Luminar 4
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#1. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 0
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Sun 15-Dec-19 07:08 AMWell, since no one replied...! I bought Luminar 4 and find it to be a good alternative to LR in many ways. Probably the most fun is that Luminar provides optional images of one’s own image that can be helpful when deciding on how to adjust one’s own image. The software also allows changing contrast separately for the light, dark and intermediate parts of an image. One issue is that it locks up every so often. I think this is because there remain issues between it and my Catalina op sys on my Mac. The Luminar folks acknowledge there is a problem so I anticipate it will be fixed when updates occur. So, all in all, this hobbyist has a sufficiently good tool to do pp without a monthly charge for use. StephenVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#2. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 1
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Sun 15-Dec-19 07:09 AM | edited Sun 15-Dec-19 07:10 AM by Rags1>Well, since no one replied...! I bought Luminar 4 and find it
>to be a good alternative to LR in many ways. Probably the most
>fun is that Luminar provides optional images of one’s own
>image that can be helpful when deciding on how to adjust
>one’s own image. The software also allows changing contrast
>separately for the light, dark and intermediate parts of an
>image. One issue is that it locks up every so often. I think
>this is because there remain issues between it and my Catalina
>op sys on my Mac. The Luminar folks acknowledge there is a
>problem so I anticipate it will be fixed when updates occur.
>So, all in all, this hobbyist has a sufficiently good tool to
>do pp without a monthly charge for use. StephenVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#3. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 0
I did not buy the HDR program tho.....I still like Photomatix
Rick
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#4. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 3
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Thu 19-Dec-19 01:36 PMHi Rick, What computer and op system do you use? My only frustration remains the slowness of Luminar 4. I go too fast then the steps interfere with each other and cause the software to crash. Have to be a bit more patient until Catalina issue is resolved. SVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#9. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 4
PSAGuy Nikonian since 03rd Nov 2008Fri 20-Dec-19 12:45 PMI run a iMac (17" with i9 8 core and 64GB Ram).
Remember...I do NOT use this as a replacement to LR. I process large numbers of images for my sports business and would be foolish to make a wholesale change like that. No.
I use Luminar for 1 main thing (sky replacement for real estate), and 1 "fun" thing....and that is simply playing around with images I've never used. I enjoy that like someone might like knitting or chess.
Call me crazy.
It's a tool....and a very limited one at that for me.Rick
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#10. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 9
danshep Charter MemberFri 20-Dec-19 10:29 PMRick, I really feel you should stay clear of knitting. :stuck_out_tongue_closed_eyes:
"Today is the tomorrow that yesterday you spent money like there was no."
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#5. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 0
First, they have not fixed some of the fundimential issues that have existed since V2, such as having an option to save the file in the original folder. It defaults to the last place you saved a file, so if you opened the image from a different folder, you need to hunt through the menu tree to find the original folder. Time consuming.
Second, it saves JPG and JPEG and TIF as TIFF. So if you have a 3 letter file designation as your standard, you need to take one extra step to change that. There is no way to override the default.
Third, while in earlier versions, you could save your NEF edits to a Luminar (lmnr) format file for non-destructive edting, V4 eliminates that and saves all edit steps to its own catalog. It will not save edits in any other format, but of course you san save the image to JPEG or TIFF with your edits permanently cooked in.
Fourth, related to 3, is their catalog program is not very good. That's an improvement, as it was horrible in V3. It is not very flexible and doesn't do EXIF/IPTC editing well. I've probably been spoiled by Photo Mechanic, but I would choose LR over Luminar for cataloging.
Fifth, when saving a JPG, the file will end up being twice the size of the same file saved in ACR, LR or PS (or even CNX-D), which no visible benefit in image quality. I don't care if disk space is cheap, but 20MB vs 40MB per file adds up and wastes space.
Sixth, their support is poor and frequently condescending. The main response to requests for changes is "We'll send that to the developers" which I think is code for send it to the electronic circular file. Many users have had the same issue since V2, but the problems have not been addresses. Skylum seems to just want to add new bells and shuttles, but not fix basic problems.
