Google Nik Collection is now Free

In Photo Tips by Matt ShetzerMarch 28, 2016

This week Google announced they will no longer be charging for their Photoshop plug-ins titled the Nik Collection. The plugins are a fantastic way to process your images quickly with great results.

During our workshops, we always demonstrate some of our favorite post-processing tools, and NIK is always at the top of the list.

The following list will give you a quick insight to the great collection of tools that are now free:

The Color Efex Pro plug-in has tons of tools to help you get the look you are trying to achieve with your images. My favorite tools in here are Brilliance/Warmth, Detail Extractor, Polarization and Tonal Contrast.
If you enjoy black and whites, you must try Silver Efex Pro. This tool is made especially for the Black and White enthusiast providing a different look and feel of your images to scroll through.
HDR Efex Pro is a tool to help blend images that exceed the dynamic range of the camera. By using HDR (High Dynamic Range) you can blend a bracket of different exposures to capture detail in the shadows and highlights that are not possible with a single image.
Sharpener Pro is a great way to apply the proper amount of sharping prior to printing so you get that tack sharp image, with out the over-sharpened look.
Other tools in the package are Analog Efex Pro, Viveza and Dfine.

You can download the plug-ins from google at:
https://www.google.com/nikcollection/

Google Nik Collection is now Free was last modified: March 9th, 2017 by Matt Shetzer

Best vacation I ever had!!! The grizzly photo workshop was like a dream.

“There’s plenty of time out in the field to get great and unforgettable photos. Matt will sacrifice getting his photos to ensure that everyone in the group is paying attention to the elements, ISO, aperture, etc. His attention to detail and professionalism make this a first class workshop.

Thanks, Matt. I’m looking forward to your other workshops.”

-Maureen from San Diego
Grizzly Bear Photography Workshop

We really enjoyed our time with you at the Haines workshop!

So much to be impressed by: the quality of your instruction, both as it related to the use of our equipment to produce optimum in-camera images as well as the post processing workflow guidance, your knowledge of the area and eagle behavior and, of course, the amazing beauty of our surroundings.

But beyond that, it was the more subtle aspects of your work that really made for a special trip: your constant focus on us as your customers, the care you take to go the extra mile in scouting out uniquely special places and the relationships you maintain with the local community that pay big dividends for you and your customers!

I would highly recommend this workshop and you, as a workshop leader, to anyone!

-Chris from California
Bald Eagle Photography Workshop

They are meticulously organized, running smoothly from beginning to end.

I recently returned from Shetzers Iceland Photographic Workshop. It was a great introduction to Iceland and I came home with photos that I am very pleased with. This was not my first Shetzers workshop—I attended the Hummingbird Workshop in Ecuador and the Bald Eagle Workshop in Alaska, both very enjoyable and productive. I have already signed up for South Texas Birds and Stars in February. Other workshops offered by Shetzers feature grizzly bears (Alaska), birds and nature (Costa Rica) and fall colors (Colorado). I have attended many photographic workshops over the years but, for me, Shetzers are the best. They are meticulously organized, running smoothly from beginning to end. The number of participants is small, typically 4-6. The cost is very reasonable, especially considering that accommodation, meals and transportation during the workshop are included. The workshops are open to photographers of all levels. Matt is a highly accomplished photographer (see his web site). He has extensive knowledge of a wide range of photographic techniques and equipment that he is more than willing to share. He takes participants to some great photographic locations but does not push any particular approach, instead encouraging individuals to explore the possibilities themselves. However he is always nearby, ready to help and advise. Of course Matt cannot control the weather but he makes good use of “downtime” to give informal talks on technique. This is also a good opportunity for participants to show their new photos. I am very enthusiastic about Shetzers workshops and recommend them highly without reservation.

– Ian from San Francisco
Iceland Photography Workshop

Once you take a photo workshop with Matt Shetzer — it will not be your last!

When Matt offered a photographic workshop to do Landscapes in Iceland, we just had to go. It was our first trip out of the country and we knew that it would be an incredible trip with Matt handling the Photo Workshop when we got there. We already knew one of the other gentlemen going to Iceland, since we had attended a Bald Eagle Photo Workshop (2015) with Richard and was looking forward to meeting Ian (see his review). The Iceland trip was unbelievably wonderful and Matt made the entire workshop smooth, educational and easy to concentrate on just taking beautiful pictures. Matt listens to each person’s “wish list” as to what type/or kind of photos they always wanted to capture, then he goes above and beyond to try to make it happen. Matt does extensive research on every trip to take you to the locations and times to get the best shots. He is there with his experience to help you should you need it. Matt keeps each workshop more fun and informational than the previous ones (which is hard to do!). We are looking forward to attending the Bald Eagle Photo Workshop in Haines, AK for 2018 (our 3rd workshop) and expect to get even greater Bald Eagle/”Swans”(insider joke, “sorry had to do it Matt “) shots than before. Once you take a photo workshop with Matt Shetzer — it will not be your last!

-Barry and Paula from Colorado
Iceland Photography Workshop

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