Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Despite the war in Ukraine, our friends at Skylum are still hard at work. They just released an update
The 1.0.6 update adds Mask AI and Histogram to Luminar Neo
Mask AI detects up to 9 separate elements in a photo: people, skies, architecture, transportation, water, flora, mountains, natural ground, and artificial ground.
The AI will find the desired area and mask it up for you, without needing to spend time fussing over the details with a masking brush.
On top of that, you can enjoy the manual Gradient and Radial masks. Plus, the new interface makes it easier and more enjoyable to work with masking.
And the Histogram is back. Now you can press the J hotkey to toggle clipping indicators on and off and see clipped pixels.
And of course Bug Fixes
On macOS now you can: • Apply the Erase tool without using excessive memory • See the coordinates of the applied mask displayed correctly during and after masking • Correctly apply the Edit brush on a layer with a changed aspect ratio • Navigate to the Masking tab without having the added layer disappear • Click on Revert to Original with an opened mask without crashing • Smoothly save an exported image directly to the system disk
On Windows now you can: • Apply the Erase tool without using excessive memory • See the coordinates of the applied mask displayed correctly during and after masking • Correctly apply the Edit brush on a layer with a changed aspect ratio • After clicking on the Discard changes button in the Develop Raw tool, previous edits are not applied • In Erase mode use the erase brush as expected without it painting • Exit Linear or Radial masking mode without disabling the zoomed drop-down menu • Smoothly flip layers without edits
Pricing
‣ One-time purchase Luminar Neo 2 seats instead of 1 for $79
‣ 1-year subscription Luminar Neo 2 seats instead of 1 for $59
‣ And a special offer for those who have already had Skylum products: Luminar Neo 1 seat for $54 plus free Film Grain textures
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Since Luminar Neo has been officially released I thought I would show you an interface comparison between the now depreciated Luminar 4 (if you own Luminar 4 you can still use it, it is just not sold anymore), Luminar AI, and the new Luminar Neo
The Interface
Changes to the menu at the top of the screen.
Luminar 4
Luminar 4 has the most comprehensive menu of the three
Other than items no longer being in the top screen menu, other differences are.
Library menu item has been renamed to Catalog for both Luminar AI and Luminar Neo
The pre-created settings has been changed from “Looks” in Luminar 4, to “Templates” in Luminar AI, and now changed to “Presets” in Luminar Neo, but for Luminar Neo, the presets menu only shows in the edit module
The Export menu item has changed from the box with an up arrow in Luminar 4 and being placed in the middle of the menu, to the word Export in Luminar AI, and back to the box with an up arrow in Luminar Neo, but moved to the far right.
Export icon
Changes to the Apps Menu (What is shown is the Mac OS version, Windows menus may look different)
Luminar 4
Luminar AI
Luminar Neo
Luminar AI and Neo have similar menus. Luminar 4 has the additional Library Menu.
Full Menus from each program
Luminar 4 menus
Luminar AI Menus
Luminar Neo’s Menus
So what’s different in each.
The file menu is mostly the same with note of the different names for Presets. What is missing for Luminar AI and Luminar Neo from what is in Luminar 4’s file menu is Batch Processing.
The Edit menu is mostly the same. What is missing for Luminar AI and Luminar Neo from what is in Luminar 4’s file menu is the canvas menu. The options that are there in this canvas menu for Luminar AI and Neo are part of the tools in the Edit module if they exist at all.
There is no Library menu in Lumianar AI and Neo. That is the Catalog module in both applications.
The image menu is roughly the same in Luminar 4 and Luminar AI, but for Luminar Neo it does not have the rotate and flip options, set flag options and the only Adjustment option is to revert to the original.
The remaining windows (Account, Window, and Help) are the same across all versions of Luminar
Other inferace notes:
Luminar Neo did bring back layers, but this time they put the layer option by itself on the left side of the interface when in Edit mode. Not sure I like it there yet or not.
When in the Edit mode of Luminar Neo, the interface is simplified again. Just Tools, Edit, Presets main headings on the right. the See as before, zooming, and other actions menu has been moved to the bottom of the screen. See the screenshot below.
Summary
While I’m still learning about the program, just based upon what I’ve shown here and my experience so far. They are trying to simplify the interface a lot. Make it less cluttered. I’m not sure I’m a fan yet as I have been using their programs and others in the past that just got used to where things were. Now they have been moved around a lot. For example, I’m not sure why they put the Layers option on the left when they had it on the right before. To me, the order of Tools, edits, presets seems a bit out of order. I would have put the Presets first especially since if a preset is chosen, it wipes out any previous edits.
There is plenty planned for Luminar Neo in the near future (see below), but the present version is not yet a replacement for Luminar 4 in my option. Time will tell, but given you cannot purchase Luminar 4, this would be your best option for now.
