Hare-Brained at Home

Has It Really Been Four Years?

2026-02-13T15:57:00.002-07:00

Indeed it has. Luminar Neo launched 4 years ago this month. And are they celebrating? You bet they are, with promotional pricing through the end of February. I've got your links right here (if you would be a new user), and here (if you're an existing user, and need the latest and greatest tools). Also, don't forget you can save an additional 10% over and above the sale price with my easy-to-remember code: PHOTODAN.

Speaking of the new tools, I've been using them a lot lately, editing images from old trips around the great state of New Mexico; images that have never been edited before, and I've been relying heavily on the new tools, especially the Light Depth tool which is crazy good! I've been posting a lot of these to one of the Facebook groups I'm in, but I've also been publishing them in a Skylum supported web gallery, which is another of the new tools, called "Spaces".

And now, I'd like you to have a look at my web gallery, called "New Mexico Highlights". First, a screenshot:

But that's just a teaser, because now I'm giving you the link, so you can see the actual web gallery, to open the individual shots, share the images with your friends or on Facebook, or share the whole gallery, whatever. If you're so inclined, you can message me to purchase any of the images, in notecards, or enlargements, etc. Whatever your heart desires. I'll be making more of these galleries, featuring different topics, and publishing them here, and on Social Media, and you can too! Just hit the appropriate link up at the top of the page and get your copy of Luminar Neo and start making awesome images.

So, here it is: New Mexico Highlights:spaces.skylum.com/share/198d461905cfd429

You'll Never Wal... er, Work Alone (Again). Naturally

2026-01-15T23:23:00.001-07:00

If I kept track of such things, I would put this shot of the Essex (CT) Steam Train driving wheels from back in the 1970's in my top 25 favorite images of all time. The judges of the Fotomat calendar (1981) contest seemed to like it, (though, obviously, not as much as I do.)

I post it here to demonstrate the final tool for Luminar Neo's big Fall update: The AI Assistant. Stick with me till the end of the post and I'll point you to some big savings!

Quite a few years ago I make a digital file from the original Ektachrome slide, and it's been floating here and there amongst my various computers over the intervening years. I stumbled across the file when looking for images to use for samples of the Luminar Neo Restoration tool. Ultimately it didn't get used then, but when I was fiddling around with the new AI Assistant, I had a bit of a brainstorm.

So let's look at the AI Assistant, and see what it can do for your images (Hint: it's really useful for people who are new to editing their photographic work... watch )👇

AI Assistan spends most of its time sleeping, as a tiny icon in the bottom right corner of your Luminar Neo desktop. (Actually, it's invisible in the Catalog View, but shows up in the Preset and Edit Windows). When you want to use it, just click on it and it opens in the corner not quite as you see it here, but in it's collapsed column form. I've expanded it for easier viewing. There's a brief description of how it works,

followed by 4 different sample prompts. Let's look at them.👇

Obviously, these are just examples of the types of questions, or commands you can direct to the Assistant. I should mention here a very important point: Use of the Assistant (and the Restoration tool, for that matter) requires an internet connection! While the vast majority of the editing tools in Luminar Neo work in your computers "innards", all of the generative AI tools are uploaded to the Skylum servers for processing, and returned quite quickly (depending on the speed of your network, of course). If you have concerns, you can check the Skylum AI Guidelines & Policy, here.

Okay, back to the prompts. You can just click on them, unless you want to do something different than what these examples offer. Ask away in the text box. In my case, I realized that my locomotive picture reminded me a lot of the work of artist, H R Giger. "Who?", one or two of you might be saying to yourself. The guy who designed Alien. The guy who designed Emerson, Lake & Palmers "Brain Salad Surgery" album cover. That guy. You can see in my text box I typed: "Make this image mimic an H R Giger art piece".

And here is what I got back.

Essex RR, Essex, Connecticut/©Daniel Gauss

Well, not exactly what I got back, but close. Like I said before, the beauty of this program is you're never stuck with the first thing it gives you. I added a few small edits, like sharpening, and a vignette. Ah, hold on. What I meant is this was my favorite of the three results I got back. You will always get three options to choose from (see below), and the Assistant will always tell you what was done. You can take it from there. If you clicked on those Giger links I gave you, you'll see this is pretty damn faithful.

If you're new to photography and/or editing, you can see how this can be a very valuable learning tool. If your vision for one of your images is such-and-such, you can ask, "how can I make this image look such-and-such?", and you'll get a step by step procedure to do just that. Do it often enough and you'll suddenly realize you're becoming a master of editing with Luminar Neo!

Are you ready to become a Luminar Neo master? Have I got a deal for you. Right now there's a secret sale going on, and I have a secret discount code. The window is small so you better check it out soon... it ends January 21. That's next Wednesday! Follow this link to Skylum to see the various options (they'll explain them much better than I can here). When you've made your decision and take your cart to check out, use this code: DG20 to save, you guessed it, 20%. (My normal discount code is 10%, so if you happen to miss the boat next week, you can still use that code: PHOTODAN.

