We're introducing a COOL new feature for Photofocus readers. A free preset and LUT each week. Normally these will be newsletter exclusives (be sure to sign up for our newsletter below). But for the month of June, we'll post them on our site for free. Starting July 1 though, you must subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get them. Tokyo Nights This week's preset is the perfect boost for shadowy images. Add warm light and a gentle lift. What's in the pack Adobe Camera Raw Creative Profile – Works in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Camera … [Read more...] about Free Preset of the Week – Tokyo Nights
Skylum
How I use Accent AI with AI Sky Enhancer
I would like to show you how I use Accent AI and AI Sky Enhancer filters together to fix a blown out sky. Along the way, I’ll show you a few other neat tricks. I’ve outlined a cheat sheet as a reference after you watch the video. Let’s get started. First, launch Photoshop and open an image. Convert the layer to a Smart Object Launch Luminar Flex Add both Accent AI and AI Sky Enhancer filters Start with AI Sky Enhancer and go to an extreme setting then dial it back Do the same for Accent AI Look over the image to see … [Read more...] about How I use Accent AI with AI Sky Enhancer
Free Preset of the Week – Wicked Game
We're introducing a COOL new feature for Photofocus readers. A free preset and LUT each week. Normally these will be newsletter exclusives (be sure to sign up for our newsletter below). But for the month of June, we'll post them on our site for free. Starting July 1 though, you must subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get them. Wicked Game This week's preset is the perfect boost for shadowy images. Add warm light and a gentle lift. What's in the pack Adobe Camera Raw Creative Profile – Works in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Camera … [Read more...] about Free Preset of the Week – Wicked Game
Single image HDR: The sundae technique
If you're just like me, you don't walk around your photoshoots with a tripod and don't (or can't) take multiple images to create a bracketed HDR. Well, good news my friends, we don't have to do it anymore either! Today, I'm showing how to create kick-ass HDR with single images (while having a little fun on the way). Ready? To your spoons everyone! HDR editing was originally created by merging multiple images to obtain maximum details from the expanded dynamic range. You know the technique: An underexposed, correctly exposed and overexposed … [Read more...] about Single image HDR: The sundae technique
Open, process and manage images using Luminar’s Quick Edit command
Luminar has a really cool Quick Edit command that lets you edit a single image or several images, but not add or import them into your library. This is great in situations where someone wants you to develop a few of their photos or even when you have a photo you want to quickly process, but not have it remain in your Luminar Library after you are done editing it. Here's how to process an image using Luminar's Quick Edit command without adding it to your Luminar Library. Where is the Quick Edit image stored? When you open an image in Quick … [Read more...] about Open, process and manage images using Luminar’s Quick Edit command
Luminar sees speed boosts, improved navigation in latest update
This morning, Skylum introduced Luminar 3.1.1, its latest update to its photo editing and management software. Included in this version is navigation, speed and usability enhancements for both Mac and Windows versions. Luminar is Skylum's full-packaged photo editing and management software, and includes a fully-functional library that helps you organize your photos. Skylum also offers Luminar Flex a plugin that integrates with applications like Photoshop and Lightroom Classic, allowing users to take advantage of the Luminar editing tools … [Read more...] about Luminar sees speed boosts, improved navigation in latest update
Free Preset of the Week – Matte Look
We're introducing a COOL new feature for Photofocus readers. A free preset and LUT each week. Normally these will be newsletter exclusives (be sure to sign up for our newsletter below). But for the month of June, we'll post them on our site for free. Starting July 1 though, you must subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get them. Matte Look This week's preset is the perfect boost for shadowy images. Add warm light and a gentle lift. What's in the pack Adobe Camera Raw Creative Profile – Works in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Camera … [Read more...] about Free Preset of the Week – Matte Look
Using Aurora HDR for black and white in architectural photographs
When we think of HDR and architecture we tend to think of real estate photography, we also tend to think of it in color. Here are a few ways you can use Skylum’s Aurora HDR to edit your architectural shots in black and white. For this image, I decided to start with an Architecture preset in Aurora. I used the Bright Exterior Look to start. What I discovered is that I had to zero out the saturation first, then apply preset and then zero out the saturation again. If I clicked on the preset first and then moved saturation to zero it left … [Read more...] about Using Aurora HDR for black and white in architectural photographs
Using Accent AI 2.0 and other AI tools to enhance landscapes in Luminar
