We invite you to join us for Boosting Your Photoshop Workflow with New Technology with Richard Harrington How can AI, LUTs, and Tone mapping improve your images? Live Video Event in the Photoshop and Photography Group Saturday, February 16th at 11 AM Pacific Time. Join us here – https://www.facebook.com/events/376493476476815/ Would you like to dramatically improve how you work in Photoshop or Lightroom? In this Live Video event, you’ll learn how new and emerging technology can dramatically improve your photos. Join Rich Harrington as he … [Read more...] about Free Photoshop Webinar Today
Skylum
How to remove background distractions
Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, there are distracting elements in the background of your photos. As photographers, we do our best to fix these distractions while we are shooting, but some slip through. Here’s how to remove distracting elements in an image by replacing them with sections of the background. I'm using Luminar 3 from Skylum Software for this example. You can use any image editing software that has layers. Step 1: Prepare the image by cropping and applying a few development enhancements. Step 2: Duplicate the background … [Read more...] about How to remove background distractions
Tips to recover tough exposures
Sometimes, even the best of us have to deal with underexposed images. Here is a comparison between three popular RAW developing software plus important tips to help us in our quest to recover tough exposure! Starting point Bad location or bad lighting can leave us with tough exposures to recover. Fortunately, RAW files can be modified and enhanced with good developing software. With so many of them available on the market, it isn't always easy to know which one suits best our needs. I got into the game and edited the same image with three … [Read more...] about Tips to recover tough exposures
JPEG editing: from “oh …” to “OMG!” with Aurora HDR 2019
Have you snapped some lower resolution images with your smartphone and you'd like to give them a little (make that BIG) kick to catch all the attention on social media? Here's a 2-minute trick to go from flat to fabulous. Whether you are an amateur or a pro photographer, we all end up taking pictures with our iPhone or Android at some point. It's always with us, always ready, even when we are not! Understand that I do personally prefer taking pictures with my camera when I plan to take some. Sometimes, however, wonderful and unexpected things … [Read more...] about JPEG editing: from “oh …” to “OMG!” with Aurora HDR 2019
Editing hundreds of images in minutes with Luminar’s batch processing
Batch processing is a huge time saver in my editing workflow. It allows me to be more efficient and deliver images faster to my clients with the exact look, format and size I want. No doubt after reading this, you'll fall in love with this process too! What is batch processing? Batch processing is an automated action that allows us to apply a Look to multiple images in a single click. It's a tremendous and easy way to edit hundreds — thousands! — of images with the same unique and seamless look at once. Why do I use it? When I have hundreds … [Read more...] about Editing hundreds of images in minutes with Luminar’s batch processing
Repairing skies with AI Sky Enhancer in Luminar 3
In this article, I'm going to show you how Luminar's AI Sky Enhancer works with some examples. This amazing tool works with just one slider. What is AI Sky Enhancer? The new AI Sky Enhancer is a filter using Luminar's AI technology that will make your skies look better with one slider. The good news is that it does this, in most cases, without adding artifacts or making the sky look artificial or weird. It does an amazing job at doing this, even when you have things like buildings, bridges and foliage with the sky behind them in your … [Read more...] about Repairing skies with AI Sky Enhancer in Luminar 3
Bringing depth to a long exposure with Aurora HDR 2019
Back in August, I went out to the lakeshore — Grand Haven, MI to be exact — with hopes to photograph the waves and sunset coming in. It was at the tail end of a wind storm that lasted a few days, and this was my second trip out to the lakeshore to capture it. But that night, the waves were a bit more subdued. And, just my luck, it started to get really hazy. My goal of photographing the Grand Haven lighthouse with the sunset in the background wasn't meant to be. So I decided to change my approach. I was out photographing with Olympus … [Read more...] about Bringing depth to a long exposure with Aurora HDR 2019
Fixing images with Accent AI in Luminar 3
Luminar 3's Accent AI is a great filter to explore with any of your photographs. It can be especially helpful with photographs where you have underexposed or overexposed them or have some other problems with them. Maybe you have a sky that is too bright so you lose detail in the sky or you have shadows that are too dark and lose detail there. The real advantage of using Accent AI is that it can quickly fix many of those issues and you have a photograph you are happy with or it quickly provides you with a starting place where you can make use of … [Read more...] about Fixing images with Accent AI in Luminar 3
How to sync adjustments in Luminar 3
