I came about my workflow through trial and error until I found something that works for me. The best advice I can give, however, is to be aware that some of the modules in the Nik Suite can introduce some pretty obvious grain/noise so do try to get the cleanest source image in there first (and one reason I like to use dfine near the end of the chain). Even though the B+W module has it's own structure algorithm. Though sometimes I still use Viveza in conjunction.
#USE NIK COLLECTION IN LIGHTROOM PRO#
usually INSTEAD of the Color Efex Pro and the Viveza modules. I use Viveza the most though.Īnd, of course, If I'm doing a B+W I will throw that module in there too. It really depends on the image to the magnitude I use each module. And on some images you might not need any at all of any number of these modules. I can see the uses for it but don't like working that way. Please note, I've seen some workflows where they actually do the Dfine first.
#USE NIK COLLECTION IN LIGHTROOM MANUAL#
Thirdly, to Color Efex Pro to correct color mostly and a bit of depth with the 'Dynamic Contrast' as well.įourthly, Dfine for a little NR typically using a manual readingįifth, to the Output Sharpener for a very subtle resharpening. Next, Viveza to draw up the tonal detail with the 'Structure' slider followed by contrast and brightness sliders. to use the Nik Suiteįirst up, A RAW PreSharpener to subtly sharpen the image a little (I find a little goes a long way. On the popup window, I select 'Edit a copy with Lightroom Adjustments' and ensure I have TIFF format and ProPhotoRGB colorspace selected with 16-bit depth and the default 240 resolution. Then right click on image and select Edit In>Photoshop (Elements here) Import DNG into LR, check Lens Correction, Defringe, Lower highlights (depending on the image helps you pull more detail out of bright objects)
my current workflow is as such (for NON HDR images): If you open the RAW directly from your hard drive into an image view (that can load RAW image formats) you will see the image without affects! This is important and useful since if you want to go back at a later time and make changes, you have the original file unaltered and ready to go (and can also make many presets for various 'processing' in LR for different feels on one image) meaning, your edits aren't to the actual RAW but, instead, are recorded settings of where you have the sliders at any given moment in LR. Keep in mind, LR doesn't actually process the RAW file directly, it processes non-destructively.