Yes, I'm a Skylum affiliate, yes I get a commission. Is it a huge commission? 😂😂😂😂 Sorry. Will it effect your price? Not in the slightest. So what are you waiting for? Doesn't cost you a thing to look. Go. Go now!

Happy Christmas! The Annual Music Post.

2025-12-24T23:02:00.001-07:00

Other Tools And Black Friday Transitions To, What Else, Cyber Week!

2025-11-28T22:34:00.013-07:00

I ran through a lot of ink raving about the new "Restoration" tool in Luminar Neo.. you know, this one:

Mackinac Bridge ©Daniel Gauss/Shot On Site

Still damned impressed with how well it works, especially in concert with the other Luminar Neo tools. Like "Sky Replacement", which is incredibly useful for these old black and whites from the 1990's with their totally blown out skies.

The other tool that has all the "influencers" and "vloggers" wetting their pants is "Light Depth". I admit, I really didn't get this one. That is, until I tried it for my Facebook profile picture for Veterans Day. In fact, I used both Restoration and Light Depth, and it's quite impressive.

It's Demo Time.

Here's the digitized scan from the original 3.5x3.5 Instamatic print from my tropical vacation in Southeast Asia in 1969...

and the result of the restoration:

Not bad, right? But it's missing something (besides a better sky, I mean). That's where the Light Depth tool comes in, (You'll find it at the top of the Creative Toos on the right column)

And when I got done managing the light with the Light Depth tool, and adding an appropriate sky, and fiddling with other tools like Vignette, and Golden Hour, and Landscape... well, it looked like this:

Marine Patrol, Republic of Vietnam ©HM3 Daniel Gauss, 1969

That's a banger, huh?

Here's another:

Multnomah Falls, Columbia R Gorge ©Daniel Gauss, ~1990

...and one more for good measure: (this one's a recent, digital image from only 4 years ago)

Leasburg Slot Canyon, Las Cruces NM ©Daniel Gauss, Shot On Site

Whet your apetite? Well the Black Friday Sale ends on Monday, but is that the end of the criminally low, low prices for new users, or upgrade passes for existing users? Oh, hell-to-the-NO! Because you know what comes after Black Friday? Do ya? That's right, CyberWeek! It's exactly the same pricing structure as the Black Friday Sale. 50-77% off! You must check it out, and here's how:

If you're an existing user of Luminar Neo, click this link.

If you're a NEW customer, and want Luminar Neo so bad you're crying, click this link.

Each link will take you to the appropriate options for your situation. Pick the one that floats your boat. Maybe you want the Luminar Neo Ecosystem, which will get you Neo and Mobile (and fun fact, you can move seamlessly between the two! Start an edit on your phone, make it legendary on your desktop!) That's one of the options that will be presented to you.

And, of course, when you've made your selection, and are in the checkout line, remember to add the my coupon code: PHOTODAN to save even more! (10%)

Full disclosure: When you purchase using my links, I receive a small commission, with no extra cost to you, so help a fella out, yeah? I knew you would.

Come back soon, because I want to tell you all about something else that's new this Fall: SPACES!

teaser: https://spaces.skylum.com/en/web-page/894eb264a4d62917

THIS SPACE COMES ALIVE! for the BIG FALL UPGRADE!

2025-10-24T09:11:00.003-06:00

And not insignificantly for a "Black Friday" Sale that lasts for more than a month!

But, first things first.

Remember this image? Of course you do, it's right down there in the previous post👇It's a scan of an image of my mother taken nearly 90 years ago, give or take. It's just one of hundreds and hundreds of old images I own, most of them fading and scratched and creased just like this one.

In the past, I could have spent countless hours painstakingly editing this image to bring it back to life, and even with all the tools in Luminar Neo, or any of the other editing platforms out there it would still look not all that satisfactory.

You know where this is going, right?

I've been fortunate enough to be able to play around with the beta version of the "Big Fall Upgrade", and all of the new features and tools that are included, and there are some great ones, like the Luminar Neo Ecosystem, that combines the mobile apps with the desktop, seamlessly, to bring your phone-edited images to the desktop for further "massaging". There's also the new "Spaces" where you can creat your own personal "gallery of favorites", hosted by Skylum, and completely free of charge. It's included with your copy of Luminar Neo. There's the "Light Depth" tool, which I haven't quite figured out yet, but according to Skylum, gives you "perfect control over light and depth in every image

But nothing, and I mean nothing, got my attention like the "Restoration" tool, which brings new life to those old photos with, literally, one click of a button:

Ooh, uncomfortable "Marty McFly" vibes. I'll go in to more detail in future posts, but in the meantime, here are a few more samples, including my biggest day in high school (below), and showing you all images do NOT have to be restored with color-added.

