All of what Jeb said, plus the following:
-Use noise reduction before using topaz. I've found the NR built into PSP is very good. I've tried demos of some of the aftermarket plugins and have not felt any need to invest in one.
-Selectively apply the NR to the sky, which is one of the areas where it gives the worst effect.
-Apply Topaz selectively using layers and masking.
-Use a modest amount of Topaz and then use a little of PSP's clarify adjustment in addition. Clarify gives a similar (though not identical) effect. It does not provide as much control, but also does not seem to bring out noise and banding as badly as Topaz does. This challenge entry of mine was done using the clarify adjustment.
Accept that the stock agencies are ultra-picky and will reject an image for any perceived reason. I think they look at the photos for noise on a pixel level. I've had one image accepted when I sent it to them as an example of my work, then when they said I was good enough to submit to them, they rejected the same photo with no option to resubmit. Different people evaluating the submissions with different opinions. You know how that works!
Message edited by author 2010-01-19 08:07:23. |
