Still Using S-Curves? Try Nik's Contrast Filters Instead

When it comes to adjusting contrast, we usually think of the S-curve or the Contrast slider in PS.

In fact, the Nik Collection suite has several far more powerful contrast tools. Today Thomas introduces one of the most popular Nik filters — Pro Contrast.

The original image for today's case:

The result after applying the Pro Contrast filter:

Let's learn this powerful contrast filter together:

HD link: http://v.qq.com/page/q/i/x/q03541bolix.html

Video Summary

Nik Collection free plugin, download links for China (v1.2.11):

Windows: https://pan.baidu.com/s/1o8jhgxk

Mac: https://pan.baidu.com/s/1hsJlkpQ

After installing, open PS and go to Filter - Nik Collection - Color Efex Pro 4 to launch the plugin.

Find Pro Contrast in the filter list on the left.

The Pro Contrast panel then appears on the right:

Correct Color Cast: automatically detects the photo's color cast tendency (e.g. too yellow, too blue); moving the slider right adds the complementary color to reduce the overall cast.

Correct Contrast: increases the overall tonal contrast of the photo.

Dynamic Contrast: the core of this filter — intelligently adjusts the internal contrast of each object while protecting highlights and shadows.

Shadows / Highlights: protect against over- and underexposure caused by the filter.

Control Points: like those covered in "Nik Viveza: A Better Local Adjustment Tool than PS", they quickly generate masks to shield areas from the filter.

Pro Contrast offers four advantages for adjusting contrast:

1. Protects highlights and shadows

2. Enhances internal object detail, making texture and micro-contrast more visible

3. Quick masking with Control Points

4. Quickly corrects color casts and haze-gray looks

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