On April 25, 2024 Skylum will release a major update to their photo editing software called Luminar Neo. This software has really matured over the last few years. They have added a lot of features, many of which are AI driven. I use this software for just about every image I edit. If you are looking for an easy to use, yet power photo editor, Luminar may be your answer. Before I continue, I do need to let you know that I am a Luminar affiliate. Other than dictating embargo (non-disclosure agreement) dates, Luminar has no say into what I say, they do not have to approve what I say, and they don't even know what I am posting.

          So what is changing, what is new?

• Water Enhancer AI - helps you to quickly change muddy lifeless water into bluer water.

• Twilight Enhances AI - changes the look of an image to what if may have looked like if you took it during twilight.

• New Masking Tools - for the first time we will now have Luminosity Masking (selecting areas of an image based on brightness). there will also be AI object selection.

• The HDR module can now batch process up to 1000 images. Just drag and drop them into the module.

• There is also a new landscape category in Tools so that you can easily find your favorite landscape tools in one place.

• I may not say more now but there will also be a rebranding.

Feel welcome to explore the software here (affiliate link - which does not add any cost to you). In fact, you may get a discount if you order from this link.

          Personally, I don't use some of the AI features but many people like them. Other programs may be better at certain things, like DXO seems to be better at noise reduction. However, how much will you pay if the use the best software for this, and another best software for that, and that, and that? Luminar offers a great balance between what you get and what you pay for.

          Here is an example of a deeply cropped image shot at ISO 8000. Now I would normally not use such an image but I thought that this example will give you a good idea of what can be done with this software. Please note, that from Raw to final image, only Luminar Neo was used.