raw photo editor that can transform your images. 

Getting Started with ON1 Photo RAW 2023

For anyone new to ON1 Photo RAW or unfamiliar with raw photo editing, fear not. We’ll begin by introducing the basics, guiding you through the process of importing and organizing your photos within the software. You’ll quickly learn how to efficiently manage your image library and easily locate your files for editing. ON1 Photo RAW uses a browser-based approach making it super simple to get up and running quickly.

Exploring Editing and Retouching Techniques

Once your photos are organized, it’s time to dive into the editing world. You’ll discover the tools and adjustment options available in ON1 Photo RAW 2023. From basic adjustments like exposure and color correction to more advanced techniques such as selective editing and retouching, this guide equips you with the knowledge to enhance your images with precision and creativity.

Unleashing the Power of ON1 Photo RAW 2023

For those looking to take their photo editing skills to the next level, Dan explores some of the more advanced features of ON1 Photo RAW 2023, such as layer-based editing, creating complex composites, and quickly adding stunning effects. You will get an excellent review of the versatile masking tools that allow you to apply adjustments and seamlessly blend multiple photos selectively.

Exporting Your Final Masterpieces

Once you’ve perfected your edits, it’s time to share your work with the world. Discover the various export options within ON1 Photo RAW 2023, including formats, sizes, and metadata settings. Learn how to showcase your images in the best possible way, whether it’s for web sharing, printing, or professional use.

Conclusion

ON1 Photo RAW 2023 is an incredible raw photo editor that can transform your photography. Whether you’re just starting, have never heard of ON1 Photo RAW, or are an experienced photographer seeking to enhance your skills, this comprehensive guide has something for everyone. We hope you take advantage of the software’s powerful features and learn editing techniques that will elevate your images to new heights. Unlock your creativity and master the art of raw photo editing with ON1 Photo RAW 2023.

The post Mastering ON1 Photo RAW 2023: A Comprehensive Guide for All Skill Levels appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

If you’ve browsed the internet lately, you’ve probably seen various Photoshop plugins meant to be launched directly from Photoshop to achieve specific effects on your images. Different plugins exist for different things, from editing your portraits, fixing noise, or even using AI technology to replace your skies. Knowing which Photoshop plugins will offer you the best value to improve your photo editing workflow is hard. 

One of the best photo effects plugins for Photoshop on the market today is ON1 Effects. This photo effects software is simply the best when it comes to ease of use, and ON1 Effects combines a simple yet effective interface with powerful effects to help shape your photo edit and make every shot portfolio worthy. Here are some of the best features of ON1 Effects:

Before and after using ON1 Effects to enhance this photo.

31+ Photo Effects

ON1 Effects is loaded with photo effects of all kinds. Whether you want to add a vintage film look to your photos or make a simple color adjustment, ON1 has an effect for that. Even for new users, finding the effect you are looking for with the search bar is very easy. Best of all (for new users), hovering over the effect with your mouse will give you a short paragraph telling you what the effect does, as well as an example image showing you what you can do with the effect.

More than 30 photo effects are included. The search bar makes it easy to find the effect you are looking for.

Achieve Photo Effects That Aren’t Available in Photoshop

Photoshop is certainly lacking in photo editing effects, especially ones that are easy to apply. Applying a simple glow to your photos takes numerous layers and a knowledge of blend modes. In ON1 Effects, you have many options to apply different effects with one simple click. Once the photo effect is applied, you can easily adjust the sliders to fine-tune the results to your image. 

Best of all, ON1 Effects is far easier to use than Photoshop. Even if you can create a unique effect in Photoshop, it is usually far easier to apply in ON1 Effects. Since each effect is named in a way that makes sense, you don’t have to spend your time on YouTube trying to figure out how to make a special filter to create your desired effect in Photoshop.

Mask Your Photo Effect

Once you’ve selected and applied a photo effect, it can be easily masked in ON1 Effects. While Photoshop offers tools for masking, they aren’t easy to use or understand without advanced knowledge. In ON1, it is as simple as clicking the mask button and then selecting a brush to paint on the mask with or using “Lumen” to make luminosity masks. Using luminosity masks has never been easier, and they’ll allow you the most precise mask on your photo based on the lightness values of each part of the image.

Before and after using ON1 Effects. Just 6 total effects were used to make this image.

Complete Built-In Library of Effects, Presets, and Instant Previews

If you want a quick and easy edit, ON1 Effects has tons of preset effects you can choose from for nearly any kind of photography. Some of the presets are even AI-based, where the software will automatically apply effects and use masking to make your photo look amazing — in just one click.

If you’re batch editing multiple photos and want to apply the same effects repeatedly, creating a preset to reuse numerous times is easy. Lastly, you can favorite specific presets to find them easier each time you launch the program.

