Hello everyone!
FWIW, I've been a Luminar user from the very beginning. I truly appreciate the vision and ambition of the folks at Skylum, even though they sometimes promise more than they can deliver. As an example, when I first installed Luminar 3, the first version that offered both image editing and a library management system, I eagerly uploaded my 6K+ image library, only to discover that Luminar somehow created a mountain of duplicate shots that took hours to ferret out and remove.
After sorting things out, I sent Skylum a detailed report of my debacle. Much to my surprise, I received a prompt (and apologetic) reply within 48 hours, thanking me for bringing the issue to their attention. It was promptly fixed with the first update, and things only got better from there. It's one of the reasons I still support them, heart and soul. I like where they're headed, and I like that they're not the least bit concerned about what the competition is up to. They just fearlessly keep listening to their customers and making their software better and better.
Luminar's interface has been uncluttered and purpose-built since day one, which is why it’s still simple to use, even after a series of updates have added loads of important tools, presets and features along the way. Can it do everything Lightroom can? Nope. Conversely though, there are a number of things Luminar does that no program (Lightroom or otherwise) can.
Skylum is at the forefront of applying machine learning to the image editing world. For Luminar 4, they have created the truly jaw-dropping A.I. Sky Replacement and Skin Enhancement sliders, which promise to dramatically simplify workflows for landscape and portrait photographers, respectively. Without sounding like a sales rep here (I'm not), I think Luminar 4 holds the greatest promise of any version yet. And I’m eager to get my hands on it when it releases next week.
But don't take my word for it. Check out Anthony Turnham’s terrific review here:
If seeing this doesn’t excite you about Luminar 4, nothing will. Whatever you decide, may your photographic journey be a grand one!