TWO DAYS LEFT. That is all.

 

Save big on the new Luminar Ecosystem... SEE PREVIOUS POST 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

"Luminar Ecosystem"?

What's that all about? Let's find out...

There's a big, new upgrade coming in November 2025, which Skylum are calling the "first phase of the Luminar Ecosystem". Let's keep it simple, shall we? Bullet points👇

• Cross-device Mobile to Desktop editing. Currently you can use Luminar Mobile to edit your phone images, and/or Luminar Neo to edit your camera and phone images, but the two platforms can't communicate with each other. That will change in November... start your edits on the mobile platform on the road, complete them on your desktop when you get home. Details in November.
• Web Galleries. This one excites the hell out of me. Almost the most exciting upgrade in the bunch (but not quite... you'll see). You'll be able to turn your edited images into a curated web gallery with just a few clicks, and you don't have to know crap about web publishing. I will be doing this as soon as I have this update in my grubby little (bigger than T*ump's, though) hands. Again, more info as November draws nearer.
• Restoration.
  Exactly what it sounds like, and if you're like me, you've got thousands of old prints around, from dozens of different decades (including before you were born, of course), that are just fading and crackling away before your very eyes. This is the one I really, really like. Can't wait to check it out.

  

  
  
• AI Assistant. (??!!) In the words of Ryan Hall Y'all, "don't be scared, be prepared".  Not all "AI" is scary. The "assistant" analyzes your photos and recommends optimal edits, streamlining your editing flow. You might think this is only for beginners, or newbies to Luminar, but you can bet I'll use it, because it will make a lot of the tools like Curves, and Color Harmony- tools that I've been reluctant to use because they look daunting- easier to use than ever. 
• Volume. Crank it to 11? This is the mystery upgrade, and I'm as in the dark as all the YouTube influencers touting this upgrade I've watched this morning. Sounds tantalizing, though. What they say:

"Instantly add depth and dimensionality by enhancing light and shadow. A one-click solution to elevate contrast and visual impact — no manual Dodge & Burn needed."

So, you may ask, if this is all happening at the end of November, why, Dan, are you giving us all this information now? Glad you asked, and the answer is simple: There's EARLY BIRD PRICING!  👈That's your link. Hit that mother and go see what the folks at Skylum/Luminar have for you! You won't be disappointed, (and if, for some reason, you are? You got a week or something like that to get your money back. So, try it risk-free). And don't forget my discount code: PHOTODAN. Join me on this exciting photo editing journey!

Bold Print (Not "fine" print): There are a limited number of licenses available for this offer, and the early bird pricing is only available until August 31, 2025. Activate your FOMO now!!

   

News Flash!

 

Vaughn, New Mexico.©Daniel Gauss/Shot On Site

I've got some good news for the great many of you who shy away from subscription-based editing platforms. When Skylum introduced the subscription model of Luminar Neo a few years ago, a lot of you said, "Nope. I'm out."  But here's the thing. The "lifetime" version of Neo never went away. It's still available. And here's another thing: If you buy the Lifetime version, you still get all of the performance updates that the subscribers get. What you don't get, are the fancy AI tools that get added with some updates, but I'll let you in on a little secret. Periodically, Skylum will offer a premiium update package for the Lifetime owners at very reasonable prices, and they will include those fancy tools. This usually happens once, or twice a year.

All this to say there is currently a Summer Sale (yes, another one). Began today (July 24) and will run until August 3, and has some very attractive prices for Lifetime versions of Luminar Neo and Luminar Mobile. Check out the details by clicking the ad at the top of the righthand column, or this link.

But wait! Don't go just yet. Skylum have given me a special discount code, just for this sale. Instead of my normal 10%, you can now save 20% at checkout, using the code: J20-Daniel. That's 20% in addition to the discounted sale price. 

What have you got to lose? Try it risk free. Make pretty pictures like the ones above.  Now from your mobile devices, too!

About That Summer Sale.

 For some reason, I didn't get the notice of the Luminar Neo Summer Sale until it was almost over! So, you gotta hurry if you want to take advantage!  I mean, Summer is still a week away, but there you go.  The sale ends on Monday, June 16th.

So, what's the deal this time? A chance to bundle Luminar Neo and the Luminar Mobile app! And in case you haven't heard, the Mobile App is now available for Android and Chrome devices, as well as IOS! I've done a few edits from my old Samsung Galaxy S10. Wanna see? Sure you do

 

The edited images are, of course, the large images.  The GUI is fun and intuitive. Give it a checkout here. Get both for $99, plus they're throwing in a bunch of creative assets worth $79 for nothing. And, speaking of "checkout".... use my discount code, PHOTODAN, when you check out for an additional 10% off.

