Digital BW, The Print

> I would agree fully Alan.  But I truly think in this case the 
doing it
> yourself vs. Photokit is not that much of a productivity and
> time-saver, especially if you look at from the more control one 
has on
> an image-by-image basis, especially in part 2.
> 

I tend to agree. It's hard to determine whether saving a few minutes 
on most of your images is worthwhile.

If you are a hobbyist or weekend photographer, it's hard to argue 
that saving a little time is worth close to $100.

However, if one is a busy pro, time is very much money. Even a 
savings of a few minutes on each image you process could be very 
cost-effective.

I tried PhotoKit Sharpener when reviews cropped up on luminous-
landscape.com, outbackphoto.com, etc. I did not find it to be much 
of a time savings compared with sharpening with layers using various 
blending modes, blend if conditions, and opacity levels.

I do think that others will find it quicker to use something like 
PhotoKit Sharpener because they are not yet experienced with the 
various sharpening techniques in PS.

The actions on FredMiranda.com are even less sophisticated. A 
handful of USM settings under the guise of Low, Medium, High labels. 
A couple of edge sharpening and highpass sharpening techniques 
thrown in. But they certainly are popular. You'll see people touting 
them here. Why? I'm not convinced it's any easier to invoke an 
action for sharpening and select a level than it is to go 
Filter|Sharpen|Unsharp Mask and enter settings (and do it on the 
Lab "L" channel or use Fade|Luminosity) *UNLESS* you do not 
understand how USM works and what those settings affect.

So, I do agree that these actions can be a crutch that impedes 
learning how to take control over the process for even better 
results.

(I, too, am not claiming the other poster is relying on it as such. 
I'm making general statements, not attempting to impugn anyone in 
particular.)


> That said, if PK cost $35 I would buy it. But $99 for a few 
actions?

I concur. I spent $45, I think for FocalBlade.

Also, FocalBlade is much better about their upgrade path. Like the 
folks who produce CaptureOne, the folks who make PhotoKit Sharpener 
seem to be more mercenary about upgrades.


> Adding productivity is one thing, but those who may use it as a
> replacement for laziness or lack of drive to learn something new is
> another.

I agree.

I don't use FocalBlade all that much. I am more apt to use it for a 
quick preview for a client or to prepare an 800 pixel wide Web image 
than for finished fine art prints.

I prefer the greater control I get by using various techniques on 
layers in PS. That's the obsessive-compulsive craftsman in me, again.

I do understand that many people are oriented more towards snapshots 
than fine art, so these tools certainly have both appeal and utility 
in those circumstances. You can get fine results with these tools, 
too. I find I can get better results when I take the time to do the 
sharpening myself, and I get more satisfaction as an artist from the 
process.


> Not accusing you of either but there seems to be a desire for
> some kind of turn-key approaches to everything in photography from 
AF to
> AE, to scanning, color management and now sharpening. IMO it does
> nothing to further enhance one's ability to create art---quite the
> opposite actually.
> 

There definitely is a growing desire for turn-key approaches, 
especially when it comes to techniques that require experience 
and/or careful consideration. Sharpening is one example. A lot of 
people do not understand how sharpening works, so a "black box" with 
a handful of presets is welcome. Same with B&W conversion. They'll 
go for an add-in or something quick like Image|Mode|Grayscale or 
Channel Mixer, because working with channels and/or adjustment 
layers is more confusing and more effort.

What's unfortunate is that when people get comfortable with these 
tools, they often grow no further. They do not realize that their 
B&W image could have more Ansel Adams-like contrast, if they knew 
about other techniques and understood how to use them.

The example that comes to mind are the Dodge and Burn tools in PS. 
Anyone can learn how to use them in PS in a couple of minutes. PS 
lets you have a little control, too. You can limit the effect of 
shadows, midtones, or highlights. But there is a better method that 
will give you all of that and a lot more control. You can even 
adjust today and reduce the effect tomorrow, which you cannot do 
with the Dodge and Burn tools alone. You create an new layer using 
Overlay bland and a 50% gray fill. Then paint on the layer with 
black and white to dodge and burn. Regrettably, most people never 
grow past the Dodge and Burn tools. :(

Cheers,

Mitch