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SnagIT 2020 Released!

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Snagit 2020 – Quick, Powerful Screen-Capture, Capture Editing Software

Have you guys ever wondered what software I use to create my quick captures of my screen? The shorter ones, that include arrows, pointers, that capture still images and video of my screen, that allows me to quickly point out what’s important in my capture, and allows me to share it quickly to my YouTube channel, or to the Adobe Community pages?

Well, that software is Techsmith’s Snagit. And the 2020 version has been released!

Snagit is more than just a screenshot tool. It enables better visual content, by providing quick tools and screenshot/capture editing power. Customize and edit every screenshot or video (or convert videos to animated GIF’s) with ease, power and performance.

To check out the power of Snagit, visit here!

Here’s what’s new in Snagit 2020:

  • Snagit 2020 introduces two new creation tools and enterprise outputs to Slack and Box – With over 15 sharing outputs Snagit makes it even easier to share content at work
  • Create from templates: Use pre-made layouts to create visual documentation, tutorials, and training materials.
  • Create video from images: Talk and draw over a series of screenshots to create a quick “how-to” video or GIF
  • TechSmith Assets for Snagit: Create even better-looking instructional content with an annual subscription to TechSmith Assets for Snagit. A paid subscription gets you access to thousands of stamps, photos, and templates.

Get ALL of that functionality for $49.95 USD

Snagit is one app I can’t do without. I hope you find it just as helpful as I do!

Skylum Luminar update 1.2.0 JUPITER – released today with a GREAT deal!

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Skylum Logo Luminar Logo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, Skylum (previously MacPhun) Software released a new update to their amazing photo editor, Luminar (this version called Jupiter).
Of course, Luminar can be used as a Photoshop Plugin, but it’s also positioned to work as a Lightroom/Photoshop replacement for photo editing (all this, WITHOUT a subscription fee!)

Pricing as follows:

Current users of Luminar may upgrade for $49 ($39 with coupon code SGANS_DISC)
New users can purchase Luminar 2018 for $69 ($59 with coupon code SGANS_DISC)

BONUSES Included in this offer:

  • Luminar 2018: the most powerful and technologically advanced photo editor for Mac & Windows (worth $69) – Luminar 2018 is a fast, versatile, and intuitive image editor, which can take your workflow from RAW file to fully finished image without needing to use any other image editor.

  • The Complete Landscape Photography Guide ebook from Photzy (worth $50) – An outstanding guide written by professional photographer and writer Kent DuFault. This ebook has something for everyone, with 237 pages packed full of information and assignments that will transform your landscape photography.

  • Aerial Photography & Video with Matt Granger (worth $79) – World-renowned photographer, Matt Granger will share planning, shooting and editing aerial stills and video. Matt will also demonstrate editing with Luminar 2018 on his still aerial images..

  • Photography Tutorial by Daniel Kordan (worth $29) – Extensive tutorial with a full workflow demonstration by expert landscape photographer Daniel Kordan. This tutorial includes shooting and post-processing images in Luminar 2018.

  • 119 Dramatic & Romantic Sky overlays (worth $29) – This is an amazing addition to your photo editing workflow, and will help give boring skies that ‘wow!’ factor.

  • Splitsville Presets By Brian Matiash (worth $15) – Add a professional polish to your images with these cool presets.

We have a TON of new and updated features in this one:

Speed improvements to get more done in less time

Skylum has dramatically increased the speed of editing across all areas of Luminar. Now images open faster, filters apply quicker, and the entire application is more responsive.

  • Most users will see snappier sliders as they’ve gained performance boosts of 3-25x for easier adjustments.
  • Luminar better uses the operating system for faster performance, with many operations seeing significant boosts.

Luminar Jupiter also got numerous interface and user experience improvements based on users’ feedback for an improved editing experience. The new version has several “under-the-hood” enhancements to add stability as well as to improve performance when editing even the largest of images.

Better RAW conversion

  • Better exposure calculation. Refined initial brightness setting for RAW files produces a perfect match to how a camera saw the scene.
  • Cleaner gradients. Improved de-mosaic process for even cleaner image conversion, i.e. smooth transitions in areas like skies and shadows for accurate color and less noise.
  • Fewer halos.If an image has high contrast areas, the improved Defringe option will help with backlit areas or strong contrast.
  • More cameras, better compatibility. Now even more RAW formats can be edited natively with the RAW Develop filter. Plus, a large set of existing camera modules have been refined for even better RAW conversion.
  • Reduced chromatic aberration. If a lens shows color artifacts in high contrast or backlit areas, the new Auto Chromatic aberration removal option will help to get rid of green and cyan shifts.