Upcoming enhancements and features coming to Luminar Neo
Mask AI — Smart AI-based masking that detects specific elements in an image
Portrait Background Removal AI — Smart AI-based removal of the background behind a portrait without manual masking
Histogram
Clone & Stamp
Dodge & Burn
Undo and Redo
More Hotkeys
Copy and Paste functionality for Adjustments
More functionality when using Masking (Copy/Paste, Pen Pressure for Radius/Opacity, and Linear/Radial gradient)
There are also a few known issues that will be resolved shortly. They include:
LUTs are not applied on hover in the Mood tool
Erase steps in History may show wrong states
On macOS, the context menu is currently absent in Single Image
View for both the Catalog and Edit tabs
In the next updates, Luminar Neo will support Catalog migration. You will be able to smoothly migrate your Catalogs from Luminar 4 and Luminar AI into Luminar Neo.
All the Presets users have bought to use in Luminar Neo will be available in Skylum Account soon. To ensure the highest quality of Presets and their smooth performance in the app, some Presets are in the final testing stage and need a bit more time to be ready.
In March, Skylum will provide users with a special utility to convert custom Templates into a Luminar Neo-compatible format.
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Skylum’s Luminar Neo has been released as of 2/17/2022
Release pricing and options.
You have the option to choose between a 1-year subscription or a lifetime license of Luminar Neo. Details on pricing and what is offered are.
Subscription includes ⚬ All future updates ⚬ All new feature add-ons ⚬ Workflow designed for creative photo editing ⚬ Unique AI tools to simplify repetitive tasks ⚬ Built-in library of Textures & Overlays ⚬ 30-day money-back guarantee ⚬ 24/7 technical support
Lifetime license
Luminar Neo 1 seat for $79
Luminar Neo 2 seats for $99
Lifetime license includes ⚬ Update with AI Masking and Portrait Background Removal ⚬ Performance and stability updates ⚬ Workflow designed for creative photo editing ⚬ Built-in library of Textures & Overlays ⚬ Unique AI tools to simplify repetitive tasks ⚬ Lifetime license ⚬ 30-day money-back guarantee ⚬ 24/7 technical support
Lifetime license offer for users who own Luminar or Aurora pricing is
More to come on Luminar Neo at a later date once I’ve had some more time to test things out. There has already been a dot release for Luminar Neo, so if you have already purchased, make sure to check for updates in the app.
I usually don’t post vendor emails or notices directly here, but this one is important for users of select GFX and X series Fuji camera that also use Mac OS as it could lead to a loss of your valuable images.
Important notice for consumers processing FUJIFILM digital camera files using macOS
FUJIFILM Corporation has identified a firmware incompatibility between specific X Series and GFX System cameras and computers operating macOS. This incompatibility can result in macOS users being unable to directly access files if they were initially saved to SDXC memory cards in-camera.
To prevent this anomaly, Fujifilm is creating a firmware patch, which will be made available for free download by X Series and GFX System users as soon as it is completed.
READ THE NOTICE to see if your particular camera is effected.
Although a fix is in the works, it is not here yet. Read the notice above to determine if it effects your camera and what precautions you can take now to avoid losing your images.
If you plan to order, don’t forget to use my On1 Coupon Code of MDODD20 to save up to an extra 20% even on this pre-order.
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Skylum is continuing it’s Pre-Oder offers for Luminar Neo
What is Luminar Neo
It is a creative image editor that is powered by AI technologies. They are building upon the AI technologies that currently exist in Luminar AI but tout this as AI technologies of the future that enable you to fulfill your wildest ideas. Along with the AI technologies it includes a flexible workflow, high-quality editing results. It is based on an entirely new software engine to accomplish your creative tasks with maximum performance and flexibility.
What’s New
Layers – let you effortlessly combine two or more images and manipulate them to achieve your desired effect. – Yes Layers are back in Luminar Neo
Portrait Background RemovalAI – allows you to remove an unwanted background from your portrait in seconds thanks to AI.
RelightAI – is a tool for controlling the light in your photos based on image depth as determined by AI, allowing you to easily and effortlessly fix photos that need fill lighting.
MaskAI – allows you to easily detect and select elements of your photo for precise control over how tools are applied.
Pre-Order
This product is due to ship sometime this winter at the moment, and thus that can mean late 2021 or earlier 2022 at this point. This early bird pricing is has ended and they are now on their standard Pre-Order pricing.
This product is due to ship sometime this winter at the moment, and thus that can mean late 2021 or earlier 2022 at this point, but if you want to pre-order at the best possible pricing, that can be done now. This early bird pricing is limited to the first 30,000 orders worldwide. After that, back up to regular pricing for the pre-order
By pre-ordering you will also get early access to the software as they will release it to you first.
