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Techsmith SnagIt and Camtasia – Cyber Monday – 25% OFF Sale – Starts tomorrow (November 26-27th)

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Techsmith – the makers SnagIt and Camtasia 

along with other POWERFUL SOLUTIONS for Screen Capture, Screen Video Recording and Editing is having a Cyber Monday sale from November 26, 2018 (Eastern Standard Time) -November 27, 2018 (Pacific Standard Time). That gives everybody 27 hours to buy these powerful applications at 25% OFF their usual pricing!

If you’re a teacher, if you provide screen demonstrations, if you’re in the IT or Training department of a business, or provide training to others, this is the set of apps for you. From the longer form of training to quick edits, Techsmith Camtasia and SnagIt are my go-to tools. They’re available on Windows and Mac, and you can’t go wrong without them.

Currently, you can see the results of their usage on my YouTube channel (all of the quick videos I create for the Adobe forums are made using these apps) and most of my training videos have been made with these applications.

In the upcoming weeks, you may expect me to post some demonstration videos about how to use the applications, and what they can do – but you should also know that Techsmith’s website has a TON of great training materials, PLUS free downloads of backgrounds, transitions, etc – to make your editing simpler and quicker.

Check out their bundle – with 25% off, they can’t be beat!

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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MacPhun is now Officially SKYLUM – and they’re offering deals!

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MacPhun Software has officially become SKYLUM. Over the years, their offerings have become renowned as extraordinary Photoshop Plugins and stand-alone Photo Editing Apps on BOTH platforms, so their new focus is to ensure that people know that the power of these apps are no longer strictly Mac-based (and haven’t been for some time!

Currently, they’re offering Purchase and Upgrade discounts on Luminar 2018 and Aurora HDR 2018, along with some excellent bonuses. But hurry – This offer is only valid from February 15 Through February 26, 2018

Luminar 2018

is a universal all-in-one photo app designed to offer everything a modern photographer needs for photo editing. Luminar features advanced controls that are easy to use. Intelligent filters like Accent AI make it easy to get a great-looking image in seconds. Users will also benefit from new intelligent filters and real-time noise removal. With default and custom adaptive workspaces tailored to match styles of shooting, and scores of one-click categorized presets, Luminar delivers a complete experience that avoids clutter and complexity. – Experience it today by clicking here.

See these sample Before and After photos, to see what you can accomplish with Luminar 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click Here To Download a Trial of Luminar 2018 

The Pricing on this deal is:

  • 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)

Included, are these bonuses:

  • 2 E-books from Andrew Gibson: “The Creative Photographer” and “Mastering Exposure”
  • Ultra Violet LUTs by Richard Harrington
  • Ultra Violet Preset Pack by Richard Harrington
  • Futuristic Preset Pack

 

 

Aurora HDR 2018

(voted Best Mac App of the Year)  is the world’s ultimate HDR photo solution, chock full of new tools and capabilities that will exceed your expectations. As a one-stop tool kit for casual and pro photographers alike, it’s versatile interface features a faster, more powerful, more feature-rich and satisfying experience than any other HDR software or combination of tools. Perfect for single shots or multiple-exposure brackets, Aurora HDR 2018 gives you the ultimate freedom to create.

See these sample Before and After photos, to see what you can accomplish with Aurora HDR 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Click here to download a Trial version of Aurora HDR 2018

The Pricing on this deal is:

  • Current users of Aurora HDR may upgrade for $59 ($49 with coupon code SGANS_DSC)

  • New users can purchase Aurora HDR 2018 for $99 ($89 with coupon code SGANS_DSC )

Included are these Bonuses:

  • “Accelerate Your Photography” Ebook by Anne McKinnell

  • Deep dive Video Tutorial from Trey Ratcliff

  • Warm & Beautiful Preset Pack (15 presets)

To Directly Purchase either of these offers, please visit:
Luminar 2018 February Offer

Aurora HDR 2018 February Offer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Adapters you need for the New MacBook Pro – SAVE UP!

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Techconnect.com has an article that lists all the various adapters necessary to use your peripherals (wired printers, external hard drives, monitors, iDevice connectors, etc.) with the new Thunderbolt 3 technology. Granted, Thunderbolt 3‘s power is amazing – can push up to 100W of power, the data transfer speed is 40Gbps, it can run two 4K monitors, and power tons of devices at once. But this power comes at a cost. Firstly – the only connective technology with which it’s directly compatible is USB-C. If you have ANY older devices, you’ll need to shell out more money for new adapters to suit your varying peripherals.

So, be ready – if you’re preparing to dish out between $2,400-$3400 on a new MacBook Pro – remember to build a few hundred more into your budget if you want to work with all your previous devices.

MacBook Pro Thunderbold 3 Adapter Guide (techconnect.com)

MacPhun Noiseless Pro – Photo Noise Reduction Made Easy

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As you all know, I’m a big fan of using my DSLR for most of my photography, but it’s rather bulky to carry – so often, I count on my Smart Phone to capture a moment or scene (in my case, an iPhone 5S). I love it’s convenience, but compared to the captures I can get on my Nikon, there are often issues I have to repair.
Noise (blocks of off-color pixels) is a major issue for me. I get it in skies, shadows, areas that should be smooth look broken and pixellated. This is a particular problem in Southern California, where the lighting outside can often be quite harsh. Please note, this software is Mac only.
Enter MacPhun Noiseless (and Noiseless Pro, as a Photoshop Plugin). With some truly intuitive settings, noise can be easily cleared from an image, while clarity and detail can be maintained and enhanced. Check it out by clicking the banner:

Transmission BitTorrent client was found distributing Malware

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Just a warning! People using the Transmission BitTorrent client software may have given hackers access to their computers. According to a MacWorld.com article, People who downloaded a new version of Transmission this past Sunday and Monday (August 28th and 19th, 2016) may have installed the affected software, capable of spreading malware through your system.

If you may be affected, please read the article at: http://bit.ly/2c2Akkc

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

Unlimited Cloud Backup – $50/year

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It happened. My backup hard drive used for my daily backup died. It was one of those 4TB MyBooks, that is made up of a RAID of 2, 2TB disks. On that SAME day, I had to teach an online class, which often somehow screws up my Time Machine (which takes ages to fix, but is doable, and got done). BUT, I still felt my data was safe in the event of a serious problem because I’d just renewed my subscription (I’d gotten an initial free 3 month trial) for BackBlaze. I figured that having ALL my other work data on the cloud for only $50/year wasn’t a bad idea – and indeed it wasn’t!

BackBlaze doesn’t back up my operating system, applications or parts of my user folder, but I have several other terabytes of data that sits on my startup and other connected drives. I live in earthquake country and my office electrical is… let’s say… overloaded. I was given a gift of a new 4TB multi-interface replacement backup drive so I can have my local backup again (nice gift, right?)- AND I ALWAYS HAVE A SEPARATE LOCAL CLONED BACKUP OF MY STARTUP DRIVE – but for $50 I had peace of mind – and that’s a great thing!

Check them out at www.BackBlaze.com.