Has anyone used Alien Skin?

Sevenup

Senior Member
I read the software can be used as stand alone. I haven't even gotten any other software yet, but I really like what I've read on their site. Does anyone use this?
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I read the software can be used as stand alone. I haven't even gotten any other software yet, but I really like what I've read on their site. Does anyone use this?
I've used some of their software but I don't think any of their stuff is stand-alone, I'm pretty sure all their products are plug-ins for other applications, like Photoshop. That being said, the software is good stuff, definitely.

That being said, I would suggest NIK Tools first and foremost, however. The power and flexibility of UPoint technology (aka "control points) is, as far as I can tell, unique to NIK and is nothing short of amazing. NIK Tools is seconded in my post processing arsenal only by Photoshop itself... It's just... that... good.

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Blacktop

Senior Member
I've used some of their software but I don't think any of their stuff is stand-alone, I'm pretty sure all their products are plug-ins for other applications, like Photoshop. That being said, the software is good stuff, definitely.

That being said, I would suggest NIK Tools first and foremost, however. The power and flexibility of UPoint technology (aka "control points) is, as far as I can tell, unique to NIK and is nothing short of amazing. NIK Tools is seconded in my post processing arsenal only by Photoshop itself... It's just... that... good.

....

I love Nik Tools and the control points. The one thing I haven't figured out about control points is, how to adjust feathering, if there is a way to do it.
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I love Nik Tools and the control points. The one thing I haven't figured out about control points is, how to adjust feathering, if there is a way to do it.
Caveat: I know just enough about NIK to be dangerous to myself, and others...

Huh... *scratches head* I really don't think you can adjust the "feathering" of Control Points, not like you can with a PS selection anyway, because CP's are so strongly tone-based, or maybe "biased" is a better word... You can turn on the mask and see what's being affected with each CP but what I often do is select numerous, smaller, CP's and then work with them in a Group. I'm certainly no expert, but how that's how I handle them. Once I figured out that grouped CP's "share information" I started using them that way a lot more.
....
 

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
I love Nik Tools and the control points. The one thing I haven't figured out about control points is, how to adjust feathering, if there is a way to do it.
Caveat: I know just enough about NIK to be dangerous to myself, and others...

Huh... *scratches head* I really don't think you can adjust the "feathering" of Control Points, not like you can with a PS selection anyway, because CP's are so strongly tone-based, or maybe "biased" is a better word... You can turn on the mask and see what's being affected with each CP but I think the best way to "feather" is to select numerous, smaller, CP's and then work with them in a Group. I'm certainly no expert, but that's how I handle things, generally. Once I figured out that grouped CP's "share information" I started using them that way a lot more.
....
 
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Blacktop

Senior Member
Caveat: I know just enough about NIK to be dangerous to myself, and others...

Huh... *scratches head* I really don't think you can adjust the "feathering" of Control Points, not like you can with a PS selection anyway, because CP's are so strongly tone-based, or maybe "biased" is a better word... You can turn on the mask and see what's being affected with each CP but I think the best way to "feather" is to select numerous, smaller, CP's and then work with them in a Group. I'm certainly no expert, but that's how I handle things, generally. Once I figured out that grouped CP's "share information" I started using them that way a lot more.
....

I just figured out how to do that a few weeks ago. I came upon a NT tutorial on You Tube. I like how you you can control the opacity of each CP if you have several of them on the layer.
BTW ,I PM-ed @jdeg a few days ago how great it would be to have a PP forum. I did say please, but no reply as of yet.
 

wornish

Senior Member
I have played with Alien Skin Exposure 6 and that does work as a standalone app on a Mac and also as a PS filter.

it is ok but it does not support masks so it effects the whole image, it's ok as far as it goes.

But, like the others have said NIK or Topaz are better IMHO
 

wornish

Senior Member
To start I would recommend Lightroom. It can do everything you need to get started and more. Plus you can always add to it. Have a look on YouTube or adobeTV.
 
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