Okay, the Black Friday Sale this year runs from 11am EDT today, until December 1(!) and features the deepest discounts of the year! Up to 75% off on the new Luminar Neo Ecosystem. Whether you're a current owner (Legacy Owner) of Luminar Neo, or an existing subscriber (and I should point out here, the invisible elephant in the room is that Skylum are doing away with the subscription model- big cheer from the peanut gallery- with no big fanfare). If you're a new purchaser, you'll get all of the new elements of the Fall Upgrade included with your purchase, as well as access to Luminar Mobile (for ios or Android). Legacy owners will get most of the upgrade elements, and will get all with purchase of an Upgrade Pass. And as I said, all purchase will come with deep, deep discounts, (including additional 10% with my personal discount code: PHOTODAN). "Affiliate Link" disclaimer: as always, if you purchase anything from Skylum using the links in this post, I'll get a small commission, which in no way affects your prices.

So, go. Go now and explore your options at this link (or any of the links scattered throughout this post), and save BIG TIME! I gotta get this online, and only ten minutes late.😎

WATCH THIS SPACE. FRIDAY OCTOBER 24

2025-10-21T13:30:00.001-06:00

This is a phot of my mother at age... I dunno, maybe 14, 15? Anyway, watch for the next post on Friday, October 24.

Meanwhile, check out the latest from Skylum/Luminar Neo, and get ready for the biggest discounts of the year!

Scratch That.

2025-10-01T21:29:00.000-06:00

Keep this under your hats, kids... but I've got another "secret sale". But you gotta act quick, because it ends October 7.

The goodies for sale include licenses for the new "Luminar Neo Ecosystem" release coming soon, and rather than me trying to go through the various and sundry deals included for new purchasers (or subscribers) and existing owners, just use this here link and it will take you to the Skylum website and you will see your personalized options. Nothing could be easier!

As always, there's an important little bonus the fine folks at Skylum have seen fit to let me offer you. Instead of my normal 10% discount code, you can use DG20 at check out for (you guessed it) 20% off the current sale prices. So take the link ride for no obligations, and risk free purchases.

For getting this far, I'm going to treat you to some samples of a couple of the new tools (including my most anticipated one). First is the Volume, which adds depth and dimensionality to your images, with a single click (and fine tuned with sliders). An instant "dodge and burn" tool, if you will.

And, speaking of scratches, here is the one I can't wait to try out, Restoration. Got a bunch of those old prints from years, or generations back? Bring them all back to life. You're gonna love this one. I'm gonna love this one!

So, there you have it. Smash that LINK. And, of course you know that if you make a purchase using this link I'll get a small commission from Skylum, but that has zero effect on your prices. And don't forget that extra 20% off! DG20 👈(only good for the duration of the "secret sale"!)

TWO DAYS LEFT. That is all.

2025-08-30T16:41:00.003-06:00

Save big on the new Luminar Ecosystem... SEE PREVIOUS POST 👇👇👇👇👇👇👇

"Luminar Ecosystem"?

2025-08-15T16:22:00.001-06:00

What's that all about? Let's find out...

There's a big, new upgrade coming in November 2025, which Skylum are calling the "first phase of the Luminar Ecosystem". Let's keep it simple, shall we? Bullet points👇

Cross-device Mobile to Desktop editing. Currently you can use Luminar Mobile to edit your phone images, and/or Luminar Neo to edit your camera and phone images, but the two platforms can't communicate with each other. That will change in November... start your edits on the mobile platform on the road, complete them on your desktop when you get home. Details in November.
Web Galleries. This one excites the hell out of me. Almost the most exciting upgrade in the bunch (but not quite... you'll see). You'll be able to turn your edited images into a curated web gallery with just a few clicks, and you don't have to know crap about web publishing. I will be doing this as soon as I have this update in my grubby little (bigger than T*ump's, though) hands. Again, more info as November draws nearer.
Restoration.
Exactly what it sounds like, and if you're like me, you've got thousands of old prints around, from dozens of different decades (including before you were born, of course), that are just fading and crackling away before your very eyes. This is the one I really, really like. Can't wait to check it out.
AI Assistant. (??!!) In the words of Ryan Hall Y'all, "don't be scared, be prepared". Not all "AI" is scary. The "assistant" analyzes your photos and recommends optimal edits, streamlining your editing flow. You might think this is only for beginners, or newbies to Luminar, but you can bet I'll use it, because it will make a lot of the tools like Curves, and Color Harmony- tools that I've been reluctant to use because they look daunting- easier to use than ever.
Volume. Crank it to 11? This is the mystery upgrade, and I'm as in the dark as all the YouTube influencers touting this upgrade I've watched this morning. Sounds tantalizing, though. What they say:

"Instantly add depth and dimensionality by enhancing light and shadow. A one-click solution to elevate contrast and visual impact — no manual Dodge & Burn needed."