Luminar 3 is now available! For a limited time, you can receive an additional $10 off, plus a ton of bonuses! Click here to get started, and use the promo code PHOTOFOCUS. Offer ends Dec. 19 at 5 a.m. PT. If you already have Luminar 2018, login to your account at skylum.com to upgrade for free. I often find myself batch editing a lot of my work. As an event photographer, I promise a 48-hour turnaround on photos, which means the pressure is on. Anything I can do to ease that burden will help me get ahead! Take this photoshoot I recently … [Read more...] about How to sync adjustments in Luminar 3
Exclusive: Get $10 off Luminar 3
For a limited time, you can receive an additional $10 off Luminar 3, AND receive all of the pre-order bonuses! Included are: 2-month KelbyOne membership 3-month ViewBug membership Daniel Kordan Awesome Landscapes tutorial Choice of a free RockyNook eBook $20 gift card from Manfrotto and Gitzo, when you spend $120 $300 off a multi-day Iceland tour Get started and grab your copy of Luminar 3 today! Enter the promo code PHOTOFOCUS during checkout to receive the extra savings. Hurry — offer ends on Dec. 19, 2018 at 5 … [Read more...] about Exclusive: Get $10 off Luminar 3
Understanding Luminar 3 in five minutes or less
Luminar 3 is now available! For a limited time, you can receive an additional $10 off, plus a ton of bonuses! Click here to get started, and use the promo code PHOTOFOCUS. Offer ends Dec. 19 at 5 a.m. PT. If you already have Luminar 2018, login to your account at skylum.com to upgrade for free. Learning new software can be challenging and frustrating. This can cause some users not to upgrade or try something new even if it’s better than what they are using. Here's how to understand Luminar 3 in five minutes or less to start processing your … [Read more...] about Understanding Luminar 3 in five minutes or less
Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 2
This article consists of 2 parts. This is part 2 of 2. Read part 1. In this 2 part article, we're going to explore creating a 3 image HDR in Aurora 2019. I’m using RAW photographs from my Inspire 2 X5S camera shot in DNG RAW shooting AEB (auto exposure bracketing) mode taking 3 photographs. One challenge in shooting multiple exposures with a drone is that there can be a slight change of position between the photographs, even at faster shutter speeds because of GPS drift, wind, and other variables. Because of this, I will use a high ghost … [Read more...] about Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 2
How to NOT ruin real estate HDR’s
I recently bought a house, so I was looking at loads of real estate pictures. Most are simply informative pictures, and most are made with a smartphone. Real estate pictures can be fun to make, however, and when done well they can help sell a house more quickly. HDR is a great tool to make good real estate photos, but if you let your imagination run away you can end up with a picture that belongs more on a movie poster than the MLS. Let me share a few ideas to help you make the most of your HDR's for real estate. Time of day As with all … [Read more...] about How to NOT ruin real estate HDR’s
Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 1
This article consists of 2 parts. This is part 1 of 2. In this 2 part article, we're going to explore creating a 3 image HDR merge in Aurora HDR 2019. I’m using RAW photographs from my Inspire 2 X5S camera shot in DNG RAW shooting AEB (auto exposure bracketing) mode taking 3 photographs. One challenge in shooting multiple exposures with a drone is that there can be a slight change of position between the photographs, even at faster shutter speeds because of GPS drift, wind, and other variables. Because of this, I will use a high ghost … [Read more...] about Aerial HDR Photography using a UAV with Aurora HDR 2019, part 1
Luminar 3 First Look video and exclusive deal
We've got an in-depth look at what Luminar 3 can do with Photofocus Publisher Rich Harrington. https://youtu.be/TcThfN1rKbM Plus Save $20 on Luminar 3 — https://photofocus.tips/L3Special Join Richard Harrington as he walks you through a detailed overview of getting results with Luminar 3. You'll learn how to set up a library, use workspaces, get results with filters and harness artificial intelligence. You'll also discover how Luminar works as a plugin with Lightroom Classic and Photoshop. Rich is the publisher of Photofocus.com and also … [Read more...] about Luminar 3 First Look video and exclusive deal
First look at the new Luminar 3 with Libraries
Skylum Software is releasing the much talked about photo editing tool, Luminar 3 on Dec. 18, 2018. Luminar 3 is an all-in-one photo app designed to offers everything a modern photographer needs for photo editing. That sounds great, but what makes this version special is Skylum has added the number one most requested feature from users; the ability to organize and view their images. This added feature is a game changer for experienced users looking for an alternative to their current editing tools and it’s a simple solution for photographers … [Read more...] about First look at the new Luminar 3 with Libraries
Finishing color photos for perfect tones in black and white
Like many of you, I started photography learning to shoot and process black and white in high school. It was amazing to see a photograph materialize in the chemicals, and it was incredible how much detail I could see in the scenes. Back then I only shot 35mm Tri-X film, but the tones and contrasts were captivating. Now, using tone mapping on a single image I can get similar tones. The details Aurora HDR 2019 can reveal are incredible. I'll use this panorama from Montana to show demonstrate. I shot it with a 200mm lens on my Lumix … [Read more...] about Finishing color photos for perfect tones in black and white
Last chance — get Luminar and Aurora HDR on sale!
