Software

HDR Efex Pro 2

Nik Software’s HDR Efex Pro 2 is one of the top applications for creating high-dynamic-range images, and the new version upgrades the original in many ways.

By Wes Pitts
Nik Software’s HDR Efex Pro 2 is one of the top applications for creating high-dynamic-range images, and the new version upgrades the original in many ways. The most important change is an improved tone-mapping engine—which means the software does a better job rendering color and tonality, making more natural-looking HDR images possible. You... Read more

Photoshop Lightroom 4

Photoshop CS is the undisputed leader in digital imaging, but for many photographers, it contains a lot of tools that are rarely used, if at all.

By Wes Pitts
Photoshop CS is the undisputed leader in digital imaging, but for many photographers, it contains a lot of tools that are rarely used, if at all. That’s why Photoshop Lightroom was incredibly popular when it was introduced, with a step-by-step workflow designed to speed through the steps, from importing to processing and sharing, with tools that... Read more

Corel PaintShop Pro X4

With a revised interface and several helpful new tools, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 is a significant upgrade from the previous version. The image management and editing software takes care of your organizing, editing and sharing needs.

By The Editors
With a revised interface and several helpful new tools, Corel PaintShop Pro X4 is a significant upgrade from the previous version. The image management and editing software takes care of your organizing, editing and sharing needs. Overall, the program offers 75 new or enhanced performance features that include high-dynamic-range processing, tilt-shift... Read more
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Pixelmator 2.0

Now in its second version, Pixelmator debuted in 2007, but gained more notoriety with the launch of the Mac App Store in 2011.

By Wes Pitts
Now in its second version, Pixelmator debuted in 2007, but gained more notoriety with the launch of the Mac App Store in 2011. Version 2 builds on an already very solid tool set with new features like a Healing Tool with Content-Aware Fill, a new type tool, and burn and dodge capabilities. Though it doesn’t have all of the tools and capabilities... Read more

onOne Software Perfect Photo Suite

Whether you’re touching up a portrait, working with layers, resizing or adding special effects, onOne Software’s Perfect Photo Suite 6 has you covered.

By The Editors
Whether you’re touching up a portrait, working with layers, resizing or adding special effects, onOne Software’s Perfect Photo Suite 6 has you covered. The bundle includes seven applications: Perfect Effects 3 for adding more than 300 effects; Perfect Portrait 1 for retouching portraits; Perfect Layers 2 for creating layered files outside... Read more

Color Efex Pro 4

Nik Software’s Color Efex Pro is an easy-to-use plug-in with 55 unique filters that you can apply to your photos, from practical enhancements like Classical Soft Focus or Graduated ND to wilder effects like the new Dark Contrasts, which creates a hard-edged look similar to extreme HDR.

By Wes Pitts
Nik Software’s Color Efex Pro is an easy-to-use plug-in with 55 unique filters that you can apply to your photos, from practical enhancements like Classical Soft Focus or Graduated ND to wilder effects like the new Dark Contrasts, which creates a hard-edged look similar to extreme HDR. Eight new effects are available in version 4. Also new in... Read more

Software & Plug-Ins

ACD SYSTEMS ACDSee Pro is a powerful photo management and organizational app that’s increasingly talented throughout the digital workflow, from processing to output. New in just-released version 5 are an advanced sharpening tool with easy-to-use edge detection, and dodge and burn tools for intuitive localized exposure fixes. List Price: $239. ACDSee Pro for Mac doesn’t Read more…

By The Editors
ACD SYSTEMS ACDSee Pro is a powerful photo management and organizational app that’s increasingly talented throughout the digital workflow, from processing to output. New in just-released version 5 are an advanced sharpening tool with easy-to-use edge detection, and dodge and burn tools for intuitive localized exposure fixes. List Price:... Read more

Do You Need Photoshop?

Now in its 12th major release, Photoshop is essentially synonymous with image editing for photographers and creatives.

By David Willis
Now in its 12th major release, Photoshop is essentially synonymous with image editing for photographers and creatives. From beginning to end, it’s as comprehensive a program as youcan get for working with images, and each new release sets the bar for other image-editing software to keep up with. With a price point that hovers just below $700,... Read more

Silver Efex Pro 2

For professional-strength black-and-white conversion made easy, it’s hard to beat Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro.

By Wes Pitts
For professional-strength black-and-white conversion made easy, it’s hard to beat Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro. Version 2 includes several improvements that allow more control over fine details, plus new tools to add image borders or bring back color in a specific area. In addition to global enhancements, Silver Efex Pro 2 makes use... Read more

Portrait Professional 10

For portrait shots that sometimes look less than perfect, you can make a dramatic improvement in just a few minutes with the latest version of Portrait Professional.

By The Editors
For portrait shots that sometimes look less than perfect, you can make a dramatic improvement in just a few minutes with the latest version of Portrait Professional. Version 10 is available as a standalone application or plug-in, and it works its magic with the data acquired from analyzing thousands of images to determine what makes facial features... Read more