So, you may ask, if this is all happening at the end of November, why, Dan, are you giving us all this information now? Glad you asked, and the answer is simple: There's EARLY BIRD PRICING! 👈That's your link. Hit that mother and go see what the folks at Skylum/Luminar have for you! You won't be disappointed, (and if, for some reason, you are? You got a week or something like that to get your money back. So, try it risk-free). And don't forget my discount code: PHOTODAN. Join me on this exciting photo editing journey!

Bold Print (Not "fine" print): There are a limited number of licenses available for this offer, and the early bird pricing is only available until August 31, 2025. Activate your FOMO now!!

News Flash!

2025-07-24T22:45:00.000-06:00

Vaughn, New Mexico.©Daniel Gauss/Shot On Site

I've got some good news for the great many of you who shy away from subscription-based editing platforms. When Skylum introduced the subscription model of Luminar Neo a few years ago, a lot of you said, "Nope. I'm out." But here's the thing. The "lifetime" version of Neo never went away. It's still available. And here's another thing: If you buy the Lifetime version, you still get all of the performance updates that the subscribers get. What you don't get, are the fancy AI tools that get added with some updates, but I'll let you in on a little secret. Periodically, Skylum will offer a premiium update package for the Lifetime owners at very reasonable prices, and they will include those fancy tools. This usually happens once, or twice a year.

All this to say there is currently a Summer Sale (yes, another one). Began today (July 24) and will run until August 3, and has some very attractive prices for Lifetime versions of Luminar Neo and Luminar Mobile. Check out the details by clicking the ad at the top of the righthand column, or this link.

But wait! Don't go just yet. Skylum have given me a special discount code, just for this sale. Instead of my normal 10%, you can now save 20% at checkout, using the code: J20-Daniel. That's 20% in addition to the discounted sale price.

What have you got to lose? Try it risk free. Make pretty pictures like the ones above. Now from your mobile devices, too!

About That Summer Sale.

2025-06-13T14:30:00.003-06:00

For some reason, I didn't get the notice of the Luminar Neo Summer Sale until it was almost over! So, you gotta hurry if you want to take advantage! I mean, Summer is still a week away, but there you go. The sale ends on Monday, June 16th.

So, what's the deal this time? A chance to bundle Luminar Neo and the Luminar Mobile app! And in case you haven't heard, the Mobile App is now available for Android and Chrome devices, as well as IOS! I've done a few edits from my old Samsung Galaxy S10. Wanna see? Sure you do

The edited images are, of course, the large images. The GUI is fun and intuitive. Give it a checkout here. Get both for $99, plus they're throwing in a bunch of creative assets worth $79 for nothing. And, speaking of "checkout".... use my discount code, PHOTODAN, when you check out for an additional 10% off.

Also, give me your thoughts on the new logo.(at the top of the right column👉) For some reason, Skylum wanted a new logo after only a year after the previous "re-branding". What do you think of it?

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these, I may receive a small commission at no increased cost to you. Thanks.

Whaaaaat?

2024-12-23T22:51:00.002-07:00

What the hell, it's been 6 months since I posted? You guys gotta yank my chain if this happens again. I thought it was only a couple of months.

Anyway, whichever holiday you observe this time of year, or if you observe none, I hope it's the very best for you.

And you know what time it is now... the annual tradition. Two great songs, which couldn't be more different. Take it away gang...

And I can't let you go without mentioning you have one more opportunity for a seasonal deal from Luminar Neo. You wanna make cool images like that holiday card up top, we got ya covered.

If you're not a current user of the product, click this link.

There are also deals for you guys smart enough to already be using Luminar Neo, and this is your link

And both groups save 10% at checkout with the coupon code, PHOTODAN

A Purty Pickshur? No, no, no... it's APERTY

2024-06-28T17:15:00.002-06:00

Folks, I'm not a "landscape photographer", but I take landscape images. I'm not a "street photographer", but I have taken many images that would be considered "street" photography. I'm not a "nature photographer", but I've shot many'a birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Fish? maybe I haven't shot a lot of fish. But you get the picture (metaphorically speaking). I'm not one to be defined by labels.

So, when I say, I'm not a "portrait photographer", I have certainly taken many portrait photos, going back nearly 60 years. But do I make a living as a portrait photographer? Certainly not. But there are those of you reading this, (and I'll make sure you see this and read it), and do I have an exciting bit of news for you!

And it's called Aperty It's a brand new editing program from Skylum, the makers of Luminar Neo. This is no tool added to Luminar Neo, uh-uh, this is a brand spanking new, stand-alone editor, created by Skylum specifically for portrait photographers!

