Topaz Glow, the Newest plug in ... a review

A Fractal made by JWildfire.
I decided to download the trial version of Topaz's new creative plug in called 'Glow'.

I'm all for trying something new and adventurous out.
This plug in intrigued me it is similar to Redfield's Plug in called Fractalius.

This was a very toned back version of the plugin.  I wasn't about to go over the top on it.

However....

I did here.  In fact I used Topaz ReMask to remove the backround and added the moon, clouds, and other effects in the backround.

Original:

Photoshop magic created in PSPX6.

Screen shot of Fractalious:

Screen shot of Topaz's Glow:

Glow is being offered at $49.99 for a limited time and then the price defaults to $69.99

Fractalious is offered at $39.99.  Now I have not tried this program.  Reviews have said it is slow and eats at memory.
I've seen some wonderful work with it though.

That said, I am an avid Topaz plugin person.  I use it quite often.

Here is another quick sample.

I used Simplify first and then reduced the 'Glow' layer slightly for the above piece.

Here is the original:

I have a little more work to do with this plug in to see if I can get some consistent results in turning some of my work into 'illustrations'.

If it all works out, you'll see me paying the price for this plug in.

It works very well with PSPro...Corel.
And this is my new go to program for editing.

Building in Fractal Programs

With wicked winds and cold temperatures, I sometimes get the urge just to mess around in different graphic programs.

The above piece was done in Incendia.  I layered in in PSP [Paint Shop Pro] and then added my own touches.

This piece was done in JWildfire.  I've been doing more symmetrical pieces lately and read that symmetry was more pleasing to the eye.  I however like things that are not symmetrical. 

This piece was made in Mandelbulb 3D and done for a daily challenge in the FB group I am a member of called Mandelbulb Maniacs.

A word about the programs.  Incendia, JWildfire, and Mandelbulb 3D, have groups on Facebook that engage in tips and challenges which are extremely helpful in learning how to use these great free programs.
As always, you can make a donation to the creators which I'm sure they would appreciate.

As I've stated before in previous posts, I love combining and mixing programs.

It is pretty easy to do.  For this I first created a backround in JWildfire, then created an image in Mandelulb 3D and then used it as a backround in Incendia and let it render.

Basically I used each program to build on each other.

All you need is some imagination and some experimenting.
Other fractal artists like to remain pure and true to the program.

However I am one that lets anything and everything go.
Mixing programs is a challenge that is rather fun.

B&W Photography Project

The Google+ group I belong to has us going out to collect a series of photos and combine them in something like a triptych.  
You don't have to stick to 3 shots, it can be as many as you want.

I like to stick to three as it is easier in a way for me.

The processing should be equivalent in the photos.  Meaning they should be the same in B&W.

What?
B&W can be different?

Sure it can.  You can add effects that give it a sepia look, or a grainy look, or choose different processing techniques.
This occurs in 'your' computer lab and not in the dark room anymore.  
I like experimenting with different looks.

The above shots were all done in color and that morning I took a walk after a very heavy fog had lifted and was entranced by the dewdrops on the oats.
Of course I was sure that I brought the wrong camera lens with me.  A kit zoom lens that I'd bought years ago.

But I thought I could make the shots work.  I was happy that I did.
These were shot in jpeg and then processed in PaintShopPro.  I have an aversion to Adobe pushing me to use their products on line for a fee.  I used Topaz BW Effects 2 to 'develop' the shots into B&W with Silver Paper Toning.

Side note, I'd like to try the NIK collection, but feel I can achieve much the same effects with Topaz Software which I've had for years.

I'd secretly like to have ALL plugins and programs, but then I'd constantly be wondering what to use!

My next series is supposed to be something current, or something I go out with purpose to find and shoot as a series.

Well being a 'creative' type I usually have trouble when I am told what to do in a creative sense.
So I thought I'd work on photos of a pea blossom from the garden.

They were so beautiful to photograph!

And then I got distracted...

Of course that wasn't the only thing I found beautiful.  
There was a tomato blossom that caught my eye.

Oh ... and then I went riding and took my cheap plastic pink camera.

And I found the lane and the sky amazing from the view point of sitting in the saddle.

Oh wait.
I drove to town that morning and had my old Nikon D40 with me.
I stopped along the side of the road twice to take photos of the fields and sky.

It was amazing.

Then I just had to get a shot of the road that just ends in the sky...or appears to.

So without thinking I think I may have found my 'series' anyway.

The dark contrast in this last series was achieved by using the 'color filter' in Topaz B&W Effects.  The color filter really can assist with getting a look you might want to achieve.

I'm not sure, but I think it is a toss up between the photos in the country lane or the photos of the skies with the road as the middle shot.
Now I know the road is not consistent with a theme, unless the theme that guides it is all about the cloud and sky.

Well that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.