Skylum has released Luminar AI Update 4, delivering numerous new features, including Portrait Bokeh AI.
Portrait Bokeh AI builds upon Luminar AI’s depth mapping tools to isolate a portrait subject from the background. The tool recognizes people in groups or even in unusual poses. Once the subject, or subjects, are separated from the background, Portrait Bokeh AI blurs the background to ’emulate the rich, hazy bokeh of a high-end lens at a wide open aperture.’
Image credit: Maryna Yurlovkskaya
The software creates intelligent masks automatically, although the user can add or subject to the mask. Once the mask is created, bokeh is automatically generated. The strength of the bokeh is adjusted with a single slider. In addition to the adjustable bokeh, users can also refine the background further using sliders to adjust background exposure, adding glow to the highlights, setting a specific depth of field and refining edges. When combined with existing tools like Face AI, Skin AI and Body AI, Luminar AI Update 4 aims to solve all portrait editing and retouching needs.
Before Portrait Bokeh AI. Image credit: Maryna Yurlovkskaya
The idea of achieving beautiful, smooth bokeh without the use of a high-end fast-aperture prime lens is an appealing one. After all, many photographers don’t have the budget to buy an expensive new lens. Further, a portrait prime you have may not be well-suited to every portrait situation you encounter. You can view numerous examples of Portrait Bokeh AI throughout this article.
After Portrait Bokeh AI. Image credit: Maryna Yurlovkskaya
Luminar AI Update 4 also adds the ability to visually browse and preview Textures, just like you already could with Sky AI and Augmented Sky AI tools. Further, custom textures that you’ve added to Luminar AI can be accessed within the dropdown grid. Users can also load their textures for use and build up a library of their favorites.
While Portrait Bokeh AI is the main feature of Luminar AI Update 4, there are also improvements to how users work with Textures.
When replacing a sky using Sky AI in previous versions of Luminar AI, you had to use multiple sliders for vertical and horizontal positions, plus a slider for Horizon Blending. Now, these adjustments are made through the Shifting Horizon Control found in the Sky Orientation section. Skylum writes that this single control is easier to work with and will result in more natural-looking results with less fuss.
Before Portrait Bokeh AI. Image credit: Maryna Yurlovkskaya
Luminar AI Update 4 is available now as a free update for existing Luminar AI users. To update your software on macOS, go to Luminar AI in the top menu bar and select ‘Check for updates.’ If you purchased the software through the Mac App Store, your update is available in the store. On Windows, click Luminar AI in the top menu bar, select ‘Help’ and then choose ‘Check for Updates.’
After Portrait Bokeh AI. Image credit: Maryna Yurlovkskaya
If you’ve yet to try Luminar AI for yourself, you can learn more about the app and download a trial by visiting Skylum.