Details can be found in the May press release from Skylum, which you can read in full here, but for you, who are always in a rush, here are the highlights:

Recognizing the increasing demand for time-saving tools in portrait photography that would enable professional and semi-professional photographers to focus on creative growth and client engagement,Skylum is collaborating with renowned portrait photographer Julia Trotti to develop this specialized software solution. Set for release in September 2024, Project “Barcelona” will empower photographers by automating routine face retouching processes through an efficient, AI-optimized workflow that runs locally on the user’s device, making it as easy as applying presets

Designed with the specific needs of portrait photographers in mind, the new app’s key features include:

Skin Toning: Make subtle changes to the skin tone of specific areas thanks to an accurate facial skin segmentation model; remove the red hue or unify the overall color. On top of that, the new app's state-of-the-art face mesh model provides unique makeup correction capabilities, allowing the application of extra textures like blush, highlight, and contour, and changing the color of lips, brows, and other elements.

Eye Enhancement: Add iris flare, remove redness, and adjust eye shape with a comprehensive suite of tools to perfect a subject’s eyes in portraits.

Teeth Whitening: Ensure radiant smiles with advanced teeth whitening and brightening capabilities.

Makeup Application: Enjoy customizable options for creative makeup styles and colors to compliment any complexion, clothing, or backdrop.

Bokeh Effects: Create stunning depth-of-field effects with the bokeh feature, adding dimension and allure to portraits.

Body Enhancement: Adjust bodily proportions to correct posture and account for unflattering angles,making sure portraits capture subjects in their best light.

Also, not mentioned in the press release: batch editing capability. I know that's important to photographers processing large numbers of photos!

Intrigued? I know you are. Aperty will be available in September 2024. I don't have pricing right now, but I do know that 1000 portrait photographers who place an advance order right now, can get it for $199! Another thing I do know, is that come September, Aperty is probably going to cost a whole lot more than $199.

Use this here link to be one of the lucky (and quick acting) first 1000.

Don't wait!

In August, I'll be getting a beta copy of Aperty, and will be able to post some of my own edited portraits on this blog, but for now you'll just have to be happy with the two samples supplied by Skylum which illustrate some of the tools that will be part of the suite.

So that's one bit of news from Skylum, but that's not all. Read on...

As far as I know, the Luminar Neo Summer Sale continues! That means great savings are still available on Luminar Neo, and all Luminar Neo related goodies from the marketplace. That also means, that in addition to those great Summer Sale savings, you can save even more, 20% more, to be precise when you use this discount code at checkout: AFF-7ky9M0

What? You're not interested in making great portrait photos, or any great photos? Well someone you know does. Copy this post link and share it with all of your photographer friends. They'll thank you later.

Ciao!

$8 For A Single Cookie?

2024-04-24T21:07:00.003-06:00

And worth every penny! Check it out.

Change Is Comin'

2024-04-15T21:13:00.000-06:00

And by that, I mean Version 1.19.0 of Luminar Neo is arriving on April 25, and it is chock-a-block full of new features, (plus the return of the much loved Luminosity Mask). Not only are there new editing tools coming, but the entire look of Luminar Neo will be brand new. Check out the new logo:

Being the lazy type I am, I'm just going to let the Skylum press release tell you all about what's coming on the 25th. But don't worry, I'll post an image or two that I made using several of the new edit tools. You won't want to miss it, so you better read this post all the way to the end, capiche?

So what have I done with the Beta version of this imminent update? Well, let me show you... Below is an image from 2004, shot with the trusty old Nikon D70 from a moving, and rocking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore tour boat on Lake Superior. I've posted pictures from this tour before, but this is one that hadn't been touched for 20 years, (and I ain't done yet! There are many, many more.)

Pictured Rocks ©Daniel Gauss/Shot On Site

I used both the Water EnhanceAI, and Twilight EnhanceAI tools, as well as Object Select, the latter so I could work with the basic tools on the rock face, and the former? Well obviously on the water and sky. You can compare the finished product with the original 2.57MB, unedited version below:

©Daniel Gauss/Shot On Site, 2004

That really brought it to life, huh? And while it's not a new tool, I could not have gotten the head start on editing this image if I didn't use HDR Merge before I did anything else. For my money one of the 2 or 3 most important tools in the Luminar Neo tool box, whether you're merging bracketed shots or a single image.

So, down to business. You want this? If you're an existing Luminar Neo subscriber or Lifetime owner, you will, as spelled out in the press release get all the tools on the 25th* If you're not among the Neo cognoscenti yet, I don't know what you're waiting for. It just keeps getting better and better. And with the Spring Sale prices still on, there's no time better. You know the drill; here's the link: Luminar Neo.

And of course, my coupon code, PHOTODAN, for additional 10% off.

Finally, it's not just the logos that are changing, but also the whole desktop interface. I'll leave you with it. Oh wait! Asterisk below👇

*As mentioned in the release, Lifetime owners will not get the HDR Merge batch editing upgrade. Sorry, time to subscribe? Hmmm?

