Plug-in advise

[Lee]

I have "mastered" (I use the term with reservation) things like gel, glass type effects etc. Now I'm looking for a plug-in that can do that stuff faster and easier. Gaus got Lens Pro 3. Many commented on it. I have seen Eye Candy 4000 and that does all kinds of text effects quickly and is well liked. Anyone hear used both (or even a third one)? Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Lee

[Erik]

Plugins I consider vital are:

1/ Kai's Powertools 5 (you get 3 for free with them) and 6
2/ Some of Flaming Pear, especially SuperBlade pro

If you want gel, or something special, check autofx for the gel and other plugin suites.

panopticum lenspro and engraver are not vital, but the effects difficult to achieve with PS alone, and really fascinating.

Yet Photoshop itself is like an old castle, full of hidden rooms and even wings...no one knows all the possibilities it offers...

[Lee]

Thanks Erik. I've got Superblade Pro, too. Have not heard of autofx or Powertools. I'll check them out. You brought up a good point, though. Are these vital? Probably not. I don't even know if I'll ever need gel, glass, chrome type and, like I said, creating them myself leaves a little to be desired at this level of my learning curve. Plus, it's just time spent that I could put to better use.

I appreciate all of the collelctive wisdom on the boards as I have already blown about $200 on plug-ins that are, in hindsight, a total waste. I bought before having enough knowledge using PS. Once burned, twice shy is how I feel about plug-ins now.

Thanks again for your input.

Lee

[AppleCider]

Lee, besides filters, you might want to check out some of the PS Action sites, such as ActionFX. It can be cheaper, especially if you're looking for one special effect, and many are free.

Another bonus: By using actions and watching what's going on, and tweaking them, you can learn a lot.

[Lee]

Thanks Julie,

I'll check them out. I had not heard of that site. And, free is always good. ;)

Lee

[AppleCider]

Lee, there are also lots of free actions at Adobe Studio Exchange. In fact, this is a great site to get to know...they have brushes, styles, shapes, etc. for download.

[wbiss]

Lee, you've received some great direction and advice here from both Erik & Julie! ;)

Shortcuts (via plug-ins or actions) are always a great time-saver when one is doing 'repetitive' work! Just remember to measure outlay (cost) vs. useability or outlay vs. missing out on learning to do/experience something new for yourself in Photoshop. ;)

I always believe that there is such a great sense of accomplishment and satisfaction that comes with "doing anything from scratch" in PS... :\

Julie is right, the Adobe Studio Exchange site is indispensible for all kinds of unique actions, brushes, styles, etc.! Make it your first stop (one-stop shopping) when looking for this sort of thing! ;)

[AppleCider]

Plus...

If you already know how to do what you want, the slow way, you can record your own action for it!

Here's an action on Adobe Studio Exchange for glass...it does put a chrome border around it, but you can always cut that out; the glass itself is sweet:

http://share.studio.adobe.com/axAsse...0%26pgsel1%3D2

You may have to register at Studio Exchange to get there, but it's free.

[wbiss]

Good one Julie... the sweetest thing is that it's easy enough to modify an action (by deleting certain steps) to suit your own needs. ;)

http://www.alienskin.com/ seems to have some plugins that are quite popular