See all the holiday deals and our favorite gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide! Skylum is still offering the best deal you can get on all of its software. But hurry, these deals are only available through today! Luminar and Aurora Skylum is offering a Luminar and Aurora HDR Bundle for just $119, which gives you a $49 discount off the retail price! Click here to learn more and get started. Luminar 2018 Skylum is also offering a $49 special on Luminar 2018, which comes with a special Black Friday Creative Collection of bonuses: 1 year of … [Read more...] about Last chance — get Luminar and Aurora HDR on sale!
Last chance to save BIG on Photolemur 3
See all the deals and our favorite gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide! Photolemur 3 makes your photos perfect with cutting-edge AI technology that automatically analyzes and adjusts your photos to restore lost details, boost lighting and increase color. It also comes with a ton of styles to make your images unique to you. Photolemur is offering 83% off through Nov. 28, 2018, and better yet, it comes with a FREE Picaboo photo book — a $50 value. Perfect for making all your Christmas memories awesome! The deal also includes three new … [Read more...] about Last chance to save BIG on Photolemur 3
Time is running out! Take advantage of cyber savings on Luminar and Aurora HDR
See all the holiday deals and our favorite gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide! Skylum is still offering the best deal you can get on its Luminar 2018 and Aurora HDR 2019 software. Through Nov. 28, 2018, you can get a Luminar and Aurora HDR Bundle for just $119 — that's $49 off the retail price! In addition to that, Skylum is offering a $49 special on Luminar 2018, which comes with a special Black Friday Creative Collection of bonuses. Click here to learn more and see all that you get! You'll also get a free upgrade to Luminar 3 when it … [Read more...] about Time is running out! Take advantage of cyber savings on Luminar and Aurora HDR
Save big on Luminar and Aurora HDR
See all the Cyber Monday deals and our favorite gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide! Now's the perfect chance to get some great Skylum software at a discounted price. Skylum is offering sales on both Luminar and Aurora HDR products. Deals are available through Nov. 28, 2018. Luminar 2018 Luminar is a great all-in-one editing tool, offering RAW processing filters like you're used to, but also tools like Accent AI Filter, AI Sky Enhancer, Foliage Enhancer, Sunrays and more. New users can purchase Luminar 2018 for just $49 through … [Read more...] about Save big on Luminar and Aurora HDR
Save 83% on Photolemur 3
See all the deals and our favorite gifts in our Holiday Gift Guide! Photomeur 3 makes your photos perfect with cutting-edge AI technology that automatically analyzes and adjusts your photos to restore lost details, boost lighting and increase color. It also comes with a ton of styles to make your images unique to you. Photolemur is offering 83% off through Nov. 28, 2018, and better yet, it comes with a FREE Picaboo photo book — a $50 value. Perfect for making all your Christmas memories awesome! The deal also includes three new … [Read more...] about Save 83% on Photolemur 3
Understanding and creating Aurora HDR 2019 Looks
Think of Aurora's Looks like a recipe you would find in a cookbook. You follow the instructions describing how to combine ingredients, prepare the food and then cook it to make a meal. Along the way, you learned how each ingredient affected the flavor. You experiment by adding or removing ingredients and now the recipe has become your own. Sounds delicious right? Well, instead of a cooking lesson, that's the concept behind understanding and create Aurora HDR Looks. What are Aurora HDR Looks Aurora HDR Looks are made up filters whose settings … [Read more...] about Understanding and creating Aurora HDR 2019 Looks
Using LUTs in Aurora HDR 2019
You’ll find Aurora HDR 2019 at a special price along with a bundle of training videos, Looks, and LUTs designed for Photofocus readers, here. The new Aurora HDR 2019 offers you many new features one of which is the ability to use LUTs in processing your photographs. In this article, I'm going to take a look at the new feature and I will be using this image with Aurora HDR 2019 initial processing on it, but I will not make any other changes. Then I will apply 9 different look up tables or LUTs to it so you can see how much variety LUTs can … [Read more...] about Using LUTs in Aurora HDR 2019
