In this eBook about Dynamic Range, I talk about HDR Efex Pro and I also explain a cool technique on how to use a Black & White plug-in like Silver Efex Pro 2 to enhance the dynamic range of my colour images.
If you've followed me online or read some of my eBooks, like Pushing Light, it probably does not come as a surprise that I'm a big fan of the Nik plug-ins. Years ago, you had to pony up some $500 to get the entire suite but after Google purchased Nik about four years ago, they slashed the price down to $149. An absolute bargain. True, apart from Analog Efex Pro, an interesting plug-in that lets you simulate old-school film processes, Google did not really update any of the other plug-ins. There were only compatibility fixes when new OS updates came out. It seemed that Google had mainly purchased Nik for Snapseed, which is a great (and free) iOS and Android mobile editing app.
The best Nik plug-ins are the creative ones: Viveza, Silver Efex, Color Efex, HDR Efex and Analog Efex.
Yesterday, Google announced that the Nik Collection would follow the same pricing path as its mobile sibling. Yes, you've read that right: the once so expensive Nik Collection is now entirely free! You can start downloading it right now through this link.
Obviously, this probably means that we don't have to expect new features any time soon but you know what? The existing features actually work pretty well! In fact, even though it's been over 5 years since Silver Efex Pro 2 came out, I still consider it to be the best Black & White plug-in on the planet. Period.
Silver Efex Pro in action. The unique feature about Nik that you find in all of the plug-ins is the fact that you can quickly and easily make local edits without having to create complex masks: the amazing, patented U-Point Technology does the job for you.
If you happen to speak Dutch, you can sign up for a 2 week free trial to Photofacts Academy, my Dutch Photography Training website. I've got a 4 hour course on Nik Software, including some very cool tips and special techniques.
If you don't, the links below will take you to some of my English Nik tutorials.
