Luminar Neo

As a technology journalist, I get to test out a lot of software, but I have to admit, Luminar Neo was one I was particularly excited about. Skylum has been making a name for itself in the photo editing realm, and with claims of AI-powered enhancements, I was keen to see if they could deliver.

First impressions count, and I was pleasantly surprised by the clean and intuitive interface of Luminar Neo. It’s not cluttered, which is often the case with photo editing software, and I felt I could dive right in without needing a manual. For someone like me who prefers getting straight to the point, this was a breath of fresh air.

The first feature I tried was the AI sky replacement, and let me tell you, it’s quite a nifty tool. I threw a couple of my dreary landscape shots into the software, and with just a few clicks, I had transformed a dull sky into a stunning sunset. The blending was pretty impressive, and it didn’t look like I had slapped a different sky onto my photo. However, I did notice some issues with finer details like tree branches that got a bit fuzzy. It’s a small price to pay for such a quick transformation, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re a stickler for perfection.

Next up was the portrait enhancement feature. I tried it on a few headshots, and while it did a decent job of brightening eyes and smoothing skin, I found that it could sometimes be a bit heavy-handed. It’s all too easy to go from 'fresh and lively' to 'plastic and overdone' if you’re not careful. I guess some might consider it an art form, but I prefer more subtle enhancements.

The layer-based editing really caught my attention. This is where Luminar Neo shines, allowing for non-destructive edits. You can apply changes to specific areas without worrying about ruining the original image, which is fantastic. I had a good time layering filters and adjustments, feeling like a true artist as I experimented with different looks. However, I did find myself wishing for a bit more control over certain aspects, as the software can feel a bit limited in some areas.

Performance-wise, I did hit a few snags. On my mid-range laptop, there were times when the software lagged, especially when processing larger images. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can be annoying when you’re in the zone and suddenly find yourself waiting for the software to catch up. Export times were also a bit longer than I would like; I’d much prefer to move on to the next project without twiddling my thumbs.

The price is another consideration. While it’s not exorbitant, it does require an investment, which might put off casual users. If you’re someone who dabbles in editing for fun, you might find free tools that do the job just as well. But for those who take their photography seriously, I can see the value in what Luminar Neo offers.

In conclusion, Luminar Neo is a solid photo editing software that delivers some impressive AI features and a user-friendly experience. While it’s not without its quirks—namely performance issues and the potential for over-processing—it still holds up as a worthwhile option for many photographers. If you’re keen to explore creative editing techniques and don’t mind spending a bit, it’s definitely worth a look. Just be prepared to navigate around some of its limitations.

Getting started with Luminar Neo

In this guide, you'll learn how to set up Luminar Neo and perform basic photo editing tasks, including sky replacement and portrait enhancement. By the end, you'll be able to create stunning visuals with ease.

Step 1: Sign up and set up

Step 2: Your first photo edit

Step 3: Get better results

Pro tip

Use keyboard shortcuts to speed up your workflow: Press “Ctrl + Z” (Windows) or “Cmd + Z” (Mac) to quickly undo any changes.

Common mistake to avoid

Avoid over-editing your images. It’s easy to get carried away with AI enhancements; make sure to keep your edits natural by frequently toggling the before/after view in the top right corner.