Are Photoshop plug-ins worth it?

One of the most common questioned I get asked at seminars is "are plug-ins worth it?" (or slight variations on that theme). My answer? Usually something along the lines of "most of the time" or "it depends".

Before I go any further, let me add that what I'm going to write here is an opinion on how how decide if a plug-in is right for you - this is not a review or recommendation of specific plug-ins

First, what do we mean by plug-ins? (Veteran Photoshop users can skip again here). Plug-ins are add-on software programs that you install (plug in) to Photoshop to enhance its performance, either by improving upon a Photoshop function or by offering a feature not found in the program.

So how do you determine if a plug-in tool is going to be "worth it" for you?

I see three basic categories of plug-ins:

1. Tools that are simply better than Photoshop.
One example would be noise removal plug-ins. The Reduce Noise filter in Photoshop works well, but plug-ins such as Noiseware Professional or Dfine just work better. That's not just my opinion, anyone who has used a third party noise reduction tool will tell you that these products are better. So in this case, if you come across noise problems with any regularity, the purchase of a extra tool that will improve your photos will be well worth it.
Another example is a tool to enlarge your images. While the Image Size command does a good job in making images larger, add-on tools such as Genuine Fractals is generally accepted as doing a better job.
So if your work requires noise removal or enlarging images, these plug-ins are easy to justify.

2. Tools that can be more efficient than Photoshop
One example of this category would be masking software. Yes, with a bit of practice (and [shameless plug] online training courses or a DVD on Selections [/shameless plug]) you can get pretty good at making selections and masks. Do the masking plug-ins give you a better end result? Sometimes, but very often they will do the job in less time, so if you spend a fair bit of your time making selections and masks, then a plug-in that saves you even 10 - 20% of your time adds up pretty quickly.
Another example of this type of plug-in is PhotoFrame. Yes, I can make cool edges for my photos pretty easily (I even wrote a book on the subject). But, PhotoFrame gives me tons of built-in frames and the ability to experiment in ways that are so much more efficient than creating "by hand". (I created a collection of frames that are in PhotoFrame so of course I going to be a fan of this plug-in!)

3. Tools that add extra functions or take things to another level
These plug-ins may be the hardest to justify a purchase, because they often do things that are rather unique or specialized, or because at first glance they're not that different from Photoshop. Examples here would be any plug-in that does special effects, 3D, color enhancement, black and white conversions, etc. My advice here is to talk to people that use them, read reviews and take advantage of free trial versions. For example, for the rare occasions that I create and print black and whites, I'm happy with the results I get from Photoshop. However, I hear lots of people talking about Silver Efex Pro from Nik Software and what a great job it does. For me, I'm not sure that I would purchase a plug-in for black and white conversion - but if you do that a lot and this tool gives you more control, takes less time or gives you results you like better than Photoshop, then it would be worth it.

Can you see my dilemma it answering the question "are plug-ins worth it?" There is no easy answer.

There are a number of plug-ins that have become an important part of my work - in some cases I would find it difficult to not use them. I guess to sum things up I would ultimately answer the question this way. If a plug-in saves you time, go for it. If a plug-in gives you - in your opinion - better results, buy it. Remember, most plug-in companies offer free trials, so be sure to take advantage of that and try before you buy.

Beach ballet

The night before our Miami seminar RC and I managed to squeeze in a photo shoot on the beach. Considering how we were scrambling to set up as the light disappeared, I am pretty happy with these results. These were shot with one SB-900 flash on a stand, most shots averaged around ƒ16, and I know for next time to use a higher shutter speed to capture the motion a lttile better.
Very little Photoshop (except the last one) other than a bit of cloning out a few distracting light blobs and seaweed.
As always, learned a lot for the next time I get a chance to shoot a ballerina on the beach.

Acceptance speech

Photoshop Hall of Fame

[This post was written a week before Photoshop World, to be published on October 1st]

Today at Photoshop World I have the extreme honor of being inducted into the Photoshop Hall of Fame. It is definitely an unexpected honor, and "icing on the cake" to be recognized in this way for doing what I love to do: teach Photoshop.

I was officially told about this a couple of weeks ago and have had to keep in under my hat until now. This also allowed me some time to think about what I would say in my acceptance speech. Here is what I plan to say on stage (the people that are there will be able to compare and see how much I remembered)

I'm extremely honored and humbled to receive this recognition. I've always considered myself blessed to do what I love: teach Photoshop, so to be honored in this way is truly incredible. I must save that I'm glad that I was told about this a couple of weeks ago or for the first time in my life, I would have been speechless – and it takes a lot to put me at a loss for words!

When Scott told me about my induction, I knew immediately who I needed to call to share the news: I had to call my wife and I had to call my best friend. This only took one phone call to my wonderful wife - and best friend - Marlene. She really is my inspiration, my rock, and my number one fan. Through the years she has always been there, backing me up and encouraging me, even when I had crazy ideas like leaving a good job to work with this new thing call the Macintosh, or when I decided to start own on business teaching brand new programs like Photoshop and Illustrator. Marlene, thank you for always being there for me.

To my children Stephanie and Michael. When you were younger you unknowingly helped me by not making too big a fuss when my travels took me away from home. As you got older you have continued to be there for me, and the fact that you're both into photography and Photoshop puts a huge grin on my face.

In the acknowledgments of one of my books I wrote that it would be easier to attach a company directory than to try to single out all my co-workers who've helped me. I still feel that way - the group of people I work with is simply incredible. Scott, Kalebra, Jean, Dave, Barbie... you have created an amazing environment for us to work in. I really can't imagine how anyone can have as much fun as we do while we work our tails off. On behalf of all of the folks that work at NAPP, thank you.

Scott, thank you for giving me the opportunity to teach one class at Photoshop World back in 2001. To Lesa Snider, thank you for helping convince Scott that I should be invited back again to teach. Once the door opened, I happily burst through and have been having a blast ever since. I would also like to thank each and every one of my students over the years. I learned more about Photoshop and teaching thanks to your questions, comments and kind words.

I've always felt very blessed - I have an amazing family, a wife who I adore, and I get paid for my passion for teaching Photoshop. To be inducted into the Photoshop Hall of Fame is the ultimate "icing on the cake"

Thank you