Topaz is offering their streamlined black and white conversion software plugin, Black and White Effects 2 on sale for $39.99 (normally $59.99) through March 31st when using code “MARBW” on Topaz Labs Website HERE. You can download a free trial via this link above as well if you’d like to try it out or follow along.

Come on in for a little walkthrough on a great bang for the buck, black and white plugin.

When I first used B&W Effects when it originally released, I was in the process of getting my head around transitioning from NIK Silver Efex Pro to Alien Skin Exposure, and didn’t give it much time.  When the second version was released, it was evident that Topaz was taking this B&W space pretty seriously.  The revamped interface and aggressive pricing makes a very strong argument in its favor.  With the pricing down 33% via the sale, it makes it downright compelling.

As is the norm for Topaz plugins, the comprehensive, yet natural layout allows you to jump right in without needing to search online tutorial videos or the like.  Of course, there is a lot to be gleaned from those as well, and I suggest going back and watching through some of the Topaz Tutorial vids HERE when you have the time.  (You can click the screenshot above to see it full screen)

Starting at the top left, you can choose from preset groups/collections.  Within each of these collections live a bunch of preset filters.  From there, you have the ability to completely alter the filter to your liking by way of color filters, silver toning quick buttons and then a series of sliders as you work your way down, all housed in drop down menus along the right hand side.

When I initially used the original B&W Effects, I found the grain replication to leave a bit to be desired.  With the most recent updates, and especially since offering version 2 of this software, the grain engine has grown leaps and bounds to my eye.

The control within the plugin is quick and intuitive.  If you do any tweaking of your images in your image management software, all the sliders, and their functions will make sense.

Really, it’s the type of plugin that is best understood by just opening an image and playing around with it.  Give it a try if you’re interested in Black and White processing.  On sale through the end of March for $39.99 (use code MARBW), you can download a free trial, or purchase Topaz B&W Effects 2 HERE.

Topaz plugins do require a host program like Photoshop, Elements, Lightroom, PhotoFXLab, Corel Paint Shop Pro, Photoimpact, Serif Photo Plus or Irfanview with your OS running OS 10.6 or later, or Windows Vista, 7+ with 2GB of RAM minimum.  If you have any questions, hit me up in the comments and if I don’t know, I’ll contact the fine folks at Topaz for you to get an answer. 

If you do choose to buy Topaz B&W Effects, you can support me by doing so via the links in this article.  The cost is the same, and I get a small referenced commission.  Thank you for the consideration, and know that it helps me keep this site going.  I don’t mind doing this all for free as I’ll be doing it regardless because I enjoy it, but I do really appreciate the support if and when these types of purchases are made, so thank you.

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Have fun and happy shooting,

Tyson

I hope everyone is well.  Take care and happy shooting!

Tyson