Luminar 2018 “Jupiter” is a free update to Luminar 2018 users, and boasts significant performance enhancements.
Skylum Software (formerly Macphun) have announced the immediate release of Luminar 2018 “Jupiter.” I’ve updated to this version and it is much faster and more responsive, especially when I’m working with large files from my Nikon D850. I strongly recommend that current users upgrade to Luminar 2018 Jupiter.
Luminar Jupiter is a free update for existing Luminar 2018 users.
Texture blending isn’t hard if you know how to work with Layers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Texture Blending
Texture blending is a fun way to get creative with your photos and transform them into something new and unique. In a nutshell, all you need to add textures is an image editor that supports layers, such as Adobe Photoshop. Some other editors, such as Luminar, have a built-in texture blending feature. Here are the basic steps to get you started, aka “Texture Blending 101.”
Open a photograph in your image editor, such as Adobe Photoshop
Drag a texture image file from a browser window (I use Photo Mechanic) onto the image editor, or use the “Place Embedded” command in Photoshop and choose a texture file. Note that high-resolution texture images work best, as they won’t produce artifacts during resizing.
Size the image to fit over your original photo and press Enter on your keyboard
In the Layers panel, blend the texture by changing the blending mode to something other than Normal. Try Multiply, Overlay, Screen, or Hard Light modes for starters. Then adjust the layer opacity to blend in the texture and reveal the photo underneath it.
You can also use Layer Masks to blend the texture in. Use brushes to “paint” out the texture from areas of your photo you wish to reveal.
Don’t stop there! Try using multiple texture layers, too!
Once you’re finished, adjust contrast and color on the final image. You can also finish your images in Lightroom after saving them.
Good flight shots start with fast focus acquisition.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve struggled with photographing birds in flight for years. The number one problem I and others have is focus acquisition. With birds in flight (BIFs), the ideal situation is to lock focus early while the animal is still at distance, track the approaching bird, and then capture a rapid burst of shots when the bird begins to fill the frame.
For me, my struggles have always been two-fold. First, when birds are very far away, it’s often hard for the camera to discern the difference between the subject and the background. Often times the camera will focus on the background instead of the bird. When this happens, you need to quickly re-cycle the focus system (pump the focus). The other challenge is when the bird drops below a background object such as trees or a mountain ridge. Again, the focus system can quickly lose track of the subject unless it’s fairly large in the frame. Continue reading My Go-To Focus Setting For Birds In Flight→
Use a long exposure to dramtically transform your scene from a snapshot to a work of art.
If you’re looking to transform your images from snapshots into stunning creative photos, try experimenting with long exposure photographs. All you need is a camera that supports bulb exposure mode, a tripod, and in some cases a dark filter. In twilight conditions, long exposure photographs are pretty easy. Set your lens aperture to f/16 or f/22 and then set your camera’s ISO value to its the lowest possible setting.
To capture long exposure photographs during the day, you’ll need to add a dark filter to your lens. These filters, called a solid neutral density filters, enable you to capture a long exposure photograph during the day. In either case, keep in mind that you’ll need a solid tripod to make a long exposure photograph.
How Long Exposure Photographs Transform Your Images
Here are just a few ways how a long exposure photograph delivers maximum impact, especially in places that are popular with photographers. Use a long exposure and deliver dynamic images with the “wow” factor you can’t capture with a snapshot. Continue reading Long Exposure Photographs Are Simply Amazing→