Coupon codes like mine will not be usable during the pre-order period as they are already giving you the best price possible.
$44 for 1-seat license for Luminar Neo $59 for 2-seats license for Luminar Neo
$73 for 1-seat license for Luminar AI + Luminar Neo $98 for 2-seats license for Luminar AI + Luminar Neo
Seats are defined as the number of computers that the app can be installed on.
Sample images
Below are sample images using Luminar AI and the type of imagery that Skylum envisions you can create with the all-new Luminar Neo and shows some of the new features in Luminar Neo
Features
Some before and after samples of the various features.
Open window to the back yard with blue wall.
Open window to the back yard with blue wall.
Palouse Landscape in November, WA
Palouse Landscape in November, WA
Traveler Photograph Journey Tourist Girl Lady Concept
Traveler Photograph Journey Tourist Girl Lady Concept
As with most pre-order products, my coupon code does not work for Luminar Neo, but if you are adding Luminar AI or Aurora HDR, please use the Coupon Code of MARKDODD
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Although the ability to replace skies has been doable for years, up until recently it required some serious Photo editing skills in either Photoshop or other editor of yours choice.
I’m not saying it is a bad thing that the new programs make it easier so that everyone can do it, but I do think sometimes people do it just because they can. The Sun Rays phase was another good example of doing it just because it was there. I saw multiple photos where the adding of Sun Rays did nothing to add to the overall view of their photo. In some cases, it was actually rather distracting.
Now I personally do not replace skies in my images, yet, but I so see when there is a case for it. But that is it, I would only do the replacement if it is absolutely necessary to create the vision of the image that you want.
I can see one scenario when you might want to replace the sky is if you are on a travel trip or somewhere you know you will not be back for a while or you won’t be back to at all and the sky is very boring such as a cloudless sky. Then I would consider it since it is a case you would not be able to return to get a better sky.
But if you do need to replace the sky, pay attention to what is in the image and the over all view and the light of the image.
I have seen several shots in photography groups I belong to on the web where the tone of the clouds added does not match the rest of the scene. Such as the clouds are the warm color of a sunset, but the foreground is a cool color. Another bad placement is when you see the light coming from one direction on the ground and another in the clouds. (pay attention to shadows and bright spots). If you replace your sky you want to pick a sky that matches the rest of the scene in tone and in the direction of the light.
So before you jump on the sky replacement bandwagon, take a serious look at your image. Does it really need to have the sky replace? Asked yourself, will my image be enhanced by a new sky. Once you have decided that make sure to check that the tone and light direction of the sky you have chosen as a replacement match the rest of your image. Some software like Luminar AI can assist you with matching the tone of your replacement sky to the tone of your image along with helping with water reflections.
In short, don’t use a new sky replacement feature just because it is there, think about how the feature will enhance your photograph. That pretty much goes for all the other options that you have, just because it is there doesn’t mean you have to use it on every single photo.
Since this is just an opinion piece, I do welcome your thoughts, just leave a comment below Do you agree with my thoughts?. I only ask you to be courteous in your statements but all options are welcome.
OK, back to your regular scheduled programming as they use to say.
I haven’t been out on a photography only trip in awhile, so even when I just go out for other reasons I try to take my camera with me now.
So on a recent trip to a relatives house, on the way back I decided to take a new route home and was finally able to get some round bales in the field. Why I say finally is the farmers around here are just to quick for me. They have been baling their hay and picking it up as they go.
Round Bales in the Field
Other news
On another front, I am now able to offer those that are interested in On1 products such as On1 Photo Raw 2021 or an On1 Plus subscription, or even the brand new On1 No Noise AI application that is releasing this month a bigger discount.
I am now able to offer you a 30% off order discount. This is the first time they have offered such a high discount for a coupon code, so I’d say if you are interested, use it now, as they may reduce it on me at any time.
Use On1 Coupon code of MDODD20 to get your 30% off.
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
Disclaimer: I may affiliate with a product mentioned on this page. As a result, I may receive some compensation from the vendor. This affiliation does not influence any of my commentary on any product that I may write about, nor does clicking on the affiliate links cost you anything, in fact, you may save some money.
It’s Memorial Day weekend 2021. We have made it through to the end of May and the unofficial beginning of summer. On this holiday weekend, photography and utility software vendors are offering specials on their software or soon-to-be-released products. Since there are many, I’m just going to summaries them for you here.
This new product from On1 is separate from On1 Photo Raw and is dedicated Noise reduction software. Current owners of On1 products can pre-order at $30 off using the coupon code of “NONOISE30″ which expires May 31, 2021. It will ship in June of 2021.
As a member of the Carroll County Artists Guild, I’m participating in their exhibit at the Carroll County Artists Council. A collection of works created by members of the Carroll County Artists Guild.
