Software plug-ins from trusted third-party developers, which enhance the user experience in Apple’s photo-editing package Aperture, are the highlight of the latest Aperture 2.1 update.
An improved, open, plug-in architecture will allow photographers with specialised needs to use other tools inside the software and the update is available free to download from today for those already using Aperture.
Not only is Apple one of the first to develop plug-in abilities for its photo-editing software, but it has also made this functionality available since Aperture 2.0. Although, up until this point, Apple had not much publicised this feature, it now lists official third-party developers working alongside it.
Imaging specialists Image Trends have provided three new plug-ins for Aperture. Fisheye-Hemi fixes any distortion on photographs taken with a fisheye lens, while ShineOff and PearlyWhites will enhance images of people, mattifying shine on the face and whitening their teeth.
There are other advanced editing tools available from developers including Nik Software, PictureCode and Digital Film Tools.
“To date, maybe 2pc of my photographs needed to be touched up outside Aperture,” said John Stanmeyer, a photographer who is a founding member of the VII Photo Agency and who contributes to both Time and National Geographic.
“Now that I can dodge and burn right within Aperture’s new plug-in, I can’t imagine when I’ll have to open any other application to tone my images,” he said.
By Marie Boran