As an editor, I have gotten good results from Luminar, and it works like LR or ACR. So the learning curve is not steep. Up until V4, I used Luminar Flex (V3 with our the cataloging feature) as a standalone editor. But since they re not improving that anymore, I have given up on Luminar and Skylum.
That's my story. Those shortcomings may not matter to you. A free trial will only cost you time.
Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796
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#6. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 5
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Fri 20-Dec-19 05:34 AMI respect your expertise and experience. As a hobbyist I haven’t had to deal with most of the problems you describe. I think I am saving my JPEGs exactly as I did when when using LR. What I do after making my photo look like a photographic masterpiece is save it to my desktop as a jpeg then move it to an appropriate file (this extra step is required as the software doesn’t allow me to access the files directly, a bummer.) When I return to my Library in Luminar I can continue the editing where I left off (should I wish) or go back all the way to the original and start again (should I wish) and start again. I guess I am unaware of how stuff is stored in Luminar but for me it doesn’t affect me. Is my understanding of this wrong? The actual editing seems very similar to LR just arranged differently which is no big deal after a little bit of using. As I have noted a few times now, it is LR’s monthly fee that bothers me more than any Luminar issues that may exist. So many company’s are doing this (Microsoft office, for one) and I don’t like paying for something that I don’t use that often. It is really not about the money (we are going to a Kennedy Center musical in two weeks and the tickets cost $700]. It is a question of the value gained for the price paid. Again I appreciate your viewpoint and hope to learn something from them. SRVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#12. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 5
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Sun 05-Jan-20 07:17 AMMick I have had that response from support twice now. I am obviously keeping the developers busy, dont hold out for much progress.
I feel let down, I decided to buy Luminar and reduce my outgoings by dropping my LR subs, I cannot have everything.
Very disappointed, never dreamt I would not be able to keyword or save to original.
Seems to me it is a nice editor but a plugin for LR more than a package.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#13. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 12
mklass Nikonian since 08th Dec 2006Sun 05-Jan-20 07:28 AMHopefully, they will give you a refund, David.
Maybe someday they will figure out they need to cover the basics before the keep adding bells & whistles.Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796See my portfolio.
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#14. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 13
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Sun 05-Jan-20 07:38 AMThanks MickVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#31. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 5
jdroach
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#7. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 0
Hoping I can use it as I do LR.
I edit in LR then export a TIFF to external HD. I then export the associated NEF as Original to the external. Therefore I have two folders of keepers saved with the images named in LR. Same name for the TIFF and NEF. I dont need the other functions of LR.???
Havent found the trial version of Luminar4
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#8. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 7
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Fri 20-Dec-19 06:55 AMHi WN (may I call you nuts?) when I ‘bought’ L4 I gave credit info but was allowed thirty days to use before agreeing to activate. Check for discounts online. That is how it worked a few months back. SRVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#11. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 8
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Sat 21-Dec-19 05:57 AMFound it at £71 UK thanks.
Seems I cannot export a NEF (Export as Original in LR Classic)
After editing and exporting the TIFF In LR I am able to name the TIFF and original NEF with the same name before exporting to their separate folders on an external HD. eg _Z7 0001.TIFF and _Z7 0001.NEFVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#15. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 0
Pro
- You don't have to buy a monthly subscription
- Easy to use
- AI is well developed and most of my pictures can be edited with few control
- Has all the professional tools too (you just need to click the various sub-menus to find them).
- You have the possibility to edit a series of photos all together
- Some of the artistic tool/filter are awesome
- The software reads NEF format and you don't need to convert them as I need to do with my Lightroom version (Ligthroom 6).
Cons
- You can't use keywords and it doesn't add IPTC data. This is disappointing because it was in their roadmap at the time I purchased Luminar 3. However, this feature disappeared when they started to talk about Luminar 4. I have several e-mail exchange about this with them, because I thought this had misleading customers. Since something that was in their roadmap, disappeared later because they focus on Luminar 4.