Automatic lens distortion removal

Getting the perfect shot is now easier than ever. The RAW Develop filter analyzes an image and its metadata to calculate an Automatic Lens Distortion fix that can be applied in one-click. This is a perfect tool to get rid of wide angle distortion and get truer perspective lines and more attractive portraits.

Advanced support for DCP Profiles

Luminar recognizes the industry standard DNG Camera Profile, or “DCP” files, that users may already have on their computers (or have purchased from third parties) to ensure accurate and consistent colors. Users will also be able to use DCP profiles from DNG files. This feature is currently available for Mac and will be available soon for Windows.

Essential New Features for Windows Users

The Skylum team has put a lot of effort into making the Windows experience be world-class and significantly faster. In fact, the PC version now matches the Mac version for all core features with Batch Processing, Free Transform and Flip and Rotate tools.

Here are some Windows-specific additions

  • NEW: BATCH PROCESSING. The powerful Batch Processing workflow saves time and effort.
  • NEW: EASY TRANSFORMATIONS. To easily transform the shape of an image, the Free Transform tool can scale and position an object as needed. Plus users can easily Flip and Rotate an image using the Image menu commands.
  • Better cloning. Users can quickly call up the Clone & Stamp module by pressing Ctrl + J. Softness, opacity, and size of the brush can also now be modified.
  • Cleaner zooms. Accelerated zooming now delivers a cleaner image at all sizes. Images appear sharper when the zoom is beyond 100% for detail work. Plus the new version provides a cleaner preview when zoomed out to see the whole image.
  • Preview mode.To check out a photo free from any distractions users can now use Full Screen Preview – a great way to really study an image in detail.
  • Localization support.It’s even easier to use Luminar in a different language. The localizations have been improved for greater accuracy and can now be changed from the File menu in Windows version.
  • Better masking controls. Users can create masks more easily when painting masks. Holding down the spacebar and dragging with the cursor, pans and moves the image when masking.
  • Improved workflow with other applications.When using Luminar as a plugin with other applications, color profiles are properly included. This change also improves image exporting with attached profiles.
  • Shared workspaces.Users can now share their custom workspaces.

If you’ve been waiting for a great time to buy or upgrade your version of Luminar – THIS IS IT!

Here are some before and after images, made in Luminar:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Useful Clarification of the Term “Image Resolution” in Digital Images

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In so many of my classes, particularly Photoshop, Digital Photography and the Video applications, we discuss image resolution – or DPI – dots per inch (or PPI – pixels per inch). For the most part, my students seem to grasp the concepts from when I teach in (as I describe it) “Stephanese“. But here’s another discussion on the subject – this time in “CreativeBloqese“.

Check out this article from CreativeBloq.com for further clarification on the subject of pixel resolution (height/width/depth) of an image for print and for screen viewing:
http://www.creativebloq.com/graphic-design/what-is-dpi-image-resolution-71515673/2

MacPhun Luminar Holiday Offer!

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LUMINAR HOLIDAY OFFER:

Luminar + Bonuses for only $59. Total value $319 Savings of 80%

Celebrate the holidays with an incredible deal on our most popular photo editor to date and a host of bonuses sure to put a smile on your face!

You get:

  • Luminar, super-charged photo software for any Mac photographer
  • 3 eBooks from Andrew S. Gibson: Mastering Photography, Mastering Composition & Mastering Lenses. The “Mastering” series is designed to help improve the creative aspects of your photography. They are aimed at intelligent and creative photographers who understand that light and composition are just as important as knowing which buttons to press on the camera.
  • Over 300 high resolution sky overlays: Use Luminar and this set of warm, blue or dramatic skies to enhance any image. Perfect for any photographer who has photos with dull or lifeless skies – bring them to life with this exciting collection!
  • Creative Portraits Preset Pack for Luminar: Make even more amazing photos with this speciality pack of presets ideal for improving any portrait.
  • How to Shoot Sandscapes by Baber Afzal: In this video, you’ll learn pro techniques for capturing the best sandscape photos possible.

MacPhun Luminar Pre-Order Starts Today

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From today 11/2/16 through 11/17/16, MacPhun’s new Image Editor, Luminar is available for Pre-Order Pricing. Anyone looking for a powerful, intuitive alternative, or adjunct plugin for Photoshop might want to take a closer look at this app – it’s VERY powerful!