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these, I may receive a small commission at no increased cost to you. Thanks.

Luminar For iPad!

2024-03-08T22:04:00.001-07:00

I don't know why I put an exclamation point after the post title. I don't own an iPad. I don't know anyone who does, but maybe someone reading this out there does. If you do, well, this post is for you! (Geez, another pesky exclamation point.)

Anyway, Skylum just released a brand new mobile app for iPad users, and since they went through all the trouble to produce this nice video introducing Luminar for iPad, I should probably post it here. So I will.

So, that's it. If this seems right up your Apple Alley, click the link above, or this banner ad below to learn more. The price is beyond reasonable.. at least by Apple standards. 👈(joke, no joke)

A Poll.

2024-02-27T18:48:00.001-07:00

Here's a poll. The poll question will be shown when you click on that 👈 link. If there's sufficient "yes" votes, I'll follow through with setting up a Zoom session.

NOT(!) The Terrible Twos!!

2024-02-27T18:00:00.002-07:00

Luminar Neo is two years old! And to celebrate, Skylum Software has given me (among a select bunch of others.... though they're not as important) some very special promotional codes. Yeah baby! I previously posted this news only on my Facebook pages, and the promotion was scheduled to end yesterday morning (February 26). You can find the anniversary special prices at that FB link.

But great news for all you procrastinators out there... the anniversary sale has been extended to 7am EST, March 4. That's next Monday, folks.

Time to jump on it. Use this link. And here's where the good stuff happens. When you purchase any Luminar Neo option at the special 2 year anniversary prices, you can save an 20% at checkout when you copy and paste this code: AFF-iqi5

It's time to up your editing game, while simplifying it at the same time. Take your photos from this-

Unedited, un-cropped image, taken through smudgy plexiglass.

,,,to this! (in a matter of minutes!

Lion through glass, El Paso Zoo ©Daniel Gauss/Shot On Site

Need that link again? Just click the ad below👇

An Offer For Budding Landscape Photographers...

2024-02-06T22:50:00.005-07:00

...and even for those who think they're accomplished. Like me.

Those rascals at Skylum Software have an offer for you, in the form of a comprehensive Countryside Landscape Kit for Luminar Neo, at a 35% discount. (Regular price $39). What's in it? Glad you asked.

5 presets/templates with a countryside aesthetic
5 of the same presets with added clouds (meh)
5 sky replacement images with different clouds and moods
5 LUTs (Lookup Tables) with different cinema-type color grading
5 bokeh and flare-type overlays
3 fog overlays
1 professional editing guide with instructions and tips for making images your own

Naturally, I received a sample copy to play with so's I can show you what can be done with these tools. The image below was created with a handful of the above features, and many, many of the native editing tools in Luminar Neo. (The original JPG image is at the bottom of the page)

Of course you have to already own a Lifetime version, or an active subscription to Luminar Neo to take advantage of this offer, or for any of the other thousands of creative solutions available in the Luminar Neo Marketplace.

And if you're not? Well have I got a deal for you! Through Valentine's Day (February 14) you can purchase any Luminar Lifetime of Subscription package for 30% off. Just use this here link.

And to get the Countryside Landscape Kit at 35% off, use this here link! Yes, the links are different. (Also, you might try the coupon, PHOTODAN, at checkout and you may just get an additional 10% off, but I'm not making any promises about that).

And here's what I started with:

Notice the heavy black shadows in the lower left and upper right. If I recall, the lens hood was cockeyed and I didn't catch it for for several frames. Here was a case where one of the new generative AI tools came in handy: GenErase fixed it right up.

So you ready to buy ya some Luminar Neo or what? C'mon now...

Free Photo Editor! Free!*

2024-01-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

*for 10 days, but hear me out...

Beginning tomorrow morning at 7AM EST, Luminar Neo will be available for a 10 day free trial. They're so convinced that you will absolutely fall in love with the new GenAI tools, that they're going to let you play around with them for 10 days at no cost to you. And if you love it, and decide to keep it, you'll automatically get 30% off at check-out as long as you use this link! (NOTE: Link will not be active until 7AM EST, on January 19, and expires on January 29 at 7AM EST)

You've seen, in previous posts, some of the things you can do with the GenAI tools. Here's my latest "fun" creation. (I thought Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge needed some T-Rexes)

Not your cup of tea? Never fear. As I've harped on and on here, Luminar Neo is a fully functioned, ridiculously intuitive, powerful editor! You just want to edit your photos and not conjure up critters from Jurassic Park, you can do that, too. See?

So try it out. Your images will have never looked so good. If you take advantage of this 10 day offer, and have questions, don't hesitate to contact me: dan@shotonsite.us, or use FB messenger at Facebook.com/shotonsite.

I'll try and be the best coach I can be!

Tired Of Giving Jeff Bezos All Your Money? Read On...

