polarizer/ND effect in NX2?

[MikeG76]

Does anyone know of a method to apply a polarizer or ND filter effect in NX2? I'm trying to salvage some photos I took on vacation in Ireland about a year ago. I didn't know my gear well back then and auto-ed a lot of stuff. *cringe*

 

[Mike Buckley]

Does anyone know of a method to apply a polarizer or ND filter effect in NX2? I'm trying to salvage some photos I took on vacation in Ireland about a year ago. I didn't know my gear well back then and auto-ed a lot of stuff. *cringe*

Mike,

If you're referring to a graduated ND filter, the Linear Gradient Tool is perfect for that effect.

To achieve a polarizer effect on a sky, place a Color Control Point on the blue part of the sky. As points of departure, reduce the brightness to about -20. Increase the saturation to about +10 and the contrast to about +10.

It sounds like you would benefit from Jason Odell's ebook about using Capture NX2. He provides examples of both situations as well as many others, providing images to which you can apply the steps he recommends.

 

[MikeG76]

Thank you so much! I just bought his ebook and am downloading it now.

 

[Mike Buckley]

Mike, be aware that I'm pretty sure that the method Tom describes is not in Jason's eBook. That's why I'm rather unsubtlely trying to convince Tom to write a tutorial.

 

[TomaS]

NIK Color Efex v3.0 for NX2 has a polarizing filter -and a bunch of other nice filtering tools. Free demo download.

 

[MikeG76]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm going to try the demo of Color Efex, however I can't see myself buying it since it is pretty pricey for someone like me. I'm strictly an amateur enthusiast and the cost is hard to swing right now. So, I'll be experimenting with the methods described also. Thanks again!