In this article, I'm going to show you an example of how I use the AI tools found in Luminar 3.1.0 to enhance landscapes and in particular, how the new Accent AI 2.0 filter does a much better job than the original Accent AI did. We'll also take a look at the AI Sky Enhancer, Foliage Enhancer and Sunrays filters, which also use AI (artificial intelligence) to enhance their results with your photographs. So what's different about Accent AI 2.0 over Accent AI 1? What I'm seeing is that Accent AI 2.0 does a much better job at analyzing the … [Read more...] about Using Accent AI 2.0 and other AI tools to enhance landscapes in Luminar
Free Preset of the Week – Warm Sunset
We're introducing a COOL new feature for Photofocus readers. A free preset and LUT each week. Normally these will be newsletter exclusives (be sure to sign up for our newsletter below). But for the month of June, we'll post them on our site for free. Starting July 1 though, you must subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get them. Warm Sunset This week's preset is the perfect boost for shadowy images. Add warm light and a gentle lift. What's in the pack Adobe Camera Raw Creative Profile – Works in Lightroom, Photoshop and Camera Raw … [Read more...] about Free Preset of the Week – Warm Sunset
How I boost shadows and recover details in my images
When I shoot events, I rarely have great (let alone perfect) lighting. That's why I had to find an efficient way to edit my photos that could get the most out of my RAW files. Here's one of my favorite technique to boost shadows, recover details in highlights and bring my very own style to my images. My secret weapon: Aurora HDR 2019 When I am in very difficult lighting conditions — be it bright sunlight or harsh indoors light — I have to get over it and do my job anyway. I know I'll have to deal with it later in post-production but that … [Read more...] about How I boost shadows and recover details in my images
Explore HDR photography with a free trial of Aurora HDR 2019
High dynamic range photography (HDR) allows exploration of the possibility within a single or a bracketed series of RAW or JPEG images. While the HDR merge ability is built into Lightroom, the creative possibilities aren't available. Here's an opportunity to explore Aurora HDR 2019 absolutely free of charge. Best of all, no credit card is required. This is a limited time offer from Skylum. Quickstart articles Photofocus is all about free education for photographers. Here are three articles to help you explore Aurora HDR 2019: Get the … [Read more...] about Explore HDR photography with a free trial of Aurora HDR 2019
Best organizational practices for Luminar 3 catalogs
In addition to being an excellent image post processing tool, Skylum's Luminar 3 is also a digital asset management tool. As with any photo organization tool, users should put some thought into the organization of the images on their hard drive before getting too far along with the software. A poorly-organized hard drive can make finding and working on your photographs a nightmare. One of the neat things about the new version of Luminar is that it combines many of the best features of a browser and a catalog into one software package. This … [Read more...] about Best organizational practices for Luminar 3 catalogs
How to get the most detail in a wildlife portrait
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-k83SZd8zs Learn how to bring out the most detail in wildlife or portraits. Check out Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear and how they can help Photoshop or Lightroom users. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about How to get the most detail in a wildlife portrait
Using Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear for better street photography
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNT16gTY7VY Learn how to capture better street photographs using bracketed images for the best image in Aurora HDR. Then hand off to Perfectly Clear for fantastic finishing touches. Both tools work as standalone applications and plugins for tools like Photoshop and Lightroom. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about Using Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear for better street photography
RAW Develop vs. Accent AI 2.0 in Luminar 3.1.0
I have been a proponent of shooting RAW since the beginning of digital photography. In the early days, there wasn't a choice. Cameras shot RAW, period. Processing RAW for me was all part of the deal for photographing with a digital camera. Things have come a long way since the early days in the late '90s. It starts with exposure The predominant challenge facing photographers today is getting a "correct" exposure using auto modes. "Auto" usually renders a scene containing significant bright areas darker than reality while scenes with large … [Read more...] about RAW Develop vs. Accent AI 2.0 in Luminar 3.1.0
Great landscape photos with Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear
Join photographer Rich Harrington as he shows you how to bring out the most detail in a landscape scene. He'll walk you through the Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear workflows. Both work as standalone applications and plugins for tools like Photoshop and Lightroom. Save on both here – https://photofocus.tips/2EmahkX … [Read more...] about Great landscape photos with Aurora HDR and Perfectly Clear
What’s the difference between Luminar 3.1.0 & Luminar Flex?