2024-01-18T14:04:00.001-07:00

You may have seen mention here in the past of Readers Cove Used Books & Gallery, our used book store in Deming, New Mexico,,, one of the 7 best bookstores in New Mexico! And yes, we sell the crap out of used books, which are one of the greatest deals in the modern world.

But let's say you're looking for a new book. You either hop in the car and drive 5 miles (or in our case 50) to the new book store, or you get online and order it from A-----.

What if I told you there was a third option? And that third option would help (in a very financial way) your favorite local book shop (that being Readers Cove, of course!).

Well, here's the deal: we've partnered with Bookshop.org, and rather than me just repeating the info in the image below, just read on:

When you're in the market for a new book just use this link, or even easier, just scan the QR code above, and you'll be taken to our "storefront", place your order, and we'll get a nice little piece of the retail pie.

Everybody wins, and you'll even save a buck or two! I did a little comparison shopping the other day for prices on the newest releases. It seems the mega-behemoth mail order retailer you all know and hate sells new releases at cover price, while Bookshop.org discounts $1-$2. Check 'em out!

Tis The Season...

2023-12-23T16:46:00.003-07:00

Expand More Than Your Waistline This Holiday Season!

2023-12-14T16:03:00.001-07:00

The third generative AI tool for Luminar Neo, GenExpand, released just a few hours ago. It is available for all subscribers (and Lifetime owners who have purchased the Creative Journey Pass) as update 1.17.0. If you don't have the CJP, or worse yet, you haven't purchased Luminar Neo at all (!), there will be good news at the end of this post!

So, what does GenExpand do. Let's look at a very simple example. Here's a picture I took a few years ago in Silver City. We were just wandering town "walking and shooting" as the saying goes. I wasn't spending a lot of time worrying about the "rule of thirds" and other compositional dogma.. so, when I checked it out later, I put it in the discard category.

Now, with GenExpand available, I took a look at it with "new eyes". I wanted some more space at the top of the image, and I definitely wanted the whole bumper in the shot, too. Into Luminar Neo the image went:

To expand the image, simply "grab" the edge you want expand, (below) and uh, expand it. They recommend working one edge at a time. I was just looking for a complete bumper, but you can request anything in the expanded area: Like maybe, "hit and run victim face-down under vehicle bumper" ? Hey, you do you.

As with the previous generative tools, an internet connection is required. So after you select your expanded area, and hit "Expand", you'll have to wait a few (or several) minutes until your result comes back. Like it? Hit "Save". Not what you were looking for? Hit "Expand" again. I was extremely happy the first time, and was particularly impressed that it included the rust and corrosion from the original, and the reflection of the pavement! So, I hit "Save", and completed the rest of my editing until I had an image ready for Instagram (or printing... or whatever). And there it is: 👇

I've grabbed a couple, more extensive examples from the Skylum marketing Dropbox, which will give you a better idea of what GenExpand is capable of. And I'll continue to play with it and when I get something super-duper, you'll be the first to see it!

So, basically, the folks at Skylum are feeling in a holiday giving mood, and they've brought back the Black Friday/Cyber Week promotion for another 10 days, beginning tomorrow, December 15 at 7:00AM EST and ending December 26, 7:00AM EST. Try it risk free... click this link!

New Users will get:

12 Months Pro Subscription + Holiday Assets Collection $49 ($479 value)
24 Months Pro Subscription + Holiday Assets Collection $119 ($659 value)
Lifetime w/Extensions &CJP + Holiday Assets Collection $149 ($998 value

And, as always, save an additional 10% with coupon code PHOTODAN at checkout.

Playing All Up In My Head. And....

2023-11-17T15:46:00.001-07:00

The latest update to Luminar Neo (v.1.16.0) which includes GenSwap, dropped yesterday morning. I didn't install it until late, so I haven't had a chance to play with the final version yet, but I have been trying some wacky shit with the beta. Some of my projects follow, and all will include the starting image.

Be sure to stay till the end, where I'll lay out all the deets on Luminar's Black Friday promo which starts TODAY!

AND NOW: BLACK FRIDAY, 2023!

Enough with the fanciful creations. It's time to get to the meat of this post- the Black Friday promotion, which actually began at 7AM EST this morning, but you've still got more than a week, and to make the details crystal clear, I've created this handy, dandy chart:

You've got questions; of course you do. So do I. Firstly, what the heck is the "Creative Assets Collection", and why the heck is it worth so much? In a nutshell, it's a mammoth collection of presets, sky replacements, textures, backgrounds, LUTs (Lookup Tables, for color grading cinematic effects), and possibly (but unconfirmed) some tutorials from well respected international photographers. Stuff like that. When I get more details, I'll edit this post, but basically you're getting items that sell for $20 and up each, for free when you purchase Luminar Neo.