- Similarly, they had in their roadmap the development of a migrating tool for moving LR libraries to Luminar. This tool also disappeared from their road map
- I have an issue if I export my files with LR adjustment and do some more editing with Luminar. When images are "re-imported" in LR they need further adjustment (particularly they are always overexposed). However, this is not the case when I import in Luminar the original file. I had several contacts with them, but the issue was never solved.
- I think it would be great if they develop the ability to work with RAW files and do not transform them in TIFF. This is again something they promised several times but never happened.
So I believe Luminar is a great photo editing tool but their decisions are sometimes disappointing. I would love being able to use just one software, but it looks this is not going to happen soon. So I am still using LR for basic photoediting and photo organization and Luminar for more advanced photoediting.
Michele
Michele
“From my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream” (Vincent Van Gogh)
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#16. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 15
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Wed 08-Jan-20 07:01 AMThanks for your post. I was stupid because I thought that reviews stating Luminar was a LR replacem LR does as a package when I wanted to cancel my subs.
I find Luminar Export menu very short of the mark. Metadata etc almost non existent, no print option, no map option, cannot rename a RAW and export it. No options for setting copyright or keywords etc etc etc.
I didn't want plug in but have no choice. The only info Luminar gives unless I am missing something is Camera Model and settings used for specific shot. No lens data viewable. Early days as I have only played with the edit tools so far maybe I am off beam.
I would have been happy changing to Nikon NX-D and ViewNX-i but it is not as yet suitable for iMac OS Catalina,
I contacted Nikon UK who confirmed that but there was no predicted fix or date.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#17. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 15
Patriot Dave Registered since 23rd Jan 2015Sun 08-Mar-20 02:35 PMMichele
I am wondering if you have any new thoughts regarding Luminar 4? I am considering purchasing it so as not to have to feed the other programs a monthly fee.
Currently I have been using my Apple Photos and most of the time the results are okay depending on each capture, lighting and shadows.
Any advice or experience you can add will be most appreciated.
ThanksVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#18. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 17
mborgare Nikonian since 22nd Aug 2019Sun 08-Mar-20 07:09 PMDave,
I have been using Luminar 4 for a while. I believe is a powerful photo editing software. What I like is that you have all "professional tools" as well as some easy tools for your photo editing. I also like they give you all updates for the software including in the purchase. What I don't like is the you can't so far add key words or can organize your photo. So for that purpose I use lightroom CC 6 (the latest lightroom you did not need a subscription for). More your files will be converted in TIF. Finally, although you can use Luminar as plugin for Lightroom, if you make basilar photoediting in lightroom and you export the files for more photoediting in Luminar, when you have done with luminar the files in lightroom may requires some more adjustment. I don't experience that problem if I export from Lightroom the original files.
Hope this can help
MicheleMichele
“From my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream” (Vincent Van Gogh)
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https://images.nikonians.org/gallery/c-500/u-628565/mborgare-gallery
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#19. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 18
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Mon 09-Mar-20 12:36 AMI agree with Michele to the point I may renew my LR Classic sub. For myself I just dont see a choice where I could use Luminar as a LR plug in directly.
I dont see Luminar as the compete package like LR.
AI is very clever and lots of edit tools but no keywording, map etc.
I have been learning NXD thinking I could plug into Luminar but it is not in the plug in list, you have to use NX-i as well, very clunky. When a Tiff with an edit comes back from Luminar it cannot be opened in NXD if you want a jpg that has to be done on NX-i.
NXD is a good in general with very comprehensive data for Nikon. Dont think I will really pickup control points for skies. Luminars big feature is skies for me and it has lots of other great featured.
I tried the completely free linux Darktable, looks incredible but maybe too comprehensive for me presently also I dont like the way it generates a sidecar for every image on initial import.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#20. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 19
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Mon 09-Mar-20 02:32 AMPS,
As a very simple example with no thought, cleverness or proper knowledge at all, the first image was opened in Luminar and with no change to the aircraft I made two single clicks and one mouse move to change the image.
Click 1, On a 'sky' from the selection
Click 2, On 'Rays'
Mouse, position Rays
Thats it about one minute to do. Not a keeper but made a nice bright desktop.