The photo above shows that Luminar is a great photo editing solution. It is fast and has AI-driven image enhancements for pros and amateurs alike. Luminar 3.1.0 or Luminar Flex? What is the difference anyway? Standalone version or plugin? The biggest difference between these two amazing photo editing packages is that Luminar 3.1.0 is a standalone product while Luminar Flex is a plugin for other photo editing programs. Luminar Flex is tested and works in Photoshop, Lightroom Classic, Apple Aperture and Mac Photos. Luminar 3.1.0 doesn't need a … [Read more...] about What’s the difference between Luminar 3.1.0 & Luminar Flex?
Integrating Aurora HDR into your photo editing workflow
I use Lightroom Classic for the vast majority of my post-processing work. I like to use the software package as my overall working hub and then shoot images out to other programs as necessary. As long as the images come back into Lightroom then it is easy for me to always find them and organize them into folders, collections and slideshows. I’ve been using HDR software for quite a number of years including programs such as Nik HDR Efex Pro, Photomatix Pro, Photoshop and Lightroom’s HDR processing tools. This newest version of Aurora HDR is a … [Read more...] about Integrating Aurora HDR into your photo editing workflow
Utilizing Luminar’s Accent AI 2.0 for portrait retouching
Skylum Software’s latest update to Luminar 3 includes an all-new “human aware” Accent AI 2.0. The previous version did a great job automatically improving color, detail, tone and depth of an image but now, the new version pushes its artificial intelligence further by recognizing people in the photo and providing skin tone adjustments selectively for a more natural look. Here’s why the new Accent AI 2.0 is great for portraits. Quickly developing a portrait As a member of Skylum’s Education Development team, I received an early look at Accent … [Read more...] about Utilizing Luminar’s Accent AI 2.0 for portrait retouching
Using Aurora HDR in a smart object in Photoshop
In this video, I'm going to show you how you can use Aurora HDR 2019 as a smart filter in a smart object in Photoshop on a Mac. The reason I want to be able to use Aurora HDR as a smart filter is that in my workflow, I create a certain look in my photograph using Aurora HDR, I sit with the results and then come back in and fine-tune those settings. When I use Aurora HDR this way, all the settings that I set originally as still there. All I need to do is double click Aurora HDR and it will open with the original settings and I can edit them and … [Read more...] about Using Aurora HDR in a smart object in Photoshop
Accent AI 2.0 with Luminar Looks
The recent Accent AI 2.0 release in Skylum’s Luminar 3.1.0 means an update to the Luminar Looks presets as well. I thought I’d just take you through a few images to show you the difference in the Luminar 2018 Accent AI version and the new Accent AI 2.0 version. This set of the penguin is using the Winter Collection Crisp & Clear preset. The differences are subtle but the Luminar 3 Accent AI 2.0 version is a little bit brighter and more detailed than the 2018 version. The image was taken with the Canon EOS 6D and the Tamron 100-400mm … [Read more...] about Accent AI 2.0 with Luminar Looks
Aurora HDR 2019 dynamic range for resort & real estate photography
When HDR software first came out I wasn’t a big fan. Mostly due to people overcooking the images with effects and saturation. The other problem was the selection algorithms were off leaving halos which were especially noticeable around the horizon and skylines of images. Aurora HDR 2019 and resort photography The programmers became better and the processing became more intuitive and I came to embrace the use of HDR software more often. When Macphun, (now Skylum) came out with Aurora HDR 2017 I was pleasantly surprised by how much more … [Read more...] about Aurora HDR 2019 dynamic range for resort & real estate photography
Live Webinar: Expanded dynamic range photography
VP of Product Management for Skylum Software, Rich Harrington unlocks secrets for creating truly astounding results using Aurora HDR as a plugin for Photoshop and Lightroom. Join the webinar Wednesday, April 24, 2019 12:00 p.m. EDT/9:00 a.m. PDT Register now for the information-packed webinar. Aurora HDR: Hows and whys of extended dynamic range Rich takes participants in this webinar beyond shoving sliders and explores the hows and whys of Aurora HDR for improving photographs and extending the dynamic range of individual images or on HDR … [Read more...] about Live Webinar: Expanded dynamic range photography