You might also question what's the best deal for you? From a purely economical standpoint it's the 24 month subscription for both new users ($119 - less than 10 bucks a month), and for current Lifetime owners ($99 which works out to $8.25/mo.. they really want to convert those Lifetime guys to the subscription model, right?).

And I don't want you to forget, that your purchase is completely risk-free. Buy it, try it for 30 days. If it ain't your cup of tea, you get your money back. But right now is the best time ever to spend as little as possible to get back in the unlikely eveny you're unsatisfied. I think you'll love it as much as I do. So easy, so intuitive.

Even if you don't find it easy, or intuitive, and I've failed to mention this in previous posts, I'll be here for you. Whenever you have questions, you need only message me on either my Shot On Site Facebook page, or my personal Facebook page. I might even, in the future when I've got a big enough number of Luminar Neo customers, start doing actual tutorials, via Zoom or similar platforms, covering any and all facets of the program. Sound like fun? Hit the link! (and mind the fine print below😁)

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these, I may receive a small commission at no increased cost to you. Thanks.

Alternate Reality Using Generative AI.

2023-11-13T10:53:00.004-07:00

So, here I am, dressed h̶e̶a̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶t̶o̶e̶ ...er, neck to shins in workout gear from Baleaf, except for the Global Cycling Network

headband, and socks from Thorlo, the most comfortable socks you will ever wear (I've been wearing them since 2000! -not the same pair, of course- Click that link☝ and save $15 off your first order of $25+). And the shoes are Dr Comfort, (courtesy of the Veterans Healthcare System and taxpayers like you... and me).

And now, suppose I was a Baleaf affiliate (I am) and wanted to make a blog post featuring the long-sleeve base layer, thermal tights, and (not visible), sustainable 9" base layer half-tights... w/fly!.

Well, if that were what I wanted to do, I'd probably set up my cell phone in the dining/living/workout room and take a selfie, maybe leaning on a piece of workout equipment (like the Total Gym here). I would then look at the resulting image, gag a bit, and think, "well, that's unacceptable".

But guess what (you knew there'd be a "guess what", right?). Many of you have probably played around with the AI programs like ChatGPT which can take your requests or suggestions or queries and return your senior class history final essay in a matter of seconds. Well, Luminar Neo, this coming Thursday (November 16) will release it's next generative AI editing tool called GenSwap. Actually, it's more of a "creation tool" than an editing tool.

It will come as no surprise to you that I've been privy to a beta version. I can tell you it is much more ready for prime time than GenErase (which Skylum developers promise will be much improved with the Thursday update!).

How does it work? Pretty simple, as illustrated by the screen shot here. The interface is similar to GenErase with Select and Deselect buttons, a brush size slider, and most importantly, that long empty

box just below the image that says, "what do you envision here?". You tell it what you envision, in nouns and adjectives, and (this is important) without verbs. I can't remember word for word what I envisioned for this image, but it was something along the lines of "spacious patio, large backyard, autumn colored trees". Pressed the "SWAP" button, and waited while the image went to the cloud where the magic happens, and returned with this:

I did a middling amount of editing to finish this off, (like adding the sunrays... cool, huh?). Some elements needed removing with the erase tools, but in the end the results were quite satisfying.

"Work" out of the way, it was time to just play! I wanted to just have some fun with the tool, so I selected a Ford Model A coupe with a vintage teardrop trailer that I shot at a local air show a few weeks ago, thinking it had some potential. I selected everything but the car, trailer, and the foreground pavement, and requested: "Yosemite National Park, 1932"

And here is the result. I had to remove a one-legged person from the right-hand side, and crop out the oddly configured front of the background vehicle. Also, the car retained its yellow color, while the AI generated background was black and white, because duh, 1932. That was easy to fix. You might also notice there might be two Half Domes in the left background, so that would be, what, Full Dome? To complete the vintage look, I added a crinkled paper overlay, and a sepia LUT. Would make a fun post card, right?

So, until Thursday I'll continue to play with the beta version of GenSwap, and if I come up with some more fun creations, I'll probably put them in another post. If you want to have fun with your editing and creating there are two ways you can get the latest tools. If you're already a Luminar Neo subscriber, you will receive GenSwap in the Thursday update, just like you've received all the latest tools previously. If you have a "Lifetime" version, you'll need to purchase the Creative Journey Pass which will give you all the updates for the next year. And never never never forget to use the coupon code: PHOTODAN at checkout to save additional 10%

If you have more patience, you might be rewarded if you wait till the Black Friday promo begins. Skylum promises the best prices of the whole year! Patience, my friends. Whatever you choose, this link will take you to the Luminar Neo website where you can shop to your heart's desire.

And in case you missed them, there were a bunch of other links at the top of this post, for Thorlo socks, ($15 off), and Baleaf active-wear, with 10% off coupon code: DANIELRGAUSS. Be sure to check them out, too!

Posts may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these, I may receive a small commission at no increased cost to you. Thanks.