@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
EDIT SMARTER / 39
Price: From $6 per month Zoner Studio
Retouch 4 Me Plug-ins
Topaz Photo
Zoner Studio has always been a good- value alternative to the industry’s most expensive editing software and now has intelligent masking, finely finessed adjustment tools and creative layouts. A great feature is a recent, major overhaul of Zoner’s masking tools. The new AI-powered masking engine can now automatically detect key areas in an image including subjects, backgrounds and skies, and generate precise masks with a single click. That same AI power extends to batch editing, too. Once a mask is created in one image, it can then be applied intelligently across an entire set. A new layout tool allows fast creation of collages and Instagram- style carousel posts, and there is expanded file format support for HEIF and HEVC files. The new chromatic aberration effect adds colour fringing to bring a cinematic look to high-contrast edges and is great for adding character to a variety of stylised portraiture or moody landscapes. New users can trial the full software free for seven days, and existing subscribers receive all new features automatically. zoner.com
Price: From $116
Price: From $27 per month
As the name suggests, Retouch 4 Me is a portrait-specific software, but its appeal stretches far beyond the portrait specialist, as those doing wedding photography or professionals capturing school photos and newborn photography will also be interested to see more of this software. While the software does offer a couple of free elements such as Frequency Separation and Color Match, the other applications start at $145 and there are various elements to choose from that may be of more interest than others. Photographers can test the waters with 20 free runs at the Cloud Retouching feature. It’s important to note that the software does have offline functionality, just in case your next location doesn’t have access to the internet – and the licence is in perpetuity, with free updates. retouch4.me
Topaz Photo can best be described as a do-it-all repair kit for your imagery. This is because the software offers a number of solutions to problems many photographers often run into. Image too small? No problem, Topaz Photo offers an Upscale feature to not only make your photos bigger in size, but also to denoise and sharpen the frame too. Sensor dust on your shots? The Healing Brush will fix blemishes and small artefacts, cleaning up your picture. Misjudged your exposure? Then use the lighting adjustments to balance the highlights and shadows in your frame. Topaz has a great reputation for its usable interfaces and extensive features. The software can be paid for monthly or annually, and Topaz Photo offers the option of cloud rendering to take the pressure off your desktop. topazlabs.com
Skylum Luminar Neo
From: £99
Built for MacOS and Windows, the basic licence enables Luminar Neo on desktop, while licences that are more expensive will enable operation on mobile app or via Creative Library. This software can be used as a stand-alone program or as a plug-in via Lightroom Classic or Photoshop. With powerful tools, like being able to add and control the strength of bokeh, the software makes the most of AI assistance to mask or replace elements. Alongside features for landscapers, portrait photographers will admire the retouching tools, such as smoothing skin for a natural look. One of the best features is the ability to revive old photos. skylum.com
The new AI-powered masking engine can now detect key areas in an image including
subjects, backgrounds and skies
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