Skylum has released the latest version of the Luminar photo editor, and in addition to the expected performance enhancements and minor updates, Luminar 4.2 boasts three major features: AI Augmented Sky, Face Features Detection Network for Portrait Tool, and a Relight Scene technology improvement.

New AI Augmented Sky

As the name suggests, AI Augmented Sky takes advantage of computer vision and machine learning technology to help you composite elements into the sky in your photos.

Inside the Creative tab of Luminar 4.2, you’ll find a new tool called AI Augmented Sky. This tool lets artists choose objects from the curated Luminar collection or upload their own, and blend them seamlessly with the photograph’s sky.

Here’s how it works. AI Augmented Sky detects your photo’s sky automatically and then places the chosen element directly into the sky area. Using content-aware technologies, foreground objects are recognized and taken into account, making the object blend naturally with your existing scene. You can drag the new element around the sky for ultimate control, yet retain those realistic qualities.

“We’re really excited to see how photographers and artists use AI Augmented Sky. Whether you’re creating a realistic composite or creating an out-of-this-world experience, AI Augmented Sky opens up a creative powerhouse of opportunities,” said Dima Sytnyk, Co-Founder and CPO of Skylum.

New Portrait tools

In addition to AI Augmented Sky, Luminar 4.2 includes enhancements to its built-in portrait tools. The software includes new architecture for the Face Features Detection Neural Network, which allows for the software to better detect different faces in multiple positions, bad or mixed lighting and faces with heavy makeup. Luminar 4.2 can also detect multiple faces in a group photo. By utilizing the software’s improved face detection technology, Luminar 4.2 can now help users restore skin in overly shiny areas and slim faces via a slider adjustment.

In the AI Skin Enhancement tool, you’ll find a new Shine Removal Technology. It lets you reduce shine on a person’s forehead or cheeks, making for a more evenly-lit portrait. In the example below, you’ll see that this technology restores the skin on the patches of the face where it was hit by excessive light, and automatically generates realistic-looking skin that blends in perfectly.

AI Portrait Enhancer has also received improved slimming capabilities through its Slim Face 2.0 Technology. Prior to today’s update, Slim Face only worked with the lower portion of a person’s face, sometimes making for unrealistic results. As you can see below, with Slim Face 2.0, the tool now recognizes the entire face and makes changes proportionally.

Improved Relight Scene in AI Sky Replacement

In addition to AI Augmented Sky and the enhancements to our portrait tools, you’ll also see a Relight Scene technology improvement lets you retain colors as you originally captured them in-camera. In previous versions, you might have seen a yellow and unrealistic glow on white objects. Improvement of the Relight Scene technology lets you avoid this problem.

Luminar 4.2 is available now as a free update for existing Luminar 4 users. If you are interested in trying Luminar 4 for the first time, you can download a free trial from Skylum. For a limited time, if you purchase Luminar 4 for $89 USD, you will also receive the Inspiration Looks pack, a $49 value, free of charge. You can also upgrade to the Plus Edition, which includes the Inspiration Looks pack and the California Sunset skies for $99. There is also a bundle with Luminar 4 (with bonuses) plus Aurora HDR 2019 for $169.

More info on Skylum’s website.