Here are some of the unique features introduced in Topaz Clarity:

1. Selective Contrast Control – a cutting edge process of selecting specific contrast variations in your original image, allowing you to quickly target and then increase or decrease the contrast and clarity in that specific variation.
2. Breakthrough Halo-free Algorithm – boost contrast and clarity without emphasizing transitions between light and dark areas, eliminating the common problems of halos, noise and artifacts.
3. Advance Hue/Saturation/Luminance Technology – using IntelliColor technology, you can easily enhance your image with the HSL filter, getting stronger, yet more natural HSL adjustments.
4. Re-Imagined Masking Workflow – the masking module, now attached to each adjustment tab contains a comprehensive set of tools including an edge-aware brush, gradient mask, smart feather tool, color aware tool, and more.
5. User Interface Design – cleaner, more modern and efficient interface to improve usability, workflow and overall aesthetics.

You can purchase the Topaz Clarity at a special reduced price of $29.99 through May 31st with promo code: claritynew by clicking here. After the introductory price expires, it will retail for $49.99, so grab your copy now.

I received a pre-released version of the software, which allowed me to play with it  a little. Although, I have only used the included presets, I am amazed at how easy it is to use. I think I am already in love, and I can easily see myself using this plugin a lot. Check out the sample photo I edited using the Sunset III preset. Click on the images for a better view.

Tulip bed original

Tulip Bed:  Lightroom / PSE with Topaz Clarity Plugin

Filed under: Nature, Photography Tagged: Photography, photos, Spring, Topaz, Topaz Clarity, Topaz Labs ]]> http://graciebinoya.com/2013/05/22/topaz-clarity-introduced/feed/ 0 gracie78 Topaz Clarity Tulip bed original Tulip Bed http://graciebinoya.com/2013/05/20/iphoneography-challenge-black-and-white/ http://graciebinoya.com/2013/05/20/iphoneography-challenge-black-and-white/#comments Tue, 21 May 2013 03:06:37 +0000 Gracie http://graciebinoya.com/?p=4176 ]]> Today’s iPhoneography Monday theme is Black & White. Two elements of a photograph that I enjoy the most are textures and lines. These can easily be highlighted when an image is converted into monochrome or black and white. This is a photo of a wooden slipper key chain which I bought on my recent trip to the Philippines. I set it on my hardwood floor and used my iPhone’s native camera (set to HDR) to take the shot. It was then converted to black and white using Snapseed. The details that you see were also enhanced using the same iPhone app.

Please check out Sally’s version on Lens and Pens by Sally, and Polly’s black and white photo on Watching the Photo Reels. Of course, you are more than welcome to join the challenge, see the mechanics here.

Art Installation by Provincetown artists Ewa Nogiec and Norma Holt

When I visited Provincetown, MA last year, the photograph of the faces of the women mounted on the side of the Fisherman’s Wharf in Provincetown Harbor caught my attention. I saw the installation in passing when the whale watching boat that I was on was coming back to shore. I remember hearing the tour guide mention something about these photos, but I couldn’t hear the story very well from where I was standing. I later found out that these photos were of Eva Silva, Mary Jason, Bea Cabral and Frances Raymond, all of Portuguese descent.  According to what I’ve read, there is a fifth photo, that of Almeda Segura, which unfortunately was destroyed by the weather. These photos were meant as a tribute to the women of this fishing village, who demonstrated strength, courage and composure, keeping the community alive, while waiting for the return of their male seafaring counterparts who sailed and fished the waters of the Cape and the Atlantic.

Allow me to post my version of Macro for iPhoneography Monday (Tuesday in this case). Shot with my iPhone, of course and edited with Snapseed.

More macro photos can be found on Sally’s Lens & Pens by Sally and Polly’s Watching Photo Reels. You may also join on the challenge, click here for the mechanics.

- Robert Frost

I shall never get tired of featuring Nature for iPhoneography Monday. It is easy to get lost in the day-to-day chaos, but it is important to find time to admire the beauty that nature provides us, be it a simple and quick walk around the garden or a full on stroll around the nature park.

I hope you enjoyed today’s iPhoneography post. If you want more, please head over to Sally’s Lens & Pens by Sally; and Polly’s Watching the Photo Reels for their very own version of iPhoneography Monday. And as always, feel free to join the challenge, you can find the mechanics on the iPhoneography Monday page of the blog.