Let me preface this post with the fact that I have been a client of Topaz Labs since their beginning. I saw their demonstration at the WPPI Convention in Las Vegas back in the day, when that convention actually had a lot of vendors show up to advertise their wares.
I’ve always thought that Topaz Labs had some very cool software for Photographers. The key difficulty I had with their software back in the day was support. It was a small company striving to make it’s way in the industry, but had some very unique elements that could be used with my Photography.
Recently their DeNoise software was the absolute best on the market. The support issues have been cleared up and I was happy with that application. One thing that I’ve never been happy with is the way Topaz “discontinues” support of their products.
I can report that I have a LOT of software I have purchased over the years from Topaz Labs, that are no longer supported. Effective with this year, that is also true with their DeNoise plugin, it’s been discontinued. I totally dislike the business decisions they have made with this practice so I can no longer recommend their company!
You might be thinking what’s your problem Garrett? Currently you will find a lot of “Name Photographers” out there with huge accolades and videos touting Topaz Labs. So you might be thinking I’m a bit crazy… that’s your right, but let me explain exactly why Topaz Labs is being touted so highly. Read on…
Affiliate Marketing To The Rescue!
The reason Topaz Labs is getting all of those accolades by “Name Photographers” is very simple. Because Topaz Labs is paying them big bucks, that’s why! Now I know you have seen the requests by these “Name Photographers” to use their link if you would like to purchase the software.
You like the guy or gal. You wish to support them. They tell you in their blurb that they make a “small” commission from Topaz Labs that assists them and costs you nothing. Really?? Let me show you some math. The Affiliate Program from Topaz Labs pays a whopping 20%! This is NOT small!
So… they have 300,000 followers. They do a video or an ad and 3% of those followers decide to click the link and support the cause. Well 3% of 300,000 is 9,000 people. Topaz Photo AI is currently $199.00…20% of that is $39.80 times those 9,000 buyers? Equals $358,200.00! Pay me that kind of money to recommend something and I would find ways to do just that!
Even if you use the link and get your good guy upgrade price that’s $85.00 and the same math works out to $153,000.00! That is no small change! Do one ad a quarter with that response? Now you might see why the “name photographers” are jumping on the bandwagon. Oh Yeah! Did I mention? If you are an influencer Promoting Topaz Products, you get them for free.
The picture below is the affiliate program direct from their website.
Now do not get me wrong… the work necessary to gain 300,000 followers is extensive. It requires spending everyday all day in front of your computer. I’m sorry… I’m a Photographer. I’d rather be out there shooting. I spend enough time in front of a computer or my phone. I’d like to reduce that.
Another difficulty I have with the latest Topaz Photo AI is that you are now automatically signed up to a yearly subscription. Personally I think the DeNoise function in the new Photo AI portion is not as good as it was in the DeNoise Plugin. So I’ll continue to use DeNoise as long as it works, and I already went in and cancelled my subscription so that I don’t get that surprise next year.
The millage of others may vary… The images below show all the Topaz Software I’ve purchased over the years. I’d like to have ten dollars for each one of them that are no longer supported.
I do not really support negativity, so the only way you will see my recommendations and the story behind it will be to arrive here with a link… I am now actively seeking alternative methods to using Topaz Labs Software in my workflow.