Software Review: Viveza 2.0 from Nik Software

Viveza 2 is the latest release from Nik Software of their plug-in for selectively controlling color and light within your photographs. Through the use of their patented U Point technology, you can control your images on both a global as well as locally in isolated areas, all without the use of selections or layer masks.

Viveza 2 provides precise selective photo editing through the use of U Point technology. By placing a control point on your image and adjusting the size of the coverage area, you can change the brightness, contrast, or color within your photo. This latest version not only promises new enhancements, but more precision along with speed improvements.

What is needed to run Viveza 2?

• Windows XP or greater, or Mac OS X 10.5, 10.6
• AMD or Intel processor, 64-bit compatible (Windows), Intel® Core™ Solo, Intel Core Duo, Intel Core 2 Duo, Intel Xeon® processor (Universal Binary compatible) (Mac)
• 1 GB RAM (2 GB recommended)
• On Windows: Adobe Photoshop 7 through CS4; Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 through 8.0; Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.3 or later
• On Mac: Adobe Photoshop CS2 through CS4; Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 and 8.0; other Adobe Photoshop plug-in compatible applications; Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® 2.3 or later; Apple Aperture 2 (version 2.1 or later).

So what is U Point Technology? It is a patented innovation in photo image processing and editing. It uses color control points to isolate an entire image or an image area for enhancement very quickly. Instead of having to make a selection, mask it off, and then apply filters, levels, curve adjustments, or use color balance tools, you just drop a control point and it considers the relationship between color and light and makes the appropriate adjustments.

If you look at the image below (may appear on the next page), the main color point is located at the tip of the arrow. The length of the horizontal bar that stretches out from that point sets the radius of the affected area. While I could not capture the actual radius you see, I have it represented by the orange circle. It grows and shrinks depending on the area affected.

Article Author: T. Michael Testi

T. Michael Testi is a writer and a photographer out of Edmond Oklahoma. You can see his photographic and art work at T Michael Imaging as well as on Facebook.

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