Artistic people could do wonders but is it a LR replacement package?File size:173036 bytesFile date:Mon 09-Mar-20 02:30 AMCamera make:NIKON CORPORATIONCamera model:NIKON D5Date/Time:Sun 14-Aug-16 07:34 AMResolution:1200 x 632Flash used:NoFocal length:500.0mm (35mm equivalent: 500mm)CCD width:7.73mmExposure time:0.0063 s (1/160)Aperture:f/10.0ISO equiv.:100Whitebalance:AutoMetering Mode:patternExposure:ManualExposure Mode:ManualJPEG Quality:98======= IPTC data:=======City:Record vers.:4Object Name:Old German MonoplaneByline:DAVID JACKSON(C)Notice:©DavidJackson copyright 2019
File size:219372 bytesFile date:Mon 09-Mar-20 02:30 AMCamera make:NIKON CORPORATIONCamera model:NIKON D5Date/Time:Sun 14-Aug-16 07:34 AMResolution:1200 x 632Flash used:NoFocal length:500.0mm (35mm equivalent: 500mm)CCD width:7.73mmExposure time:0.0063 s (1/160)Aperture:f/10.0ISO equiv.:100Whitebalance:AutoMetering Mode:patternExposure:ManualExposure Mode:ManualJPEG Quality:94======= IPTC data:=======City:Record vers.:2Byline:DAVID JACKSON(C)Notice:©DavidJackson copyright 2019
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#21. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 20
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Sat 14-Mar-20 04:49 AMI like that Luminar does such things but I am reluctant to go overboard on these things as I feel like am cheating to get the postcard type of shot. One thing I really like is that I can try out different effects that subtly change the image. I realized that many of my photos had a bluish tinge! One horrible thing I don’t like is how slow editing is relative to LR. It may be that my iMac Catalina op sys and Luminar software are still not working well together. The Luminar folks said to delete and reinstall Luminar but their guidance is not clear about how to do this. Any advice in this regard? Thanks StephenVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#22. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 21
Wingnuts Nikonian since 12th Apr 2014Sat 14-Mar-20 05:09 AM | edited Sat 14-Mar-20 05:10 AM by WingnutsI just deleted it to the trash bin (iMac Catalina) When mac is rebooted Luminar reproduces itself in pics folder, handy because I did it in order to result the folders I wanted on Luminar.
When I had an earlier issue that same procedure fixed it.
Agree with you about going over board, my example with my airshow pic was meant to show that and illustrate how simple it is to change something.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#23. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 22
Patriot Dave Registered since 23rd Jan 2015Tue 17-Mar-20 11:21 AMFolks thank you for the comments.
I am still in a quandary regarding finding a decent post processing software for my MacBook Pro , one that I can purchase and not make monthly payments.
I am somewhat new to digital, well 5 years into it. However I have been a photography enthusiast for probably 50 years and have taken and cataloged thousands of slides. I still love Velvia and Provia and shoot that occasionally.
Regardless I have no desire to spend lots of time on the computer editing photographs. I do try and get all things right in camera and that allows for short or no editing in Apple Photos, that is if I shoot JEPGs. I do shoot in RAW when the situation calls for it and use Apple Photos for that editing. And I think I have learned how to get the best use out of Apples Photos.
However, Apple Photos sometimes in RAW falls short of what I need or am looking for.
I do like the Apple Photos albums and Photos Library and I have developed a system that allows me to rank the better photo and save for future use.
I thought Luminare 4 was going to be a great solution however I now have some doubts?
Do any of you have any further suggestions.
Its all appreciated
Than You
DaveVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#24. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 23
mborgare Nikonian since 22nd Aug 2019Tue 17-Mar-20 11:34 AMDave if key words etc is not a big deal for you I would suggest to go with luminar. You can still organize your photos in folder and named them. More, they have on the road map to add this feature in the future
MicheleMichele
“From my part I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream” (Vincent Van Gogh)
Vist my gallery
https://images.nikonians.org/gallery/c-500/u-628565/mborgare-gallery
See my portfolio
https://www.nikonians.org/portfolio/mborgare -
#25. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 23
mklass Nikonian since 08th Dec 2006Tue 17-Mar-20 11:52 AMDave<
Have you identified what areas of Photos fall short for you?
