Topaz Webinar with Rad Drew December 19

Three Trees in the Palouse
Processed in Topaz Studio 2

Hi, Everyone,

Happy Holidays!

Since Topaz Labs stopped sponsoring regularly scheduled webinars in 2019, many of you have asked me – encouraged me – to do my own webinars on the Topaz software I enjoy so much.

Well, thank you for the push! My first solo Topaz webinar is next Thursday, December 19.

It will be on processing infrared images in Topaz Studio 2, and you’re all invited to join me!

Because I’m hosting it myself, I need to charge a small amount — about the cost of a chai latte — to offset the webinar software fees. I hope that won't deter anyone.

I’ll focus exclusively on infrared image processing.

Here’s what I’ll cover:

Review of the Studio 2 interface
My workflow for processing infrared images
How to set the black/white point in RAW files
Masking to apply adjustments where you want them
Managing contrast and detail
Adding a soft glow to your IR images
and more

Here’s a link to register for my webinar. The cost is $4.99 and you can use the code RAD20 for a 20% discount on the session making it only $3.99.

Don’t worry if you can’t attend the live webinar. Register anyway and you’ll receive a link to the recorded webinar that you can view for 30 days after the webinar date.

Thanks for the encouragement and support. I look forward to sharing with you all. And, in the meantime, enjoy the Holiday with family and friends!

Best,

Rocky Mountain National Park
Fuji X-T1, 830nm

Highland Light on Cape Cod
Fuji X-T1,18-135mm, 830nm

About Infrared Camera Conversions

Today, I have two cameras converted for black and white IR by SpencersCamera.com. One is a Lumix DMC LX7 point-and-shoot converted to 720nm. This is a great travel camera that produces wonderful images.

My other IR camera is the Fuji X-T1, also converted by Spencer’s. I first had this converted to 830nm, and although I was pleased with the images I was getting, I found that the 830nm conversion required more light which made hand-holding more of a challenge. I recently had the X-T1 switched to 720nm and have been quite pleased with the result.

A Couple Considerations When Selecting a Camera for Conversion:

Wherever you go, consult the company that's doing the conversion to determine that your camera is a good candidate for infrared. Spencer’s has a table on their website that can help, but if in doubt, call and speak to someone.
Verify that the lenses you intend to use will work well with the camera you’re converting. Some lenses work better than others, and some that work, may not work at all focal lengths. For example, my Fuji 18-135mm and my 100-400mm work fine at all focal lengths, but my 10-24 wide angle produces a hotspot below about 15mm. All this is good to know before you go to the expense of conversion.
If you travel and carry other camera gear, consider having a good point-and-shoot converted. No, you won't be able to switch lenses, but having a smaller camera may mean that you actually have it with you more of the time. I've appreciate my Lumix DMC LX7 for exactly that reason.

If you choose to use Spencer’s, use my discount code, RadDrew25. You’ll get $25 off purchases greater than $150, and 10% off purchases less than $150 depending on the item(s). You’ll also receive preferential treatment including quicker turnaround.

Although I recommend Spencer's from personal experience, other reputable companies based on reports from trusted colleagues include:

Kolarvision, and
Life Pixel