The Mystical Suite contains three programs which can be purchased individually as well. These are Mystical Focus, Mystical Lighting and Ambiance 2, and Mystical Tint Tone and Color 2, which I previously reviewed. In my review of Mystical Tint Tone and Color 2, I mentioned how the program and interface have improved from the original version to version 2 as well as some of the new innovations such as Effect Masks. These changes are all present in the programs in Mystical Suite and make for creative and easy to use plugins. Some highlights about all the software:

To work with the plugin, I used Photoshop CS5 on a Windows 7 machine.

Adding subtle light can often change a good picture to a perfect one. Mystical Lighting and Ambiance 2 offers many such forms of both light and shadows. Notice how the number and breadth of the filters and special effects have changed from Mystical Lighting (original version) to Mystical Lighting and Ambiance 2 (yet, you can still get this new version as an upgrade.)

 

Once you decide on the Effect that you want, other palettes will open that have to do with that Effect. The main controls can be found on the left side of the workspace. Here is an example of the controls that are activated when Snowy Light is chosen. However, you also can paint on effects, select an area with a lasso and control how they look in the layer palette by changing layer opacity, combining effects, etc.

The lighting in Mystical Lighting and Ambiance 2 can produce natural lighting or surreal lighting with almost everything imaginable in between. The fact that you can stack layers and govern their opacity adds a lot of dimensions to this program. Below is an example of Light Beams

You can create an effect and save it as a preset as well as use presets that are part of the software.

Below is an example of two Effects -Rainy Light and Mood Lighting. Both were used at their default settings and the layers at 100% opacity.

I basically could keep showing different types of lighting, but I recommend that you download a demo and try it for yourself. Also, you can see many of the wonderful effects possible on the Auto FX Software's website. For more details, slide shows, videos, etc.on Mystical Suite and all the products that form it, click on link.

This is a dynamite plugin as well as a standalone. When you install it, both will appear. There are so many controls that you can create subtle lighting or harsh and vibrant lighting. You can create natural lighting to enhance a scene or surreal lighting to change it completely. While you are experimenting with this marvelous plugin, explore the other great products offered by Auto FX Software.

The System Requirements are:

Windows
OS: XP / Vista / Windows 7
32 and 64 bit Versions
Memory: 2 GB
Disk Space: 350 MB
Photoshop Support: CS, CS2, CS3, CS4 and CS5
 

Macintosh
OS: OS 10.4 or higher / PPC or Intel
Memory: 2 GB
Disk Space: 350 MB
Photoshop Support: CS, CS2, CS3, CS4 and CS5

Mystical Focus retails for $149.00 and Mystical Lighting and Ambiance 2 retails, for a full version, for $199.00 and for an upgrade, for $129.00. Mystical Tint Tone and Color 2 retails for $249 with the upgrade price of $129.00. You can also get bundles of these programs and special discounts. When you purchase all of these together you save a great deal for the whole Mystical Suite is only $399.00. In addition to the cost saving, Effects from all these programs can be used together because all are available from the same workspace.

More wonderful Auto FX Software plugins can be seen by going to their site at: http://www.autofx.com.