You might consider just getting what ever plug-ins will cover those issues. Most plug-ins are one time purchases, and run as stand-alone applications now.
I have given up on Luminar after sticking with it for several versions. Skylum just keeps changing the target so you never know what the new version will be, and they refuse to fix some of its inherent failings.Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796See my portfolio.
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#27. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 25
Patriot Dave Registered since 23rd Jan 2015Tue 17-Mar-20 05:08 PMI had not considered plug - ins.....I thought they would only work with post processing software programs???? Not to put you on the spot but do you have the name of a few I could investigate.
ThanksVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#29. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 27
mklass Nikonian since 08th Dec 2006Tue 17-Mar-20 05:16 PM | edited Tue 17-Mar-20 05:17 PM by mklassDave,
For sharpening and noise reduction, I suggest Topaz DeNoise AI or Sharpen AI. There are several other Topaz plug-ins.Thie AI programs are a bit slow, but they can work wonders on noise and softness.
The Nik Collection from DXO is also very versatile, and tends to work quickly.
You can launch these plug-ins from a PP program that supports PS plug-ins, but they will also run as stand alone applications.Mick
"The difference between a professional photographer and other photographers is the pro doesn't show you the bad shots."
Web Site: http://www.mickklassphoto.com
My Nikonians Galleries: https://images.nikonians.org/galleries/showgallery.php/cat/500/ppuser/117796See my portfolio.
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#30. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 29
Patriot Dave Registered since 23rd Jan 2015Tue 17-Mar-20 05:19 PMThank You
I will take a look asap.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#26. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 23
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Tue 17-Mar-20 12:16 PMHi Dave, I am an enthusiast like you and, maybe, we are not wanting out of the software as much as the professional user. I also am not going to pay for something that I don't use all that much. Given these conditions I recommend Luminar IF your computer op system and the Luminar software are compatible. I am struggling to determine why Luminar seems to be running so slowly. I am about to uninstall and reinstall Luminar as per guidance from Luminar to see if this fix works. I read elsewhere on Nikonians that this solved the problems. But even if it doesn't I think I can live with the slowness as I have been able to fix an image with very little effort. I like that Luminar allows the user to compare his/her image to other image "looks". It helped me improve on photos that I simply could not improve on my own. When I purchased Luminar there was a trial period of weeks or a month. I suggest trying it then deciding if it is right for you. Good luck, StephenVisit my Nikonians gallery.
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#28. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 26
Patriot Dave Registered since 23rd Jan 2015Tue 17-Mar-20 05:14 PMThanks Stephen.
It does sound that we are after the same things. I too prefer to keep my photograph close to reality.....a bit of tweaking, lighting or darkening and I am set to go.
My computer runs pretty good but I dont want to slow it down either.
The trial period sounds good too.Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#32. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 28
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Wed 18-Mar-20 07:43 AMDave, Not to beat this subject to death but I want to show two pictures that I was unable to make into anything worth seeing. So I tried a few of the Luminar "looks" and found some that worked for me. The first was an ordinary alley scene that was filled with the clutter of tables and chairs. This look removed that and heightened the umbrellas presence. The second was just a bridge, water and sky....Like you I don't do this all the time. But it helps me to explore options. In both cases it was a single button push. I know that plug ins are available with all software. But other software costs monthly fees, etc. Regards, Stephen
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#33. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 32
Patriot Dave Registered since 23rd Jan 2015Wed 18-Mar-20 10:32 AMThanks for sharing. Do you have any fall color examples?Visit my Nikonians gallery.
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#35. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 0
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#36. "RE: Luminar 4" | In response to Reply # 35
Rags1 Nikonian since 02nd Sep 2018Sat 28-Mar-20 11:01 AMHope it turned out well! An update—I uninstalled and reinstalled Luminar 4 following the advice of tech folks. The problems I mentioned several times here and in other forums have virtually gone away. The software still is a tad slow to make the editing changes but I really am having fun trying out the different “looks”, etc. So, all is good now. Regards StephenVisit my Nikonians gallery.
G