Advanced Features

ON1 Effects isn’t just for the amateur photographer. This photo effects software contains many advanced features that pros and amateurs alike will love to use. In addition to the easy luminosity masking mentioned above, ON1 Effects includes blend modes, color range masking, and various selection tools to ensure that the desired effect is only applied where you want it. While these advanced features are all offered in Photoshop, using them in ON1 Effects is far easier and faster.

Use with Photoshop Smart Objects for Non-Destructive Edits

If you make your photo layer a smart object in Photoshop, you can launch ON1 Effects as a smart filter. Essentially, this means that you can make non-destructive edits to your photos. At any point in time during your edit, click on the smart filter to re-launch ON1 Effects to make adjustments to your photo effects.

Using the “Desert Glow” Preset to enhance this photo in just a few clicks.

Regardless of your skill level or experience in photo retouching software, ON1 Effects is a photo effects plugin you absolutely must add to your digital workspace. If you’re a novice or intermediate photo editor, you’ll love having ON1 Effects to apply beautiful filters to your photo and then continue editing in Photoshop. Since the plugin is so easy to use, it takes little to no time to learn how to apply some of the many great effects to your photos. For professional photographers, this is just one more tool to add to your kit that can easily be launched anytime during your edit. ON1 Effects is just one more thing you can add to your workflow, and best of all, you can use it to apply non-destructive effects to your photos. No matter your skill level, ON1 Effects truly is a photo effects software that every Photoshop user should own.

The post The Best Photo Effects Software Plugin for Photoshop appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.

You can do a lot in Photoshop. It’s no secret that Photoshop is one of, if not the most powerful photo editing programs in the world. For years, Adobe’s pinnacle program has been the gold standard in photo editing. In the last few years, Photoshop plugins have been on the rise, and there are now thousands of different plugins available for Photoshop.

These plugins can do a variety of things, from adding special effects, to removing noise, or even resizing your photo or using AI technology to remove stray hairs from your model. Many plugins allow you to do things to your image that you otherwise can’t do in Photoshop, while others just have an easier, or more effective way to do things that are already possible to do in Photoshop. 

If you’re a Photoshop user and you do not yet have any plugins, you’re missing out. Having powerful Photoshop plugins can expand the power and capabilities of Photoshop by using other software that integrates very well with Photoshop and its non-destructive layer editing system. 

Take ON1 for example. For the last 17+ years they’ve been developing Photoshop plugins to create a faster and easier workflow for photographers.

In this post, we’ll look at 5 things that you should know about using plugins in Photoshop.

#1 Plugins Can Give You “Finishing Move” Effects and Filters

Many plugins, especially ON1 Effects, offer many effects that work great to give your photos a finished look. Consider these effects to be like a photo filter that you’d apply at the end of your edit, but they are highly customizable and look much better than your average Instagram photo filter. Some of the best effects for finishing off a photo include Vignette, Dynamic Contrast, and Sharpening. These all work with the single click of a button, and then you have sliders to fine-tune each effect. You can reproduce a lot of these effects and styles in Photoshop alone, but it is really time consuming and difficult to remember all of the steps. Having these styles built right into the plugin saves a ton of time.

#2 Plugins Allow You to Do Things that You Don’t Know How to Do in Photoshop in an Easier Way

Plugins allow you to do things that you otherwise would not know how to do. Photoshop is an advanced program with tons of tools and techniques, but oftentimes these tools are overly complex. Usually, plugins have a very simple and highly effective way to create your desired outcome. Take masking as an example. It can still take a bit of practice to get good masks in Photoshop. A lot of plugins have easier to use masking tools to let you take total control of how your image ends up looking.

#3 Using Plugins with Smart Objects Provides a Completely Non-Destructive Workflow

One of the benefits of using Photoshop is using a non-destructive workflow, and plugins are compatible with this non-destructive workflow. When you’re editing your photo as a smart object, you can launch the plugin from Photoshop with the smart object selected. Then, after you make adjustments, the plugin will appear under the smart object. If you wish to make adjustments to the plugin later, simply double click on the plugin and it will reopen that particular plugin for re-adjustment.

#4 Plugins like ON1 NoNoise AI Provide Much Higher-Quality Noise Reduction than Photoshop

For photo editing, Photoshop is truly the jack of all trades. Because Photoshop is such a large program, many things that you might be able to do, you can do better in a plugin that is dedicated to doing just one single thing. One great example is noise reduction. The options for reducing noise in Photoshop are pretty minimal, and the available options don’t work as well as a plugin. ON1 NoNoise AI uses AI technology to reduce noise, and therefore provide a much higher quality result than Photoshop. See the examples below for a comparison. 

#5 Plugins Can Be Used at Any Time While Editing

Most Photoshop plugins can be used at any time during the photo editing process. While some effects created by plugins may work better at the beginning of your edit, other effects might seem more logical to apply at the end. Any of the ON1 Plugins can be used at any time during the editing process during Photoshop, so you don’t need to drastically change your current workflow to incorporate plugins.

The post 5 Things to Know About Using Plugins in Photoshop appeared first on Lightroom Killer Tips.