Flair, “Frischuft”  a set of plug-ins that are VERY easy to use, and immediate.  This little goodie might not light any bonfires, but sometimes it’s nice just to have a gadget that makes some quick and obvious alterations to an image. It does some nice radiance and mosaic distortions that would look great on a contemporary website.

The plug-in filter opens your image in another window from Photoshop, and then opens it’s own “tool” bar next to it.  There are eight filters that all do an amazing array of effects.  If you’re looking for a little filter that will do a lot of different effects in one box, this is the one.  The filters are simple, self-explanatory and straightforward.

Amiaga Rulez is as strange as it’s name.  It distorts, twists and changes the perspective all in the same filter.  You have complete control on the effect, with sliders that let you view the changes immediately.  No waiting.  Box Blur, Glow, Highlight, Mosaic Plane and Radial Blur are exactly like they sound.  GlasSphere is an interesting effect that looks like a very thick, smooth globe of glass placed over your image.  The reflection, the size and the color are changeable, along with other tweaks.

Some of these effects are similar to PhotoShop’s own filters, but the many controls that come with it make it easier and much more versatile. A fun filter that’s probably a little more useful than some because it’s basic and complete.