Also, give me your thoughts on the new logo.(at the top of the right column👉)  For some reason, Skylum wanted a new logo after only a year after the previous "re-branding". What do you think of it?

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these, I may receive a small commission at no increased cost to you. Thanks.

Whaaaaat?

What the hell, it's been 6 months since I posted? You guys gotta yank my chain if this happens again. I thought it was only a couple of months.

Anyway, whichever holiday you observe this time of year, or if you observe none, I hope it's the very best for you.

And you know what time it is now... the annual tradition. Two great songs, which couldn't be more different. Take it away gang...

And I can't let you go without mentioning you have one more opportunity for a seasonal deal from Luminar Neo. You wanna make cool images like that holiday card up top, we got ya covered.  

If you're not a current user of the product, click this link.

There are also deals for you guys smart enough to already be using Luminar Neo, and this is your link

And both groups save 10% at checkout with the coupon code, PHOTODAN

A Purty Pickshur? No, no, no... it's APERTY

Folks, I'm not a "landscape photographer", but I take landscape images. I'm not a "street photographer", but I have taken many images that would be considered "street" photography. I'm not a "nature photographer", but I've shot many'a birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Fish? maybe I haven't shot a lot of fish. But you get the picture (metaphorically speaking). I'm not one to be defined by labels.  

So, when I say, I'm not a "portrait photographer", I have certainly taken many portrait photos, going back nearly 60 years. But do I make a living as a portrait photographer? Certainly not. But there are those of you reading this, (and I'll make sure you see this and read it), and do I have an exciting bit of news for you! 

And it's called Aperty  It's a brand new editing program from Skylum, the makers of Luminar Neo.  This is no tool added to Luminar Neo, uh-uh, this is a brand spanking new, stand-alone editor, created by Skylum specifically for portrait photographers!

Details can be found in the May press release from Skylum, which you can read in full here, but for you, who are always in a rush, here are the highlights:

Recognizing the increasing demand for time-saving tools in portrait photography that would enable professional and semi-professional photographers to focus on creative growth and client engagement,Skylum is collaborating with renowned portrait photographer Julia Trotti to develop this specialized software solution. Set for release in September 2024, Project “Barcelona” will empower photographers by automating routine face retouching processes through an efficient, AI-optimized workflow that runs locally on the user’s device, making it as easy as applying presets

Designed with the specific needs of portrait photographers in mind, the new app’s key features include:

Skin Toning:  Make subtle changes to the skin tone of specific areas thanks to an accurate facial skin segmentation model; remove the red hue or unify the overall color. On top of that, the new app's state-of-the-art face mesh model provides unique makeup correction capabilities, allowing the application of extra textures like blush, highlight, and contour, and changing the color of lips, brows, and other elements.

Eye Enhancement: Add iris flare, remove redness, and adjust eye shape with a comprehensive suite of tools to perfect a subject’s eyes in portraits.

Teeth Whitening: Ensure radiant smiles with advanced teeth whitening and brightening capabilities.

Makeup Application: Enjoy customizable options for creative makeup styles and colors to compliment any complexion, clothing, or backdrop.

Bokeh Effects: Create stunning depth-of-field effects with the bokeh feature, adding dimension and allure to portraits.

Body Enhancement: Adjust bodily proportions to correct posture and account for unflattering angles,making sure portraits capture subjects in their best light.

Also, not mentioned in the press release: batch editing capability. I know that's important to photographers processing  large numbers of photos!

Intrigued? I know you are. Aperty will be available in September 2024. I don't have pricing right now, but I do know that 1000 portrait photographers who place an advance order right now, can get it for $199! Another thing I do know, is that come September, Aperty is probably going to cost a whole lot more than $199.

Use this here link to be one of the lucky (and quick acting) first 1000.

Don't wait!

In August, I'll be getting a beta copy of Aperty, and will be able to post some of my own edited portraits on this blog, but for now you'll just have to be happy with the two samples supplied by Skylum which illustrate some of the tools that will be part of the suite.

So that's one bit of news from Skylum, but that's not all. Read on...

As far as I know, the Luminar Neo Summer Sale continues! That means great savings are still available on Luminar Neo, and all Luminar Neo related goodies from the marketplace. That also means, that in addition to those great Summer Sale savings, you can save even more, 20% more, to be precise when you use this discount code at checkout: AFF-7ky9M0

What? You're not interested in making great portrait photos, or any great photos? Well someone you know does. Copy this post link and share it with all of your photographer friends. They'll thank you later.

Ciao!

$8 For A Single Cookie?

 And worth every penny! Check it out.