LUMINAR PRE-ORDER OFFER INFO
Offer available: November 2 – November 17

Pricing:
New Customer Pre-Order Price: $59 Includes Pre-Order Bonuses!
Current Users of any Macphun Software, including Aurora HDR Price: $49 Includes Pre-Order Bonuses

Luminar Key Features:
Adaptive User Interface
Multiple Modes: From basic to advanced
One-click switch between modes
Change modes anytime
All-in-one photo editing tool set
Includes essential editing tools for different photography styles
Live editing, live processing, live previews
Non-destructive editing
Works as a standalone app or plug-in
RAW converter & processor
History Panel

*For full list of Luminar features visit the https://macphun.com/luminar

MacPhun Luminar Pre-Order Starts Today

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From today 11/2/16 through 11/17/16, MacPhun’s new Image Editor, Luminar is available for Pre-Order Pricing. Anyone looking for a powerful, intuitive alternative, or adjunct plugin for Photoshop might want to take a closer look at this app – it’s VERY powerful!

LUMINAR PRE-ORDER OFFER INFO
Offer available: November 2 – November 17

Pricing:
New Customer Pre-Order Price: $59 Includes Pre-Order Bonuses!
Current Users of any Macphun Software, including Aurora HDR Price: $49 Includes Pre-Order Bonuses

Luminar Key Features:
Adaptive User Interface
Multiple Modes: From basic to advanced
One-click switch between modes
Change modes anytime
All-in-one photo editing tool set
Includes essential editing tools for different photography styles
Live editing, live processing, live previews
Non-destructive editing
Works as a standalone app or plug-in
RAW converter & processor
History Panel

*For full list of Luminar features visit the https://macphun.com/luminar

Last day to Pre-Order On1 Photo RAW at a Discount! (Ends 10/31)

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For those photographers or Photoshop students who’re interested in adding to your editing arsenal, who are looking for a RAW Processor/Image Editor combination that can be used as an adjunct or alternative to the Lightroom/Photoshop workflow, this is the deal for you. Pre-order On1 Photo Raw for $119.99 ($79.99 upgrade from previous version – a $20 discount) and own a license (this isn’t subscription – buy it, own it) for an amazing powerful set of software that’ll work beautifully as a standalone app, or as a plugin to Photoshop, Lightroom, or most of your other favorite RAW Processor/Image Editors. The Pre-order also includes some excellent training videos.

Click the banner for more information!

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For Photographers who are also Mac Users

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One set of my favorite plugin developers, MacPhun, has released an article on their blog about the expected changes in the upcoming MacOS Sierra. While I’m usually quite hesitant to upgrade my OS (I don’t like buying software upgrades for my existing apps – and what happened with Mavericks and it’s lack of video codecs is inexcusable), some of the revelations about the new Mac native photography apps are intriguing.

I skipped Mountain Lion, I’ve skipped El Capitan – but I might consider Sierra (after a good, long, healthy wait to the .2 update version).

Check out their article at: MacPhun

Deal on On1 Plugin for Photoshop

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Hi guys. As you know, I love Photoshop, use it extensively and work intensively with almost all of it’s features (certainly not all on one project, since it’s so very vast.

Long ago, I won a silent auction for OnOne Perfect Effects. I hadn’t used plugins in a few years, but the ease of use and functionality of this set of controls made what I usually did in Photoshop SO much faster, and gave me so many options, that I quickly became addicted. For any photo, we can run our entire workflow while only using On1 (they changed the name) and it’s functions. Please note, this set is for photo enhancement and adjustment – with very powerful features, but it’s not a replacement for Photoshop, since it’s not a program “about” compositing, 3d, video.

On1 is on their version 10 right now, and they’re offering a great deal: On1 Photo 10 (Photo editing, effects, masks, organization, state-of-the-art enlargement), a Training set, Presets (which, by the way, they send you new ones monthly for free), and a magazine – all for $80!

I now use quite a few sets of plugins (there are some really great deals out there, if you watch for them, or meet them at a trade-show), but On1 gives me so much functionality, it’s become a strong part of my go-to package.

Take a look: On1.com

NOTE – there’re only 2 days left on this promotion

 

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Adobe’s Email “Take 10 Free Images On Us” – Beware

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Today, many Adobe Creative Cloud subscribers (and subscribers to other sites who do business with Adobe) got emails with the subject line “Take 10 free images on us”, with a link to the Adobe Stock site.

While this is a great offer for those who want access to very good Stock Imagery, please be aware that this offer is not anything new or interesting – it’s simply a “First Month’s Free” offer.

In order to get your “Free” images, you need to sign up for their basic 10 images/month plan, with recurring payments of $29.99/mo. Then, they’ll credit you the first month. At that time, if you don’t cancel your plan, you’re going to continue to be billed $30/monthly.

Adobe Stock is a great plan for those who need these images, and the pricing is reasonable as far as the market goes. But it’s important to make sure that you know what you’re signing up for.

 

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