Free webinar on Luminar Flex
We're partnering with the great folks in the Photoshop and Photography Facebook community to bring you a great event. Join Richard Harrington, publisher of Photofocus as he unlocks new workflows for Photoshop and Lightroom users with Luminar Flex. Boosting Photoshop and Lightroom with AI and Luminar Flex Signup Here Live Video Event in the Photoshop and Photography Group on Saturday, April 20th at 10 AM Pacific In this workshop, you’ll learn how to supercharge your Photoshop and Lightroom workflow. Learn how to get the most out of every … [Read more...] about Free webinar on Luminar Flex
Join Skylum for a real estate and architecture webinar
This Wednesday, April 17, be sure to mark your calendars for Skylum's live webinar with Master of Photography Steve Rutherford. It all starts at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT. Steve will cover various topics surrounding real estate and architecture photography, including: What the real estate industry demands from our photography What’s needed to start in real estate photography and the gear you’ll need Engaging with the agent or customer Why lighting is not the most important thing in real estate photography Ensuring image … [Read more...] about Join Skylum for a real estate and architecture webinar
Get started in real estate and architecture photography with a Skylum webinar
If you've been wanting to take the plunge into real estate and architecture photography, now's your chance! Join Steve Rutherford, Master of Photography, for a special Skylum webinar on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m. EDT / 4 p.m. PDT. With a long list of awards, high demand for his creative vision and hundreds seeking his training courses and seminars, Steve is clearly a photographic professional on the move. He is recognized as a Master of Photography in New Zealand and an Associate of the Australian Institute of Professional Photography. … [Read more...] about Get started in real estate and architecture photography with a Skylum webinar
Free drone eBook and chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card from Skylum
Skylum is offering a free eBook — "A Skylum Software Guide to Drone Photography" — to anyone who responds to a survey about drone photography. You'll also be entered for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card. "A Skylum Software Guide to Drone Photography" features articles from Chris Anson, Steve Eilenberg, Richard Harrington, Nick Minore and Michael Muraz. It features articles on everything from how to get started with drone photography to best practices in photography and post-processing. Get your free drone photography eBook today! … [Read more...] about Free drone eBook and chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card from Skylum
Skylum announces Luminar Flex to extend a photographer’s editing experience
This morning, Skylum announced Luminar Flex, a new app that offers unique and powerful editing features. Luminar Flex features all the great editing features found in Luminar 3, but allows users to tie in to their existing photo editing and management software. Luminar's AI-powered editing technologies — such as Accent AI, AI Sky Enhancer, Sun Rays, Foliage Enhancer and LUT Mapping — are all found in Luminar Flex. It fits into almost every photographer's workflow, integrating into third-party tools like Photoshop, Lightroom and Photos for … [Read more...] about Skylum announces Luminar Flex to extend a photographer’s editing experience
TIPA Awards: Skylum Luminar wins 2019 Best Imaging Award
The Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) is comprised of members from magazines around the world in Europe, Asia, Australia and North and South America. Each member publication is engaged in the selection and final vote in the TIPA World Awards that name the best photo and imaging products of the year. This year's awards were announced in a ceremony on March 17, 2019, in Bankok, Thailand. Luminar 3 — Best Imaging Software award winner for 2019 Simplicity in an image editor need not mean being limited to only basic effects and … [Read more...] about TIPA Awards: Skylum Luminar wins 2019 Best Imaging Award
