After writing about DxO FilmPack 3 I decided to download version 4 (the most recent). I came to this software with a  strong preconception: that I don’t see the need to make digital images look like they were taken with a film camera. And if there’s no need for that, then that makes DxO FilmPack 4 a superfluous piece of software.

Turns out, I was wrong.

Delta 400

To test out DxO FilmPack 4, I decided to convert some colour portraits I took earlier this year to black and white, using the Delta 400 preset. Delta 400 was my favourite black and white film, and I thought it would be interesting to go back in time and see how my portraits might look if I was still using it.

In other words, I decided to just play and have fun with the software.

Sometimes I’m so busy taking photos and writing about photography that I forget to do this.

And the process was so enjoyable that it made me realise that play is important. Photography is about enjoyment, and giving yourself the gift of freedom to play once in a while is incredibly satisfying.

I converted my portraits to black and white, and played with the light leaks effects, the textures and adding frames (the results are below).

Then I opened another image and played with some of the other designer presets.

Initially I intended to write a review about DxO FilmPack 4, then realised that was kind of missing the point. I’m still not convinced that the ability to make digital images look as if they were taken with film is useful for most people.

But it is fun.

The challenge

Download the trial version of an image editing program that you have never used before. Then have a play with some of your favourite images and see what you can do with them. Does the new software give you some creative options that you had never considered before?

Here are some suggestions to get you started:

The Nik Collection. Includes Silver Efex Pro 2, my favourite black and white plug-in.

Pixelmator. Mac only but dirt cheap and great value. Read my Pixelmator review.

Perfect Effects 4. A free download from OnOne Software. You can also try Perfect Photo Suite 7. Read more about Perfect Effects 4.

Topaz Labs. Several interesting programs to choose from, including Topaz B&W Effects and Topaz Lens Effects.

The photos

Let’s take a look at what I did. Here’s the original photo – processed in Lightroom 4:

Here’s how it looks after conversion to black and white using the Delta 400 preset in DxO FilmPack 4 (with some tweaks to contrast):

Then the fun started. Here’s what I achieved adding effects like textures, borders and light leaks:

With a black frame

With lens blur effect

With scratches

With stains

With a light leak effect

With selenium toning

With Sepia Terra toning

Then I tried some of the designer presets with another portrait:

Original portrait

Cappucino

Cool TV

Darkroom

Found in the Attic

Lo-Fi

Nostalgia

Photo 60’s

Poetic

Vintage

DxO FilmPack 4 features

DxO FilmPack 4 comes in two versions: The Essential Edition and the Expert Edition. You can read about the features of both (and download a trial or buy the software) on the DxO website here.

DxO FilmPack 3 for free

A reminder: DxO FilmPack 3 (Essential Edition) is available for free until the end of October. It comes with a discount code for version 4. Click the link for details.