EyeEm and Skylum team up for photography scholarship
Premium stock provider EyeEm and Skylum, makers of Luminar and Aurora HDR, have teamed up to offer a photography scholarship. Ten talented photographers will be selected to share their editing style in a special edition EyeEm Creators preset pack on the Skylum Marketplace. The chosen photographers will also receive $1000 each to support their work and create own preset to be sold by Skylum. Revenue from preset sales will be shared with the creator, supporting their future works. EyeEm registered users are eligible for submission, which is … [Read more...] about EyeEm and Skylum team up for photography scholarship
How to use Luminar’s looks to be creative differently
If you subscribe to the Photofocus newsletter, then you just got an announcement about a huge pack of looks for Luminar that add all the looks from Skylum's wonderful Tonality plugin to Luminar. Tonality is a tool made especially for black and white finishing and it used to be my favorite black and white tool — now I use it in Luminar. This pack of looks gives you a whole bunch of options to instantly create various looks in your black and white photos. But why should you use looks? My question is, why would you want to use a look that makes … [Read more...] about How to use Luminar’s looks to be creative differently
Free Luminar 2018 update: Get the new AI Sky Enhancer filter
(Editor's note: Rich Harrington is both the publisher of Photofocus and also offers consulting services to Skylum to help them improve their software.) I am super excited today about a brand new filter called AI Sky Enhancer. What's it do? That's simple, it makes skies look AMAZING. How Do You Get AI Sky Enhancer? The new AI Sky Enhancer filter is part of Luminar 2018. It's included in the 1.4 free update released on November 1, 2018. If you already own Luminar just launch the application or plugin and follow the update … [Read more...] about Free Luminar 2018 update: Get the new AI Sky Enhancer filter
Hands-on with Luminar’s new AI Sky Enhancer
Earlier today, Skylum released a Luminar update that adds a new AI Sky Enhancer feature. As a photographer in less-than-sunny Michigan, I was pretty excited to hear this, as it would make boosting my sky much, much easier. I was able to play around with the tool in advance of its release, and I must say it's downright impressive. No more blown-out skies In the past, I'd use a workflow to either replace the sky in Luminar, or use Luminar's gradient tool to tone down the highlights and increase the saturation and contrast in the sky. While … [Read more...] about Hands-on with Luminar’s new AI Sky Enhancer
Luminar gets a tonal makeover for B&W photographers
A few years back, a company called Macphun (which has evolved into Skylum) released a very popular application called Tonality. It offered a complete workflow for black and white and color-toned photographs. < One of the things that made Tonality so popular was its incredible monochrome presets. But this app is Mac-only. It also doesn't have as many controls as Luminar for adjusting raw photos or enhancing details. Plus Tonality is a legacy product, which means no more updates.\ The perfect solution It turns out that Luminar has every … [Read more...] about Luminar gets a tonal makeover for B&W photographers
Tonight’s the night — join us for a NYC photowalk!
We hope you can join us tonight, Oct. 26, for a New York City photowalk! We'll start in Times Square, help each other make great pictures and have a fun time in the Big Apple. We'll begin in Times Square and venture upon some of the iconic places within walking distance. We'll have trial units and prizes from our friends at Lume Cube to help us make pictures like never before. We'll use these to photograph buildings, people — even cops — as we walk around. Several of our Photofocus authors and publisher, Richard Harrington, will be there. We … [Read more...] about Tonight’s the night — join us for a NYC photowalk!
