Photography
Related: About this forumDoes anyone here have experience with the Luminar editing program?
Thinking about adding it as a plug-in to Lightroom.
Callalily
(14,885 posts)here is a link that may be of interest to you.
https://digital-photography-school.com/luminar-vs-lightroom/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feb-2720
Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)That is actually the article that piqued my interest.
Just wondering if anyone here has actually used it.
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)However I have used other similar plug-ins like a few of DxO's offerings.
Personally I find such applications of little practical use beyond the gee whiz first impression that you get from using them. For the vast majority of my images I'm doing little more than making changes to white balance, tone, exposure, contrast, and sharpening, all of which can be done with Lightroom alone.
After I upgraded my computer I didn't even reinstall my old version of photoshop which is very much long in the tooth and unsupported by Adobe. I sometimes miss a few of the functions in photoshop, but not enough to buy the monthly subscription they force you into. I'm still on the last stand alone version of Lightroom, which will be useless (at least for Camera Raw) the next time I upgrade my camera.
As I hate the subscription model and lack of support from Adobe, I'll probably be looking into alternate stand alone applications like Luminar, but I don't think I'll find much beyond those basic editing functions that will be of much use for the type of images I produce.
The problem I have with advanced editing algorithms that automate post processing is anyone can use them to alter what was a mediocre to bad image to begin with. The result is something you can easily tell is over processed. So the trap you fall into while trying to use those applications to make subtle changes to good pre-processed images is they tend to start to have the same sense you get from so many bad instagram images.
Adsos Letter
(19,459 posts)My photos usually look pretty heavily processed, although Im usually just trying for the same basic adjustments that you described.
Im primarily interested in the Layering function in Luminar.
MagickMuffin
(15,889 posts)I get both Photoshop and Lightroom for $10.81 per month.
Not that bad considering it could be a lot more, plus you get constant updates.
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)If you are a professional that uses the application constantly, then there might be an advantage. I might go months without using it, but Im still paying for it unless I remember to cancel. With photoshop I would go many years between updates. Perhaps Im just old school, but when I pay for a piece of software, I expect to be able to keep it.
MagickMuffin
(15,889 posts)I did not like the business model Adobe went with and going the way they chose for the very reason you stated.
I prefer to have a stand alone software. But alas I needed Lightroom for my real estate job.
Off-topic but, Since you ARE Major Nikon, I just thought I pass this along, I have been buying old vintage lenses for my Nikon's and I have to tell ya, it has been fun using them.
Now if only I could afford a super duper zoom lens, I'd be extremely happy lady!
Major Nikon
(36,814 posts)If I had to go down to just two it would probably be my 180/2.8 ED and my 16-80/2.8-4 VR. But I would sorely miss my 55/2.8 AIS Micro