When On
One Software announced Focal Point 1.0, I thought to
myself, ''I have to give it a try''. The plug-in runs with Mac
OS X 10.4.10 and 10.5 and up as well as Windows XP with SP2. It also
compatible with Vista. Installation of Focal Point is very quick. The
Plug-in does not install itself as a filter within your filters
directory in Photoshop CS2, I have yet to try it with Elements
6 but my guess is that it will work the same way. Instead, the
programs will add a extra (and convenient) tab between your
''filter'' and ''window'' tab. Before I keep going, let me say that
if you see my filters option in my system, you won't find too many. I
always believe in in-camera effects
rather than
plug-ins but decided to give Focal Point a try. After the
installation I launched a few 'heavy' JPEG files from my Nikon D200.
Also did tried with a few TIFF files I had in my archives. Running in
a moderate Compaq machine with a humble AMD Sempron, the files opened
quite fast considering that since I was using the trial version, I
was prompted by the ''purchase, demo, register'' window. Once
the program is opened, you'll be able to see a nice, clean,
uncluttered interface. Being myself a good friend of simplicity, it
was love at first sight. The dark gray platform makes your pictures
stand out while you work on them.
Check the
screen capture below, and you can see what I mean.
The
controls are minimum but quite effective and basically
self-explanatory. Focus Point is intelligent software that can make
an effect on your pictures that even the most Savvy Photoshop user
can take longer, a lot longer to do with conventional Photoshop
methods saving you precious time. It is VERY important what a Focus
Point is in real life and traditional photography to understand and
appreciate the capabilities of this software. It is an intelligent
mix of motion with Gaussian blur that in the right amount will
produce spectacular results in just a few minutes. Focal Point offers
a set of presets but for my personal taste, I rather treat every
picture individually. It might work for you though.
To
complement an already good program, Focal Points create very nice and
seamless vignetting effects either dark or light. Like an expensive
Tilt & Shift Lens, I can get my pictures look as if they were
taken with such lense and directing the eyes right to a sweet spot in
my pictures.
As I
previously mentioned, I'm an ''in camera'' person and always go the
extra mile to do any effects when pressing the shutter. With Focal
Point, I'm rethinking my style and definitely this program will be a
keeper. The next close thing to this effect is a Lens Baby 3G. But at
least for *my* shooting style and habits, a Lens Baby can be
obtrusive and can cost me the shot. So why not shooting with any
lens, any aperture, any focal length and take care of business during
post production? Considering the results achieved with this plug-in
compared to a Tilt & Shift* lense
or
even a Lens Baby, Focal Point at $159.99 is pocket change.
Consider it even more if your use will be occasional or recreational.
If it is for professional use, don't think it twice. Focal Point
works very similar to the U Point technology found in Nikon
Capture NX.
YES,
I would recommed this Plug-In to a friend. If you are considering a
Lens Baby, give Focal Point 1.0 a 30 days try.
* By any
means I'm suggesting this program will replace a nice Tilt &
Shift Lens. It is a specialty lens with other applications besides
creatting this effect.
